Pickhandle Point on it’s south face is a wide open swath that goes all the way down to Morse Creek. It’s a big line that should only be rode in the most stable of conditions as it’s clear for a reason. Over the years I had been looking at the line waiting for the right day to snowboard it. With no snow new snow within the ski resort we decided to go check it out.
Heading out to Pickhandle Point From Crystal Mountain
It was getting late in the Season and there was a new coating of snow in the hills. Bryan, Kyle Welch and I decided to go out on a ski tour to find the best snow around. Our attention focused on the Pickhandle Point south face via a line called the Big One. The Big one is a drainage that runs for well over 2000 vert and seemed like it would be a great day.
We rode up the Forest Queens chairlift before traversing over to the top of the Quicksilver run. Before long we were putting on our touring gear and traversing over to Bear Gap. Soon we had summited Pickhandle Peak and looking at the surrounding peaks. It was a stunningly clear day as we looked around at the surrounding peak. Off to our west we had a great view of the south face of Crown Point.
Riding Down Pickhandle Point on the South Face
Not knowing how the conditions were cautiously made our way into the south gully. Bryan dropped in first and after a quick ski cut it stuck to the high ridge. The snow was wet as it was south face put still super fun to ride.
Soon enough he dropped down the gully and was making great looking turns near the ridge. He had a smooth style as he linked his turns. We could tell that the snow was both good and fast. Once he was in a safe spot it was time for Kyle to drop in.
We could tell that the conditions were heating up fast so when Kyle dropped in he did another ski cut. This time around he was able to get the snow to move. Fortunately Bryan was in a safe place as the wetslide went past. Finally it was time for Kyle to safely ride the trees off to the side and stay out of the gut.
Wet Slide Chaos on Pickhandle Point via the South Face
Now the gut was filled with avalanche debris that had now frozen up. Knowing that the sides were still good we worked with the features. Fortunately the terrain was wide open and we were able to open up a bit.
There was an obvious reason why the line was called the big one. Know the lower apron was filled with avalanche debris but there was still good snow to ride. We all met up on the a safe spot on the side of the run. After a quick chat we were ready to ride a bit lower.
Riding down towards Morse Creek we had a blast as it was a long run. We were happy that we made the right call not riding Pickhandle Point South face into the main part gut. If we got caught in an avalanche it could have been a serious situation. Soon we were at the bottom of our line and preparing to climb back over Bear Gap.
Heading Back to the Resort via the Stormtrooper
It was way to unstable to head out for another south facing line. Before long we decided to head up to the Stormtrooper for our final descent back to the base. Knowing it was north facing the snow was stable powder all the way back to the resort. Though our timing was off it was a fun day all together.
Thank you for reading this trip on Pickhandle Point South Face. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.