Powerhouse Bowl Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

There is a small dirt pull off on the east side of the road and a very large paved pull off on the right side of the road. Bathrooms are available at the Powerhouse Picnic area just below. This area isn't really accessible to snowmobilers because it's too steep and full of obstacles, so this basin is pretty tranquil and keeps a lot of the riff-raff out.

Drive up to Lamoille Canyon, after passing the Powerhouse day use area you'll see a pull off to the left side with a trailhead sign that has seen better days. You can park here, or across the road there is a large paved pullout. There's an old road that heads straight up the hill to the east from here. The first 600 feet are pretty steep, and the snow here isn't very good so it can be sloppy, muddy, rocky, branchy, and you'll wonder what you're doing here. Stay in it, it can only get better as you go higher. I may recommend booting this rather than skinning. After 600 feet, the area kind of flattens out and you'll be in a heavily burned (former) pine forest. Take the easiest path and then keep going as far as you can. I've mapped this ascent up to approximately 8,000 ft (1,700 vertical), but there's potential to go higher if your legs can handle it. Excellent views in all directions from the top and a very enjoyable open bowl to ski down.

The parking is always accessible, and you can see if this bowl/face has snow from town to decide if you want to head up or not.