The Shelf - Mt Cheops

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Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Bathrooms are available at the Visitor Center at the trailhead. Extreme caution is advised approaching via the Connaught Valley drainage - complex avalanche terrain that is exposed to multiple, large, south facing avalanche paths. Ski crampons, crampons, 2x50m ropes, helmets & harnesses are required. Be sure of avalanche conditions before attempting this route. Very exposed! This terrain should be considered double black ski terrain.

From the Visitor Center, skin up the Connaught drainage to Balu Pass (approx 1-1.5 hrs). From the pass, turn east & climb the west ridge of Mt Cheops to the west summit. Ski crampons may be required here as the slopes see a lot of sun in the spring & can be bulletproof if refrozen. From the west summit, skin carefully along the ridge for approx 80m to find the entrance of the line. A rappel anchor at about ankle height allows a 35m rap down a rock slab into the line. The slopes are approx 50 degrees here. Ski right to the wall & slip by a large rock slap on the right, this is the crux. Very steep in here (60 degrees) but it is short. It can be downclimbed or there is a rap anchor on the right wall. Once past the crux, the remainder of the line is 45-50 degrees & wide. Ski down into the large bowl known as North Cheops 2. From here you can ski directly to the valley bottom or traverse high right in the bowl, above the moraine wall, and traverse through the trees to gain access to the Chromosome couloirs for an exciting finish.