Snow Dome Descent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Two descent options

You have two descent options to choose between: The Snow Dome or Elliot Glacier. The Snow Dome descent presents an intermediate ski run with few hazards and snow conditions that you've already assessed. Ski the Snow Dome and the lower Elliot along your line of ascent, or for a longer tour drop to the north at the base of the Snow Dome (circa 7800') to access the Langille Glacier, ski north to the Timberline Trail, and follow the trail to Cloud Cap and Tilly Jane. In late season, the Snow Dome can be accessed from the Timberline Trail and a climber's trail along the Elliot Glacier north lateral moraine.

The other descent option is to ski the upper Elliot Glacier, an advanced ski run that includes glacier travel and possible crevasse hazards – be sure to assess it carefully. This section is well-covered and most safe in late winter conditions. The drop starts at 40 degrees and becomes 20-25 degrees below the northeast face with a few nearly flat sections above and below the icefalls. It's a majestic descent, skiing among the upper Elliot's icefalls and below the cliffs of the northeast face.