Snoqualmie Classic: Skiing the Slot Couloir
The Slot Couloir on Snoqualmie Mountain, despite being almost invisible from any angle except from the top or directly across on Thunder Peak, is such a classic ski descent that it has made it into every ski guide ever written for the area. The clear weather that followed Monday’s ski in Mount Rainier National Park, and the wicked low avalanche hazard (such an amazing change from just a few weeks ago!) made it obvious. Kirah hasn’t skied the Slot Couloir, and her first few ski tours last year were a little “Meh”, so I wanted and needed to seriously up the game.
We had awesome conditions, making it to the summit in just under 4 hours. The Slot itself was in good conditions - not the best ever, and unsurprisingly completely tracked, but stilly chalky and good, if a bit unpredictable in appearance.
Afterwards we climbed up to the Friendly Peaks, and I nailed the descent of the F2 Couloir despite not skiing it recently (just a little self-pat on the back there). This west facing line was perfectly softened up and starting to corn up great. Amazing to think we’ve had the full range of snow conditions in just three days!
