The S-Turn

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is the obvious line from the summit of Steep Peak that is visible from the north side of the lake or from the saddle below "The Dome." To get there, follow the ascent for the summit of Steep Peak along the ridgeline, being careful to avoid the large cornices on the ridge. The entrance to this line is just below the summit to the east. You can enter higher up for a more direct fall line ski or from the saddle. Neither spot is usually corniced.

The descent contains two large cliffs that can be difficult to see from above but can be easily avoided with careful route planning. It is a good idea to try and take a picture of the line from the saddle during your ascent for reference once you're ready to drop in. The first cliff is directly in the path of the fall line and can be avoided by skiing right. This area provides a good spot to wait and regroup with your partner(s).

There are several options to get around the next cliff. Either work around skiers left for some amazing lower angle skiing, or locate the top of the gully that drops straight through the gut of the cliff for a steeper option. Both are fantastic lines. However, the gully descent will set you up better for the exit to the lake. If you take the skier's left route, be sure to cut right immediately after passing the bottom of the cliff or you'll need to do a bit of uphill to make it to the treeline.

If you head straight down, you'll hit the last cliff above the lake. The only way around is to head for the treeline to skier's right. The majority of the terrain on this descent is fairly moderate, but the line contains several terrain traps and should not be skied without adequately assessing the avalanche hazard as even a minor slide could carry a skier over one of the cliffs.