Pearl Couloir - Cathedral Peak

There are a lot of factors that make the Pearl Couloir one of the most attractive ski mountaineering lines in the state. Found on the east side of the towering Cathedral Peak (13,943), this 1500 ft line extends from this Centennial Peak’s shoulder to the beautiful basin below. The couloir itself is wide and of moderate steepness topping out at 40 degrees at the entrance of the line. This line is rarely skied from the summit of Cathedral Peak and mainly skied from the shoulder found at 13,780 ft. While the line has been skied from the summit before, that option is not recommended due to a bony and exposed ridgeline that tends to hold unsupportable facets. Aesthetically, this line is hard to beat. Surrounded by large couloir walls and rocky spires, the Pearl Couloir is one of many lines that scour the east and northeast face of Cathedral Peak. Making that last push to the summit you will climb over Cathedral Peaks dramatic and exposed ridgeline for one of Colorado’s most picturesque positions.

In terms of Elk ski mountaineering, Cathedral Peak ranks well in terms of accessibility. Parking your car in Ashcroft, Colorado, you will have a mile-long skin on the flat Castle Creek Road before you start your climb. Some groups will choose to bring a snowmobile but many find that it will not save you time in the approach. You will largely follow the Cathedral Lake summer trail.

The crux in the approach can be gaining the bench to Cathedral Lake. This can be a challenge because it can be difficult to find the most efficient route up to the bench that cuts the corner towards the pearl couloir. The first time you head up towards Cathedral Peak, I recommend taking the less direct route and topping out on the looker’s left side of the Cathedral Lake Basin. From there, you will have eyes on the line and route-finding will be easier. The main Crux is the climb from the 13,780ft shoulder to the proper summit if you would like to make it to the top. It can be incredibly challenging if the snow conditions are not right. With faceted snow you can be wallowing and during low snow periods, you may have to scramble on loose Elk rock to gain the summit ridge. Overall, skiing from the summit into the Pearl is not recommended. If a summit ski is desired, the East Face testpiece is a better option.

Springtime is the best time to ski the Elk Mountains when the snowpack has largely gone isothermic. Cathedral Peak will hold snow late into the spring although the approach will become dry sooner than that. Big Wrap in Aspen is a great place to get a post-ski meal, just make sure to bring cash.