Please make an appointment for bootfitting.
Horstmann Peak is a real beauty of a mountain tucked back into the Sawtooth Range. The huge hanging east face can be a bit distracting to a skier, but soon enough your eyes will turn to the deep narrow cut in the rock that forms the Sickle Couloir. Named as one of the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America, it’s definitely a local go-to. If you like your couloirs tight then you’re going to like the Sickle. The line starts from a small gap in the ridge and drops right into the chute. The steepest turns are to be found near the top where wind can shape and sculpt it and often create a cornice. It’s consistently steep and narrow for the upper half and then egresses and walls spread apart for a fun finish apron.
Park along highway 75 at the Redfish Lake gate. Follow the flat road for a bit and then branch off to the right onto trail 186 towards Fishoook Lake Yurt. Keep on keeping on through the woods and Horstmann will appear up and to the left and guide you into her flanks. Keep heading west and towards the peak until you reach the apron and just boot right up the couloir.
Steep and tight at the top
The gate is locked at the highway until late spring, snowmobiles or bikes can shorten the access.
