Cloud Peak: South Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Bighorns high point summit and a rarely-skied big line.

Wilderness permit required from Bighorn National Forest.

(See approach notes for Cloud Peak: West Ridge Approach.)

The South Couloir of Cloud Peak drops 1,700 feet onto the saddle west of Sapphire Lake. The top of this line can be scouted from the west ridge approach. The top pitch of this line is quite steep with a slight rollover and is no fall terrain with rock buttress on skier's left.

The middle pitch is more narrow and can be deeply runneled by avalanche debris. The bottom is a skier-friendly apron of about 35 degrees on skier's left.

After descending, ascend to the saddle and schush the Paintrock Headwaters Lakes 2.5 miles back to base camp. A skier can also take the much gentler route back down the west ridge.