TR: Birthday Chute Ski (29 March 2016)

(Last Updated On: March 27, 2017)

The Gore Range is a bit of a mystery. Not only is this range difficult to find information on, access for skiing is typically long, and peaks aren’t well labeled on USGS Maps. So, skiing in this area takes a bit of research, or going along with someone who knows the area.

After storms earlier in the week and with a new storm brewing, Larry and I decided to tackle the Birthday Chute which is considered one of the easier Gore Range lines.

Birthday Chute in the Gore Range
The Birthday Chute trends right from the subpeak in the center of this photo.

We began at the Pitkin Creek trailhead, hiking at first on largely dry trail.
Hiking on Pitkin Creek trail to go backcountry skiing.

It wasn’t long before we switched to skins, and admired the valley views.
Skinning up Pitkin Creek to go backcountry skiing in the Gore Range.

East Partner, Mount Solitude, and West Skier’s Point in the distance.
Pitkin Creek Valley views while backcountry skiing in the Gore Range.

We caught a glimpse of the Birthday Chute from below but decided to skin up through the trees on the left side of it, eventually entering the chute about 2/3 of the way up.
The Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

The views as we skinned were spectacular. I believe these east facing lines across the way are called Little Skier’s Peak.
Little Skiers Peak in Gore Range.

A view of West Partner (Peak U) on the left and East Partner (Peak V) on the right.
Partner Peaks in the Gore Range.

Skinning up the Birthday Chute.
Backcountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

The snow looked mighty tasty for the way down!
Backcountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Outpost Peak looking grand across the way.
Outpost Peak in the Gore Range.

Looking over toward Skier’s Point, a goal for another day…
Skier's Point in the Gore Range.

But, this view is the best of all – Outpost Peak, West and East Partner Peaks, among others.
Outpost Peak, West Parter Peak, East Partner Peak, in the Gore Range.

Big eyes for Big Horn.
Backcountry skiing in the Gore Range.

Larry, ready to go.
Larry Fontaine backcountry skiing in the Gore Range.

Though a storm was moving in, a little bit of sun shined down on us as we began our descent of the Birthday Chute. Larry.
Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Larry Fontaine backccountry skiing Birthday Chute in the Gore Range.

Overall, it was a long, fun line to ski all the way to the valley floor. We followed our skin track back to the trailhead.

The Birthday Chute is one of the easier lines in the area, but is a great gateway into the Gore Range. So, get out there, and get exploring.

One more thing I wanted to note – I forgot my Canon G16 camera this day. So, all my pictures were taken using my Samsung S5 cell phone. Not too shabby for a cell phone, eh?

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Article Name
Birthday Chute Ski
Description
The Gore Range is typically diffcult to access for skiers, but the Birthday Chute is one of the easier backcountry ski lines, and well worth the hike!
Author
14erskiers

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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