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Low angle tree skiing through open aspen and mixed conifer forest.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.0

KM

Ski Line

10,385' 3,165 m

High

9,547' 2,910 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

838' 255 m

Down

24%

Avg Slope (14°)

46%

Max Slope (25°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

When avalanche conditions are high enough to necessitate avoiding the steeper chutes, this is a good lower angle tree run near the middle of the Gavilan Trail #60, or after climbing out from the stream after riding one of the Y Chutes.

This glade is a nice, even, fall line slope with trees spaced wide enough to make some elegant turns. While it's generally a mellow slope, it requires effort and motivation to access and brief lengths of exposure to avalanche hazard along the trail, as well as glade skiing experience.

Description

Starting at an almost-level point on the ridge above the switchbacks on the trail, or any chosen point below there, you can enjoy some nice turns through the forest, the fall line drops evenly down across the switchbacks, then to skier's left where the trail crosses a bench above the steep banks of the West Fork of Gavilan Creek. Ski the contours naturally leading towards a stream in a shallow gully, then some short steep drops before rejoining the trail for the rest of the descent back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

J. Bella

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#9

in Taos

#748

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Ski Line Rankings

#9

in Taos

#51

in New Mexico

#748

Overall
3 Views Last Month
117 Since Dec 5, 2019
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Photos

A look at the Bottom of the Y3 Chute from a switchback along the Gavilan Canyon trail, December 4th, 2019. If you attempt any of the Y Chutes, make sure to save some energy to climb out of the canyon back to the trail then ride down back to the trailhead.
Dec 5, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM
A look at the mellow glades along the Gavilan Trail
Dec 5, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM

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Dec 31, 2020
Jeremy S
10h 30m
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