March 2024. Me and my buddy Matt, who’s always up for a challenge, set our sights on back-to-back adventures that were a mix of exhilaration, exhaustion, and sheer jaw-dropping views. The plan? Tackle Pfeifferhorn and Coalpit—two of the most iconic and biggest ski line summits in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah—on back-to-back days. Our goal was to ski, summit, and experience the raw beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, all while keeping our fingers crossed that the snow gods were on our side. (Spoiler: They were).
Pfeifferhorn and Coalpit Skinning and Summit Overview:
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Wasatch Mountains, Utah
- Route Type: Backcountry ski, summit ascent, and skinning
- Elevation Gain:
- Pfeifferhorn Summit: 11,326 feet (3,452 meters)
- Coalpit Summit: 10,282 feet (3,135 meters)
- Difficulty: Advanced (requires strong fitness and backcountry skiing skills)
- Season: Winter (typically from December to March, depending on snowpack)
- Best Conditions: Powder snow, stable avalanche conditions, clear weather
The Plan
Start at the Albion Basin Parking Area:
The day kicked off bright and early at the Albion Basin Parking Area, a popular access point for backcountry routes near Alta. March was playing nice with the snow, so the road was closed to cars, and public transport was our best option. No big deal—just a cozy shuttle ride to kick things off.
Skin Up to the Coalpit Ridge:
Once we geared up and started our skinning ascent, I remembered why I love backcountry skiing. The early climbs were a mix of moderate and steep terrain, through trees and open meadows. Pretty much what you expect when you’re heading into some of Utah’s most rugged terrain, but it still feels like something of an adventure every time. We kept an eye on the avalanche risk (because, you know, safety first) as we moved toward Coalpit.
Summit Coalpit Mountain:
Coalpit is like a warm-up before the big show. It’s a solid climb with views of Little Cottonwood Canyon that’ll have you thinking, “Alright, this is why we’re doing this.” You hit some technical spots near the summit, and the payoff is worth it—panoramic views of Alta, Snowbird, and beyond. Matt, who’s usually the first one to joke around, was pretty quiet for a second—he’d been eyeing Pfeifferhorn the whole time. Guess it was time to climb up to the big one.
Descent from Coalpit:
The descent from Coalpit was everything we hoped for—steep and thrilling. We carved down technical terrain with perfect snow conditions, which made for one of those runs that makes all the climbing worthwhile. We could’ve stopped there, but we were feeling good. It was time for Pfeifferhorn.
Skin Up to Pfeifferhorn Summit:
So, we headed toward Pfeifferhorn, which felt like the peak of peaks for this route. The climb was tougher—the last section is a beast. We faced a steep ridge, snow-covered rocks, and at times, some exposure that made me rethink how much I’d eaten for breakfast. There was some technical skinning, a few rocky patches, and a bit of bootpacking (which, let’s be real, is always a humbling experience), but eventually, we got to the summit.
Summit Pfeifferhorn:
Standing at 11,326 feet, Pfeifferhorn offered us 360-degree views of the Wasatch—Snowbird, Alta, the Salt Lake Valley, and just pure alpine wilderness. If there’s a bucket list for backcountry skiers, this has to be on it. Matt looked at me, grinning like a kid who’d just climbed to the top of the world. Maybe we’re a little crazy, but it’s moments like this that make you forget about all the sweat.
Descent from Pfeifferhorn:
Here’s where it got real. The descent from Pfeifferhorn can take you through steep northeast faces or mellower south-facing bowls, depending on your skill level and snow conditions. We aimed for the north face, which was a bit more challenging but offered the kind of ski that feels like you’re flying through powder. But it’s not for the faint of heart—steep, technical, and steep some more.
Exit Back into Little Cottonwood Canyon:
After skiing down to the canyon floor, we thought, “Well, we survived,” and made our way out of the backcountry. We had options, but since we were feeling good, we stuck to the route back to Albion Basin, savoring the day as we transitioned from adrenaline rush to the satisfied exhaustion that follows a serious adventure.
Key Considerations:
- Avalanche Safety: It’s critical to stay on top of avalanche conditions. We checked the forecast from the Utah Avalanche Center and packed our gear, including beacon, probe, and shovel—the essentials, really. Matt kept reminding me that, while we were having fun, it’s important to respect the terrain. Always take an avalanche course if you’re unsure, and if you haven’t been in the backcountry before, don’t go it alone.
- Route Finding & Exposure: The final sections are exposed and require good route-finding skills. When the weather starts acting up, things can turn serious quickly. We always had the “turn back if conditions worsen” mindset.
- Physical Fitness: This is no leisurely Sunday stroll. Steep terrain and long hours of climbing mean you need to be in solid shape. We kept our pace steady, we stayed hydrated, and we made sure to eat something that wasn’t just candy bars.
- Weather & Snow Conditions: Little Cottonwood Canyon’s powder is legendary, but the weather isn’t always playing nice. We had lucky conditions, but always check the weather forecast to avoid any surprises.
- Timing: Early starts are key. You don’t want to be caught on the ridge when the sun starts setting. Aim for the summit early, then enjoy the ride down with plenty of time to spare.
Summary:
This was one for the books. The Pfeifferhorn and Coalpit skin, summit, and ski descent are the kind of challenge that will test your body, your skills, and your mental toughness. But it’s also one of the most beautiful ways to see the Wasatch. With Matt by my side, a perfect March day, and the promise of steep lines and snowy vistas, we couldn’t have asked for more. Gear up, check your avalanche safety, and head out—this adventure will stick with you long after the last powder turn.