This is a ghostly route that requires perfect conditions to form and even then will only last for a few hours to a day or two. It is probably one of the most coveted, high-alpine, technical ice/mixed routes in all of Colorado. With a south-facing aspect, it uses the steep snowfield above to form the 200' vertical ice wall. This is reached via a 200' mixed slab/face below and left of the amazing ice route. Two or more start possibilities exist here. A bunch of snow is needed to build the ice route, but that also increases the avalanche danger significantly, making it one of the more dangerous objectives. If it should form, hit it early morning at first light or on a super cloudy day. The approach (although relatively short in length) is long and demanding and is ideally reached on skis.

The exposure to massive avalanche is extremely high, a very risky route. Conditions can be observed from I-70, best seen with a high-powered spotting scope. What appears at a distance to be "solid" ice can typically be a rotten wall of delaminated horror.

Descent: a few small trees can be rapped from, above the ice flow.  We rapped again from a V-thread at the base of the ice and traversed back west to our packs/skis. Bring your "A" game.

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Routes in Gore Range