For those who are looking for a moderate line through beautiful rock features on a powder-collecting north aspect, the Chimney delivers. Accessing the approach from the Second Creek Trailhead, skiers navigate the southern aspect of the north ridgeline. Utilizing the same trailhead as the popular Broom Hut, cars frequently crowd the parking area.
After gaining the ridge, the highway comes back into view and the Chimney is not far. Utilize the highway and the open glades on skier's right as landmarks, and continue until you reach a moderate angle open slope that seems to cradle you as you descend. The further you descend, the bigger your smile will become. Charge through a gap in the cliff and finish the descent in open glades nearing the highway.
Having descended 647 vertical feet and climbed only 490 to gain the ridge, the work-to-fun ratio is in your favor. A highly repeatable line, skiers can then migrate toward the road and hitch a ride back up to Second Creek, or they can transition and head west to contour around and access the ridge for round two. With no significant terrain or steep slopes, the Chimney is a friendly descent offering protected snow conditions and a moderate approach.
Note: Coverage on the south aspect can get sparse late into the season, and bare patches can and do exist at times.
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