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The Northwest Couloir of Shuksan, a 50 classic descent, is steep and proud, looming over the Baker Ski Area. It is a challenging descent but remarkably accessible. With hanging glaciers and massive vertical relief, the setting feels too big for the lower 48. The descent of the Upper Hanging Glacier begins mellow, but watch for crevasses. After a steeper section to the choke, one must perform a harrowing 50 degree traverse skier's left above cliffs. Once this obstacle is managed, it is another 3000 ft of steep, relentless skiing to the valley floor.
Began by parking at the White Salmon parking lot of the Baker Ski Area and follow the cat track slightly uphill to the base of a chair lift. Then descend steep forests and cliffs to the valley bottom. This section is often the crux of the approach. Once in the White Salmon drainage, stare 6000 ft at Shuksan looming above. Take notes on the Northwest Couloir as you skin up the White Salmon Glacier. At the top of Winnie's Slide, keep skinning across the upper Hanging Glacier to the top of the line.
The crux is definitely the leftward traverse after the initial choke. Some years there is plentiful snow to cross, but other times it is very icy and thin, making for gripped conditions. It is a good idea to have a whippet or ice ax out here. If the traverse feels too sketchy, you can climb back out and just ski down the White Salmon Glacier, which is a great descent in itself.
The valley bottom, just below 3000 ft, often takes a bit of time to fill in. Accessing this zone before January can often be treacherous and rocky. For a longer day, one can traverse Hell's Highway from the top of Winnie's Slide and contour onto the Sulphide Glacier, ski the summit block (45 degrees) and then curve around to the Crystal Glacier and the top of the Northwest Couloir line. This makes for an incredible tour.
