Refrigerator Couloir

Date: 06-08-2021
Partners: Jeremy Miller, Justin Kuchta (photos by all)
Trailhead: Clear Creek / South Winfield
Distance: 8.75 miles
Elevation Gain: 3750ft
Duration: 8hrs (including 2 hours of summit time)
GPX

If you enjoy steep skiing in June... this peak is for you!

Ice Mountain's Refrigerator Couloir is an inset north facing line that often has quality snow even when everything around it is melting. There is a reason they call it Ice Mountain!

We started from the upper trailhead around 5:30am and hiked in trail runners to the upper basin before transitioning to crampons. Bring an extra pair of socks as the approach has multiple creek crossings and some marshy willows to navigate.

We reached the top of the couloir just 4 hours after our start. The snow was still firm so we decided to do the easy scramble to Ice's summit to take in the views for a couple of hours. We ended up dropping at 11:30am... and could even have gotten away with noon!

The skiing was steep and fun and the setting was incredible with views of Huron and North Apostle.

This one is on my list to repeat!