Skywalker Couloir

Skywalker Couloir is the main couloir on the south face of South Arapahoe Peak. Approach via Eldora, Hessie, and the Fourth of July Mine trail. From the mine, take the right fork up the trail toward the couloir, and when the trail turns east up the hillside, head straight north to the base of the couloir. It starts at about 40 degrees and gradually steepens to 55 degrees near the top. A direct finish (Princess Leia variation) through a narrow slot is steeper - 60-65 degrees and quite aesthetic. In early June 2002 most of the couloir was good neve and some ice, although there were fresh slide zones and some spots of undercut soft snow. The direct finish was a hairy mix of rotten snow and ice that barely held steps or crampon sticks. Alternate finishes go left and right to avoid this. The summit is 300' east.

The couloir is well-documented in Roach's Indian Peaks guidebook. Have fun!

An occasional picket could prove useful, and some gear can be placed in the walls of the couloir.