Trip Report
The Silver Couloir is a not just a Colorado classic ski descent, it is one listed in Fifty Classic Ski Descents in North America. It is in the book for good reason, the line is monstrous and can be seen from while heading west just out of Eisenhower tunnel. Buffalo Mountain is the peak that literally looks like a buffalo with its big rounded shape. The full tour takes about 5 hours at an average pace.
About the ascent: We opted to skin the ridge, but the other route is to boot pack up the couloir. The skin route is about 2.4 miles and takes you straight up the shoulder towards the summit. Total elevation gain is around 3,100 feet. The beginning of the route begins at about 9,800 feet and ends at 12,900 feet.
Photo Tour:
About the descent: The Silver Couloir is a classic in my opinion because of its accessibility and its incredible descent. The couloir stretches a full 3,000 feet to the valley floor with an average pitch near 30 degrees. Certain spots can get steep with pitches near 40 degrees, but there is tons of lateral room.
Know before you go. Get the gear, get the training, get the avalanche forecast.
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