April 5, 2008, Snoqualmie Pass
4/5/08
WA Snoqualmie Pass
2569
9
Snoqualmie Pass The Zipper Couloir - Point 4902
I awoke early Saturday morning to the phone ringing, it was Wayne wondering if I was going skiing and could he tag along. I told him I was waiting for Victors call and yes I had something in mind and he should join us.
In the car I shared with Wayne and Victor the trip details and photos of the couloir I had in mind.
We wondered if this north facing slope would have held up through the warmer temperatures earlier in the week. Doubts were high, but all were in favor to attempt this lonely line.
The road provided easy touring for roughly 6 km. Cross-country and skate skiers passed us with friendly nods and smiles. Only two could not help themselves from commenting: Youre doing it the hard way, a woman said. Trying to burn some calories huh? said her mate, as they skied by. Wayne and I looked at each other in bewilderment. Thoughts of retorts came but not fast enough.
Soon we were off into the trees toward our destination. I wanted to approach north of the lakes so we could get a good look at the couloir and decide on a route.
At the lake we enjoyed a relaxing lunch and talked about our options. From the lake the fastest route seemed to be straight up. We thought about touring around toward the west and catching the ridge, but felt it best to climb up our line to better assess the snow conditions and stability.
Victor began breaking trail up the slope like the snowplow he has become, our Frenchman snowplow Claude John Killi, paving the way wherever, we joked.
The snow changed every few hundred feet, what began as somewhat wet snow gradually became lighter and dryer as we climbed. The slope narrowed and our skin track became tighter and shorter while kick turns required the occasional lend of the hand, or ski basket to round the corner. After enough of this I faced the fall line when I made my turns to give my hip flexors a break.
Once on top we took in the views; to the south we found supple wide open slopes that rolled into the lakes below. While next to us hung a large cornice, adjacent looming rock walls towered above the couloir. It was a magnificent place.
Into the couloir we leaped-frog each other sharing the remnants of untouched snow that bordered our skin tracks. For over 1000 feet the snow delivered delicious turns. Into the lower shoot the snow became heavy and far less friendly making for slower turns.
We were quickly at the lake again and toured across it and up to reach the high road for a final photo of the full route and some well deserved chocolate.
http://picasaweb.google.com/victormesny/CouloirSkiing
I awoke early Saturday morning to the phone ringing, it was Wayne wondering if I was going skiing and could he tag along. I told him I was waiting for Victors call and yes I had something in mind and he should join us.
In the car I shared with Wayne and Victor the trip details and photos of the couloir I had in mind.
We wondered if this north facing slope would have held up through the warmer temperatures earlier in the week. Doubts were high, but all were in favor to attempt this lonely line.
The road provided easy touring for roughly 6 km. Cross-country and skate skiers passed us with friendly nods and smiles. Only two could not help themselves from commenting: Youre doing it the hard way, a woman said. Trying to burn some calories huh? said her mate, as they skied by. Wayne and I looked at each other in bewilderment. Thoughts of retorts came but not fast enough.
Soon we were off into the trees toward our destination. I wanted to approach north of the lakes so we could get a good look at the couloir and decide on a route.
At the lake we enjoyed a relaxing lunch and talked about our options. From the lake the fastest route seemed to be straight up. We thought about touring around toward the west and catching the ridge, but felt it best to climb up our line to better assess the snow conditions and stability.
Victor began breaking trail up the slope like the snowplow he has become, our Frenchman snowplow Claude John Killi, paving the way wherever, we joked.
The snow changed every few hundred feet, what began as somewhat wet snow gradually became lighter and dryer as we climbed. The slope narrowed and our skin track became tighter and shorter while kick turns required the occasional lend of the hand, or ski basket to round the corner. After enough of this I faced the fall line when I made my turns to give my hip flexors a break.
Once on top we took in the views; to the south we found supple wide open slopes that rolled into the lakes below. While next to us hung a large cornice, adjacent looming rock walls towered above the couloir. It was a magnificent place.
Into the couloir we leaped-frog each other sharing the remnants of untouched snow that bordered our skin tracks. For over 1000 feet the snow delivered delicious turns. Into the lower shoot the snow became heavy and far less friendly making for slower turns.
We were quickly at the lake again and toured across it and up to reach the high road for a final photo of the full route and some well deserved chocolate.
http://picasaweb.google.com/victormesny/CouloirSkiing
Nice tour, Lisa.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Nice work - I'd thought about heading that way Saturday. Glad someone did! :).
Nice job. I ski that in early December of 06 and it is a very fun line. The approach it well worth it. On our approach we wrapped around from the SW side instead. Anyone know why it’s called the Zipper?
Thanks for the nice comments. Not sure why it is called the Zipper but I like the name. Yes, it was a great trip and worth the effort.
Having done the road slog as well, I thought going over Hyak and Nordic Pass was more interesting....
Not knowing the "official" name last year, we called in Mother's Day chute, in that thread some else called it "Twin Lakes Couloir". No matter what you call it, it's fun ski!
http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=7108.0
Not knowing the "official" name last year, we called in Mother's Day chute, in that thread some else called it "Twin Lakes Couloir". No matter what you call it, it's fun ski!
http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=7108.0
Russ, I was up there last Monday on a recon and we did go up over Hyak and followed the road down to Cold Creek which I felt took more time and covered more distance, although it was fun to ski the road down to Cold Creek.
I had read your report and referenced it in my trip plans which was very helpful. :) By the way, nice work doing it in much less snow coverage, your photo made it look really narrow.
I had read your report and referenced it in my trip plans which was very helpful. :) By the way, nice work doing it in much less snow coverage, your photo made it look really narrow.
Was it av debris free? I've never done the line but have looked at it longingly many times. Often by the time you can drive 9070 to at least past the sewage field (or beyond to near Windy Pass), the couloir visibly has big chunks in it from wet spring slides, and thus is less compelling from a distance.
Yes, it was avy debris free. I too had noted the line from various peaks and was excited to finally get after it. Trying to be vague in a post with such a line is not easy, I figured many folks have seen and skied it, but it's always fun to add a little mystery.
The only surprise on the trip was the buzzing of 2 stroke engines high marking around Mirror and Cottonwood lakes. We even saw a sled on the road to Windy Pass while atop the chute. I didn't know that area was open to sleds and was quite surprised.
The only surprise on the trip was the buzzing of 2 stroke engines high marking around Mirror and Cottonwood lakes. We even saw a sled on the road to Windy Pass while atop the chute. I didn't know that area was open to sleds and was quite surprised.
Nice line and nice read! Thanks for sharing and way to nab it.
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