Mt. Hope, Hopeful Couloir Skiing 5/26/2013

The approach to Mt. Hope is not trivial. A good trail starts steep right out of the parking lot, gaining nearly 2700' in just 2.5mi to reach Hope Pass at 12,540'. From there, some off-trail talus hiking along the east ridge leads to the summit. We stopped just short of the pass to rest and fuel up; Bart points out the route.

Looking south towards Huron Peak and neighbors.

We made good time, reaching the summit in just over 4 hours after about 3.5mi and 4100' of climbing. This panorama looks south from the summit.

Vela and Bart on the summit.

Me on the summit, stoked to be able to ski continuously right off the summit over to the entrance of the couloir. Photo: H.Flinch

After a few fun turns along the summit ridge, I found myself on top of the Hopeful Couloir, looking down at 1200' of steep, smooth goodness.

Me dropping into the couloir. Photo: H.Flinch

Perfect snow allowed for fast skiing. Photo: H.Flinch

Vela drops into the upper pitch.

Vela. Photo: H.Flinch

Vela Photo: H.Flinch

Hans approaches the first choke point in the line.

Bart slays some corn.

Bart approaching the first choke.

The crew at the bottom, stoked about the line (behind). From here, it's an easy climb back to Hope Pass, where we were treated to another 500' of bonus turns before switching back to trail runners and slogging back down the trail. Great day on a relatively unknown peak!