HEADLAMP: Lost Couloir

At first glance, Hatcher Pass seems dominated by large faces and bowls. These are in fact where you’ll find most ski tracks, on the west and south aspects of Marmot, Hatch Peak, and point 4068. However, there are a bunch of couloirs within a relatively short ski of both Goldmint and Independence Mine trailheads. Other than the popular Rae Wallace chutes on the north side of Marmot, none are easier to access than the Lost Couloir that rises up directly above Independence Mine.

Even if it was lousy skiing--and frequently the surface is less than ideal--the Lost Couloir would be a worthy destination for aesthetics alone. It is a stark gash amidst east-facing cliffs that face the mine, Gold Cord, and the Pinnacle. The couloir is named “Lost” because it is only visible once you have skinned (or walked) slightly north of it, and can look back at how it rises clear to the top of a peak with commanding views of Hatcher Pass.

Depending on conditions, it can be a wallow or a quick booter up Lost Couloir. It is approximately 1,000 feet high, measured from the valley floor. Since it is a quick skin from Independence Mine, it is a common destination for backcountry skiers. If you aren’t among the first visitors since fresh snow, you may find a well-established bootpack to the top. Unless, of course, northwest aspects are wind-hammered, which also can provide for a quick ascent. Regardless of how long the booter takes, you will enjoy it. The rock walls are a delight to climb past, and the couloir provides outstanding views of Gold Cord and the Pinnacle.

Upon emerging at the top of the Lost Couloir, it is clear how much additional ski terrain to which it provides access. A steep, exposed spine descends to the south, while tighter, steeper chutes as well as mellow bowls near the old High Grade mine are to the north. Lost Couloir tops out on a high ridge that looks west over Craigie Creek, a popular snowmachine zone. When snowmachine traffic isn’t too heavy, it could be a fun tour to ski April Bowl off Hatch Peak and then make your way back to Independence Mine via runs in Craigie Creek and finally the Lost Couloir. In addition to other ski lines, the top of the couloir has outstanding views of distant peaks from the Alaska Range to the Chugach.

Lost Couloir isn’t particularly steep, topping out around 40 degrees near the top. Except in particularly firm conditions, it presents a relatively enjoyable, leisurely run back down to the valley, with ample width for turns between often vertical rock walls. Unfortunately, in early season snow conditions there are some very large rocks at the bottom of the apron that would make an avalanche much higher consequence than the terrain would otherwise suggest. As with any backcountry ski destination, don’t ski the Lost Couloir without basic safety equipment such as a beacon, shovel, and probe, and the knowledge and training to assess snowpack stability.

Amidst the practically inexhaustible terrain of Hatcher Pass, Lost Couloir is a quick, easy, highly aesthetic chute. Since it faces northwest and is shadowed by massive rock walls, Lost Couloir is one of the last lines to get sunbaked and melted in late spring. Go ski it between your weekend chores, or integrate it in a longer tour around the Pass.