Torreys: 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
GPX

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.