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A mile-long ski descent from the 5th tallest peak in RMNP.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.7

KM

Ski Line

13,456' 4,101 m

High

11,009' 3,355 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

2,447' 746 m

Down

43%

Avg Slope (23°)

67%

Max Slope (34°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

The South Face (Hourglass Couloir) of Fairchild Mountain is a great line.

Need to Know

While the skiing is mostly wide-open, there are a couple of hazards to be aware of. This is prime avalanche terrain in a remote location. It's south-facing; so make sure to get an early start in the spring before wet slides become an issue.

The bottom part of the "hourglass" (the last half of the descent) also has some rocky/cliff sections to navigate. Trending skier's right is often the safest way to circumvent this section.

While the ascent from Ypsilon Lake is the shortest and most direct, an ascent via the Northeast Face may be just as quick and less of a hassle (no bushwhacking), depending on the conditions.

Description

With a summit over 13,500', nearly 2,000 vertical feet of above-timberline skiing, and great views of the Longs cirque, this is a rewarding peak to ski.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Nevius

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#75

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Ski Line Rankings

#25

in Colorado

#75

Overall
26 Views Last Month
2,141 Since May 15, 2017
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Photos

Rocky Mountain National Park looks beautiful from the summit of Fairchild Mountain. Longs Peak is on the far left. Ypsilon Mountain (and its beautiful Blitzen Ridge) can be seen on the right.
May 15, 2017 near Estes Park, CO

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