Thumb Couloir

Name: Thumb Couloir
Rating: 5.0

5.0 ( 1 )

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Trail

0.4 mile 0.7 kilometer point to point
Ski Line
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 0' 0 m
Descent: -926' -282 m
High: 8,445' 2,574 m
Low: 7,519' 2,292 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 41% (22°)
Max Slope: 69% (35°)

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Trail shared by Jake Downey

Avalanche risk for May 2, 2019: Unknown

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Full forecast for GNFAC: Bridger Range — Brought to you by Gallatin NF Avalanche Center

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Current ascent conditions

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“A large, steep couloir that will usually have good snow, even days after a storm and everything else is chewed up.”

— Jake Downey

GPX File

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Must have a beacon to access the Ridge at Bridger Bowl.

Need to Know

At the at end of the apron, traverse right (south) to get back inbounds. If you ski too far left you'll get caught on flat land and have to hike out.

Description

You can access the Thumb either from the Bridger Ridge hike or touring up The Ramp ascent line. I found that the boot pack from Bridger is my preferred route. Make sure you hike past Northwest Passage and through the OB gate. Keep hiking down until you find the thumb rock (the unmistakable rock pillar that looks like a thumb). Head north past the rock.

The first entrance is steep and technical. The second entrance is farther north and is a bit easier, but you'll need to traverse back south to the Thumb's entrance. Once inside, there is a rocky cliff in the center that you can ski around to the south or huck it. After that, it's all yours.