Keplingers Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is entirely in an alpine environment, conditions change quickly, and wind storms on Longs can be far more dangerous than you expect. This is a serious route that should be undertaken only with proper tools, knowledge, and experience.

This route includes skiing the Home Stretch on Longs Peak and Keplingers Couloir, which are both on the south face of Longs.

From the summit, drop into the Home Stretch where the standard summer route summits Longs. There might be a sign that says "Keyhole" with an arrow pointing right at the entrance of the route. Ski the Home Stretch while keeping left until you find the traverse that leads to the Notch and the top of Keplingers.

Be careful while skiing the home stretch and this traverse, there's a very consequential cliff below both of these areas. Once you get to the Notch, true thrill seekers can ski through it to access Notch Couloir, otherwise take a right at the first opportunity to ski down the south-west facing entrance to Keplingers. Keplingers is a long, wide couloir that averages around 40 degrees as it gently snakes down longs.

Once you're at the bottom, it's about 7 miles back down to Copeland Lake, the trailhead in Wild Basin. Keep high, on the right side of the gully that leads out to the east, until you meet up with the Sandbeach Lake trail. Follow this trail out.