Coopers Spur

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The slope exceeds 50 degrees in sections.

The bottom of this is intermediate, but the top is serious. From the summit, the first 1000 ft is no-fall double black for sure, but an easy fun ride after that. Make no mistake about the difficulty of this line—around a dozen climbers and skiers have died on this route due to falls.

Ascend the Coopers Spur Ascent which will likely begin with a hike after which you can continue with skis on the back, or start skinning. The ride down is wonderful! Careful on the steeps and be mindful of the weather and visibility. Lastly, keep in mind there is a glacier to the skiers left, but you'll steer clear unless you have your eyes on steep sheets of ice that lead toward crevasse.

This route is primarily used by ski mountaineers after climbing to the summit of Mt. Hood. It is not recommended for anyone without the proper skills and training. For those looking for a less technical ski, the bottom section can be a great and safer option.

Lou Dawson gave Cooper Spur a difficulty rating of III D15 R3 ( loudawson.com/rating-ski-de…).