One glimpse of this narrow and rock lined couloir from the roadside and it’s clear it must be skied. It’s one of the most aesthetic looking couloirs in the contiguous U.S. which gained it entry into the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America book. However, the rock walls aren’t that tall and the couloir feels much less like a couloir when you’re in it, until the top where it tightens up and gets steeper .The pitch is in the mid 30’s for most of the line perhaps touching on the low 40’s near the top. Steep enough for fun, but not so steep that a snowmobile couldn’t braaap up it (true story, google it)! The 2,000 foot line tops out in a cool little notch with great views and some fun rock scrambling options.
Drive up Lamoille Canyon, if the gate is closed, park there and proceed up the road half mile or so to the base of the line. If the gate is open you can drive right to the bottom of the line. Crossing the river can be the most difficult part of the outing. Scout along the riverbank for the driest option, cross it and simply connect to the apron and then boot/skin up the chute.
Stream crossing
Late winter and spring are the best times for skiing “TC” due to its low elevation. Although the couloir itself doesn’t usually form a cornice, or contain large deposition zones be aware of the large face to the west that can avalanche and hit the apron. The ease of access and notoriety has made “TC” increasingly popular. It used to be skied quite infrequently and now it’s common to be following in someone else's boot track. Avoid weekends and start early to avoid crowds.
