Grunge Couloir

The Grunge Couloir is considered one of the prized Wasatch steep skiing lines for a reason. Looming like a laser-cut seam on the northeast side of North Timpanogos Peak, the Grunge Couloir is most definitely Kurt Cobain's couloir of choice. Staying consistently steep for nearly the length of the couloir, rotten rock-lined walls encompass the line until the upper headwall tops out at nearly 60 degrees. Sound fun? Excellent! Typically the entrance of the couloir is guarded by an impenetrable cornice and, with a massive cliff looming below, the initial traverse to the meat of the couloir is puckering, to say the least. The moral of the story is to bring your A-game for this Wasatch classic because if you do, just imagine how many Instagram likes you might get if you make it back home.

Approach via the Mutual Dell Campground in winter or the Timpooneke campground when the road is open. Skinning from Mutual Dell, the best means of accessing the base of the Grunge is to break through the woods and road aiming for a sub ridge on the west side of the Wooley Hole Cirque that leads to the base of the Grunge.

Topping out and then getting the nerve to drop back in can be exciting.

Stable and soft conditions are ideal for the line. Ice axe, crampons and potentially a whippet are also mandatory. Also, afterwards, don't count on (m)any restaurants being open in Utah County if you ski the Grunge on a Sunday.