Potosi Peak

North Couloir of Potosi Peak — Joey skis the top of the North Couloir on Potosi Peak while Christy watches from above.

Potosi Peak, 13,786 feet, is at the east end of the Sneffels Range. Its flat summit is unique for the area and stands out when seen among a sea of jagged San Juan peaks. From most vantage points it would appear that skiing from the summit wouldn’t be possible, but somewhat hidden from view is a steep, north-facing couloir, one that is pretty tough to get to, but well worth the trip.

Christy and I first saw the North Couloir when we climbed nearby Teakettle Mountain back in 2004. Even though it was mid-summer, we recognized its potential for skiing. Two years ago when we returned to ski Teakettle as part of our Centennial Ski Project (read here), we caught a good glimpse of the snow-filled couloir, and we decided we had to get back there to ski someday.

Potosi Peak and the North Couloir — The distinct flat summit of Potosi, 13,786 ft., with the North Couloir dropping down to its left.

Christy, Joey and I went to Potosi last weekend.

Skiing Potosi is a little more complicated than you would expect. The north side of the mountain isn’t practical for a direct approach. Skiers have to start on the south side, high in Yankee Boy Basin, and go up and over a saddle to access the north side and the couloir. Unfortunately for us last weekend, the road was closed four miles below the Yankee Boy TH. The nearby mine has locked the gate (even though it’s plowed) so our day began with a long walk up the Camp Bird Mine Road, skis and boots mounted to our packs. Christy said the added eight roundtrip miles served as good training. You’ve got to love her take on things.

Coffeepot-Potosi saddle — Dropping off the saddle to the north, this is the most practical way to access the North Couloir.

Ted Mahon climbing the north couloir of Potosi peak — Climbing up the North Couloir. You can see Teakettle Mountain out behind.

Christy mahon on Potosi peak — After reaching the top of the couloir, another short stretch around the back led up to the summit.

Potosi Peak's summit — The wide, flat summit, big enough for a five-a-side soccer game.

After we reached the usual starting point in Yankee Boy Basin, we began climbing up a prominent gully on the south side. After negotiating an unexpected frozen ice section, we made it up to the 13,100 foot saddle between Coffeepot and Potosi peaks. From the saddle we slipped between a couple of cornices and skied a line to the north for about 500 feet, which put us at the base of the couloir. From there it was about 1200 vertical feet up to a small col, where another snowy ramp wrapped around the back and up to the distinctive flat summit. The return trip required we retrace our route entirely, so we had three climbs and three descents through the day.

Christy Mahon in the North Couloir of Potosi Peak. #kaestle #tx97 — Christy, in the couloir.

ted mahon skis the north couloir of potosi peak — That’s me, about halfway down.

We were impressed with the amount of snow the recent storms had deposited in the couloir. It was tiring work on the ascent but it made for really fun skiing. And our timing worked out really well, most of the day was spent in mixed spring weather, but while we were on the summit and then skiing, the clouds were a bit broken up and we actually caught some sun and great views.

Christy mahon in the pinch of the north couloir of Potosi Peak — Through the pinch.

Joey Giampaolo on Potosi peak — Joey, lower down where things widen a little.

potosi peak — Following our bootpack, we were just reversing our route of ascent. At the bottom of the ski we were still along way from home, we had to climb back up and over the ridge on our left.

The wide angle shot. This couloir reminded me of the well-known Grizzly Couloir, but I think this one is even better. — The wide angle shot, it’s a big couloir. Just for scale, Christy is the small speck skiing below, and Joey is further down putting his skins on for the next ascent. It reminded me of the well-known Grizzly Couloir, but I think it’s even better.

South Face of potosi peak — And before we could make it all the down the south side to the road, we had to navigate the ice section again. It was a tricky crux that we suspect is probably completely buried on a better snow year.

Potosi was a long, hard day which made it all the more rewarding to get done. Put it on your list, if it isn’t already.

For more info on this peak- check out the Falcon Guide- Climbing and Skiing Colorado’s Mountains

Ann D

April 30, 2015 at 9:15 PM

Very nice conditions, at least in the coolie. We stashed a car down low and skied (and hiked) out the summer trail, negating the need for returning the way we came in which was very soft as it was late in the year. All in all a super line http://www.mountainphotographer.com/potosi/

ted

April 30, 2015 at 10:48 PM

Nice Ann. Looks like a nice summer trail in June. Out of towners like ourselves had little business wandering down there without knowing the way last weekend. Next time.

Brandon Chalk

May 5, 2015 at 8:39 AM

What a cool couloir, Ted. I haven’t skied it, but from the looks of it it does look even better than Grizz’s north couloir. Love your pics, too. The mixed spring weather and intermittent clouds make for really neat shots. Nice work, guys.

Author

May 5, 2015 at 12:25 PM

It’s pretty similar in length to Grizzly’s couloir, but this one is a bit tighter at times. Both fun worth checking out.

Ben

May 6, 2015 at 8:47 AM

Very nice, Ted. Looks like you guys had awesome conditions in there!

That gate/road has been a bummer this year. We were down there a few weeks ago ready to give the Snake a try but elected to hit some other objectives when we learned we’d have to add 8 miles to the day. Seems like they’re getting more anal about it as a few years ago the gate was open in late-April and we had no problem driving all the way to the Governor Basin junction 4 days in a row. Or maybe it’s always been this way and we just got lucky that weekend. Anyway, I’m glad to see it didn’t stop you guys!

G’luck in the Weminuche if you head in there and thanks for the book link 🙂

May 6, 2015 at 9:10 AM

Thx Ben. Interesting to hear. One mine employee actually apologized as he drove by saying the road should be open. I guess the mine just doesn’t want to have to deal w helping stuck cars during the winter.