Vesper Peak - West Couloir
Nick, Steve, and I snuck in a post work tour of Vesper Peak during one of those weather windows that was short if you blinked, you missed it. I've had my eye on this perfectly straight, 2000 ft west facing couloir off the summit. It yielded smooth, creamy, relaxed turns in a beautiful setting, with views out to Spada Lake, Seattle, and the Sound. It was definitely one of the most scenic runs I've ever done, and a great addition to an already stellar tour. Has anyone else skied this (I'm sure plenty have)? I'm referring to it as "Sunset Couloir" since it faces the setting sun and is best done at that time of day.
All in all, Vesper blew me away. Incredible bang for the buck. 30 minutes hiking to continuous snow coverage, then great coverage all the way to the summit with the short boot at Headlee. 3000 ft of fall line skiing on the way out. Not sure why you'd go to Silver really, same driving time and fewer potholes.
https://climberkyle.com/2020/06/04/vesper-peak-sunset-couloir/
Sunset Couloir
Beautiful steep turns above Spada Lake and the lowlands.
Sunset Couloir
More great turns.
Sunset Couloir
Looking down from the top of the couloir.
Looks amazing! Score!
I first skied that line 24 years ago -- but not that steep headwall. In my mid-60s now and haven't done it for 8 years or so - my crew and I generally just tag the summit, have lunch, and take skiers left line to the lake. That's enough these days. Nice photos and video on the blog page.
"Not sure why you'd go to Silver really, same driving time and fewer potholes."
Ah cmon, you're just trolling. Silver's a good deal less commitment than skiing Vesper, is my main reason.
Looks fun.
Impressive outing - great contender for the next cover image.
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