Page Type:
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Route |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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40.56790°N / 111.6375°W |
Route Type:
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Mountaineering |
Season:
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Spring, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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38 degree snow |
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Overview
Main Chute route on Mt. Baldy
Base of the Main Chute
Lower section of the Main Chute
The Main Chute is one of the more popular couloirs in the Wasatch. It fills with snow early, then the snow gets compacted by all the backcountry skiers eager for their first turns of the year. With warmer temperatures, and the dry spells that typically follow early snowstorms, the couloir becomes a firm, solid climb. Although the Main Chute is mainly pursued as a ski line, the couloir is a short, enjoyable snow climb, in a great environment, for those itching to put on the crampons in the early winter season.
Click for the Full Trip Report on my photography website.
![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
Midsection of the Main Chute ![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
Upper Section of the Main Chute ![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
Top of the Main ChuteTaken from the main Mount Baldy page:
"Take the 6200 South exit (exit #6) off I-215 and follow highway 190 south-east approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Big Cottonwood Canyon road. Continue straight through the stoplight and follow the road another 4 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where an electronic billboard on the right provides current road and/or weather conditions. Continue east up Little Cottonwood Canyon."
Go up Little Cottonwood Canyon approximately 8 miles to the first entrance and parking lot to the Alta Ski Area, called the Wildcat Base. Park in the southeast corner of the parking lot, closest to the ski lifts.
![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
Skiing down the Main Chute ![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
View west from the summit ![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
View south from the summitThe route to the Main Chute is short and simple. Start at the base of the Wildcat ski lift. Follow the groomed ski run along side the Wildcat lift until you get to the base of Mount Baldy. The Main Chute is the major couloir on the right side of the northeast face. The couloir is wide with no major obstacles. The majority of the couloir averages 35 degrees. The upper headwall of the couloir has a 38-40 degree max, depending on the snow formations.
The location and aspect of this route can make it a dangerous avalanche zone depending on snow conditions. Avalanche gear, skill and experience is necessary.![Main Chute, Mt. Baldy, UT]()
The return home. Mount Baldy and the Main Chute route in the background.Crampons, axe, helmet.
Getting There
Midsection of the Main Chute
Upper Section of the Main Chute
Top of the Main Chute
"Take the 6200 South exit (exit #6) off I-215 and follow highway 190 south-east approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Big Cottonwood Canyon road. Continue straight through the stoplight and follow the road another 4 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where an electronic billboard on the right provides current road and/or weather conditions. Continue east up Little Cottonwood Canyon."
Go up Little Cottonwood Canyon approximately 8 miles to the first entrance and parking lot to the Alta Ski Area, called the Wildcat Base. Park in the southeast corner of the parking lot, closest to the ski lifts.
Route Description
Skiing down the Main Chute
View west from the summit
View south from the summit
The location and aspect of this route can make it a dangerous avalanche zone depending on snow conditions. Avalanche gear, skill and experience is necessary.
Essential Gear
The return home. Mount Baldy and the Main Chute route in the background.