Dead Dog Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is the steepest of the three classic lines down Torreys Peak.

I've had the best luck with this line in late spring (late May - early June).

Since it's facing due east, you want to be dropping in around 8:00 AM.

This is also a popular snow climbing route, so be aware of climbers on the way down.

The couloir's entrance is down Kelso Ridge, just north of the summit. You can also ski the east face of Torreys from the summit then cut into the couloir skiers left before the face cliffs out about half way down.

Dead Dog starts off in the upper 40's (degrees), then quickly evens out to a mellower 40-ish degrees. The couloir itself offers great, consistently steep skiing. It also has rounded walls, kind of like a half pipe, making it extra playful. Watch your slough as you descend, however.

This line can develop a runnel as it reaches late spring. Be aware of other skiers and snow climbers that might be coming up the couloir. Hopefully, they should be staying to the side so that they don't get taken away by the slough.

Lou Dawson gave this route a difficulty rating of D12 ( loudawson.com/rating-ski-de…).