Cold Fusion Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This run drops about 2,800 feet in about a mile in one of the most beautiful areas of the Wasatch mountain range. Hiking to the base of the couloir and then climbing up it, let alone skiing down it, is a great experience.

I started at Mutual Dell Campground just after the south (right) fork of American Fork Canyon. From there, take the Bear Canyon Trail up to the Timpooneke Road, No. 056. Follow that road west until you reach the base of the Cold Fusion Couloir. Note that this road will cross several major slide paths.

Once at the base of Cold Fusion, start skinning up as far as you can until you feel the need to begin booting it. I recommend ice-axe and crampons, as it gets pretty consistently steep for a long way. Take note of everything you see while on the ascent so that you can plan your strategy for the ski down.

For example, there is a bit of a rock/tree band three quarters of the way up, and I planned to stay skier's left when negotiating this part of the descent.

Consequences of a fall, either while ascending or descending are quite high for this line. A whippet is a good idea for the ski down. If the snow is too hard, abort the mission.