Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

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Valesia
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Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by Valesia »

Hello Everyone,

I have been practicing with my axe and crampons for a month or so now. I think I am ready to move past the bunny hill (random 40' slope on the way up to dream lake). At some point you need to get out and use some of the stuff you learn right? My goal is to practice proper techniques in ascending and more importantly descending snow covered slopes so that next year I can start enjoying more winter climbs that were out of my skill level this year.

I know it's spring and such places may not be do able NOW but I am also looking for Fall Winter. (but if you know of areas safe to do now please speak up! I don't want to wait till winter >.<) I've heard people mention St. Mary's glacier however never been there.

Anyone have any good areas they like to go keeping in mind I'm still a beginner. Places that don't require a 4wd car or 8miles of approach would be great to.

Thanks Everyone, I always find your info useful!
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by highpilgrim »

There are four or five of varying difficulty on Missouri. You can start with the one on the right and work your way left as you gain confidence. It is a southeastern face so get an early start because it gets soft fast and the snow in the basin below is deep and mushy once it does. :)

I can't speak to the approach to the trailhead at this time.

Sorry, just saw the 8 mile disclaimer. This one is a little less than that...
Last edited by highpilgrim on Thu May 08, 2014 12:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by Buckie06 »

Glen Cove on Pikes Peak, 5 min walk from the tollway.
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by SchralpTheGnar »

Spring/summer is THE season for snow climbing. St. Mary's is great area, right above the lake is steep, the glacier itself is mellow, close approach, like 15 minutes from the TH
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by SurfNTurf »

Cristo Couloir on the south side of Quandary is used by many groups as a snow-climbing training ground.
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by Valesia »

SurfNTurf wrote:Cristo Couloir on the south side of Quandary is used by many groups as a snow-climbing training ground.
That's one I was thinking about, Assuming I can get down the road HAHA
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by Scott P »

I don't want to wait till winter
Winter usually isn't a good time to climb couloirs. As someone else pointed out, late Spring and Summer is the normal season.

Anyway, the Angel of Shavano is a good beginner snow climb, but it might be out of season soon(?).
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by CO Native »

Buckie06 wrote:Glen Cove on Pikes Peak, 5 min walk from the tollway.
Little Italy is a common one for people use for learning, just be careful after the turn at the heel of the boot there isn't much runout after that. There are a few other options as well.

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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training

Post by Valesia »

That is VERY helpful!
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