Emperor Couloir
Partners: Justin, Kuchta, Alex Neil, Jeremy Miller, Narendra De, Marc Barella, Ben Conners, Brian Miller, Jon Bloomfield, Robby Grace, Kristi Henes, Matt Innoue, Braden Wahr, Alex Kostadinov, Matt Randall, Solo
Trailhead: Grays Peak
Ascent Route: Kelso Ridge (Class 3)
Distance: 8.2m
Elevation Gain: 3600ft
Duration: 6hrs 15min
Shuttle: We set a shuttle between the Grizzly Gulch road cutoff and the Grays Peak summer trailhead.
Fun Fact: You can see the Emperor from I-70 when driving by Bakersville
This is my favorite Torreys ski line. It has steep playful terrain and a lot of vertical. When paired with a climb of Kelso Ridge this is a tough day to beat in the mountains.
There are two entrances to the Emperor... skier's right and skier's left. The skier's right option is directly below the summit and a steeper more direct line that requires enough snow coverage to make it through a choke just before it joins with the skier's left option. Be sure you know if the choke is in before opting for the skier's right entrance. The skier's left option is about 100ft down and to the left of the right entrance. The skier's left entrance is not quite as steep, does not have a choke but often requires a ski cut on the left side to avoid getting caught up in a wet slide.
Be prepared for a two mile walk/ski back to the road cutoff with multiple creek crossings.
This gallery contains images from many Emperor descents.
8.2m - 3600ft - 6hrs
Torreys and the Emperor from Mount Parnassus
Robby getting the party started on Kelso Ridge
Alex H climbing on the first of many climbing sections of the day
Mountain Hunk
Alex H
Alex H
Robby
Robby
Robby
Alex H
Robby approaching a steeper section
Alex H sizing up the knife edge - be careful of the cornice on the left side of the ridge
Alex H
Alex H on the final approach to Torreys' summit
Robby topping out
Good times - Ready to Ski
Matt Innoue ready to ski
Alex H ready to ski
It was a bit firm on this particular day -Alex H
Kristi entering on the skier's left line
Alex H on the skier's left line
Robby - Skier's right
Alex H - Skier's right
Alex H - Skier's Right
Alex H - Powder Day!
Matt above the skier's right choke
Robby skiing the choke
Ben points em
Jeremy enters the choke
Alex H
Alex H
Alex H
Robby
Alex H
Robby
Narendra opens it up lower down
Alex K - Powder Day
Alex K making his way to the road
Matt on one of many creek crossings on the way out