When Ryan and Pow arrived up at Arthurs Pass the decision was made to go check out an area called the Devils Punchbowl. We would have to follow a climbers trail up if we wanted to skirt around the 300 foot waterfall. If all worked out we hoped we would find some great lines in the upper bowl. We decided it would be best to exit via Temple Basin turning it into a ski traverse.
After clawing our way up steep vegetation for around 2000 feet we finally made it into alpine. Behind us was the stunning backdrop of Arthurs Pass, Mount Rolleston and the Southern Alps.
The higher we climbed the more stunning the views were. It was a beautiful day to get into the alpine.
Once in the high country we could see that the snow pack was thin. Our attention became focused on an aesthetic couloir in the distance. It’s the line on the mid right hand side of this photo.
We had hoped for good riding conditions found firm wind buffet pow. As we climbed the line hoping it would improve.
When we made it to the top of the couloir we were looking at the backside ski touring on Temple Basin Ski area. We had a clear view of the Mingha Bowl.
Riding a Couloir in the Devils Punchbowl
The ride down was edge able and fun. It was a nice line to ride and we went down one at a time.
The lower slopes had barely enough coverage to make it to the valley floor if we dodged a few rocks. Soon enough we were back in the valley and preparing for our final climb.
For our final climb we decided to head north to the ridge line towards the summit of Cassidy. From there we would be able to ride down to Temple Basin ski area.
As we made it to the summit of Cassidy we were basking in the late afternoon sunshine. In the end we got sunset corn down to the resort before hiking down to the road in the dark.
It was a great day with great company. While we were looking for powder we had every condition other than what we had come for. The next day was calling for sunshine so we made it back to the hut to prepare for another long day.
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