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The approach to the base of Ptarmigan Glacier, Ptarmigan Fingers, Notchtop, Little Matterhorn, and other endless skis.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.2

KM

Ascent

11,525' 3,513 m

High

9,501' 2,896 m

Low

2,024' 617 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Slope (6°)

27%

Max Slope (15°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

Follow the standard route to Banana Bowls, then continue north on the Fern Lake and Lake Helene trails until you're in this massive glacial basin. Endless skiing awaits.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Albright

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#115

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Ascent Rankings

#18

in Colorado

#115

Overall
0 Views Last Month
0 Since Feb 19, 2023
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Photos

Beautiful view of Glacier Gorge. You can see Spearhead tucked a way up there.
Mar 12, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Just past Two Rivers Lake, objectives start to appear.
Feb 19, 2023 near Grand Lake, CO
A look at both the Notchtop Couloir & the Notchtop Spire Couloir. Notchtop Couloir is the wider & more sustained line at lookers left.
Apr 10, 2023 near Grand Lake, CO
Looking back from the top of the approach, near the fingers and the glacier ... note Notchtop Spire at left.
Feb 19, 2023 near Grand Lake, CO
Ptarmigan Glacier from just above Lake Helene, entering the gorge proper.
Feb 19, 2023 near Grand Lake, CO
Wind gusts at the top of the bowl, crusty on top, fluffy underneath.
Jan 24, 2022 near Estes Park, CO

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