V Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Bring a rope and some rappel gear if you want to ski this route from the very top.

Approach this aspect of Prospector's either from the Death Canyon summer trail or via Phelps Lake. At the head of Phelps Lake, cross the bridge and skin up the prominent "gash." This approach takes one up a ridgeline to the lower entrances to Son of Apocalypse, which is a good spot to head south into the draw on the SE side of Prospector's.

Bootpack the obvious couloir. Depending on snow levels and comfort levels, you can climb through a series of two chokes in the upper couloir to access the upper bowl.

Steep skiing (up to 55 degrees) is to be found around the chokes. The upper choke rarely fills in with snow, while the lower choke often holds snow at a width of less than a ski length. Steep skiing mellows out a little as you make your way down the couloir to the apron, which accumulates a lot of slough from above throughout the winter.

Also, it's important to know that much of Prospector's is closed during the winter for Bighorn Sheep habitat. The Banana, this, and other lines that empty into Death Canyon are not part of this closure (Rimrock Lake and the West aspects of Prospector's are closed December 1st through April 1st).