For one of the longest ski lines in the Wasatch it’s good to start from the tallest peak, Mount Nebo. Located on the far south end of the range, this somewhat solitary mountain sees very little traffic compared to the more populated parts of the range. The snowpack is often thinner and often less stable and with major consequences so most folks save it for a spring outing with longer days, warmer temps and more stable conditions. The Champagne Chute runs off the shoulder of the summit to the northwest. The wind usually scours the summit and upper reaches making it tricky to connect the line to the summit on snow. Make your way down the ridge and into the chute, some downclimbing may be required, a whippet isn’t a bad tool to have. Click in and enjoy steep and tight turns in this hidden little corner. As most well behaved couloirs do, it gradually widens and lessens in pitch until it angles left and dumps out into the wide open basin. Enjoy the freedom because it soon comes to an end where tight trees and whippers await. Persevere back to the road and enjoy casual cruising back to the car.
Exit I-15 and park at the mouth of Mona Pole canyon, proceed up the road by whatever means available and necessary. Continue for several miles and then cut off to the east heading towards the huge Northwest basin where all the skiing is. This is where the fun begins, some amount of bushwhacking is almost inevitable, but working the gullies can help spare some torn clothing and cursing. Breaking out into the basin is a great relief, but there’s still plenty of vert to gain. Head straight up the gut and then continue past the mighty Northwest couloir stay climbers left and you’ll start to see the Champagne Chute, the sister to the Northwest line, Good time to ski them both since you’re in the neighborhood. Boot up the chute as far as seems sensible, it’s often to wind blown and rocky to connect to the summit, so choose your own adventure.
Bushwhack approach/exit
Mid winter a snowmobile can be handy for the approach if the snow levels are reaching the valley. Later in the spring the road melts out and it’s possible to drive in a ways and cut down on the approach if you have a high clearance 4X4 vehicle.
