by Robert J Lester IG: @mountain.king97
In the winter of 2017, I traveled with Joel Hiebert and Justin Hodges to Utah to ski in the Northern Wasatch. The goal was to summit and ski Ben Lomond Peak, a relatively unheard of mountain compared to some of the legendary peaks found farther south in the Wasatch Range. Ben Lomond Peak so happens to be the peak that Paramount Pictures modeled their logo after, which made it stick out. We wanted to ski the mountain that is shown before all those movies we had watched as kids.
While making our ascent, we noticed what seemed to be a tight couloir coming off the Southeastern side of Willard Peak, the peak just to the North of Ben Lomond. We instantly wanted to ski the line, considering canceling our current objective for this new mystery line. Although common sense prevailed, leading to a truly wonderful summit and ski of Ben Lomond, the desire to ski the new line burned deep inside of me.
Upon return, research into the unknown couloir of Willard Peak immediately began. Despite intensive efforts, no beta, trip reports, or even stories about the couloir were ever found.
In the spring of 2019, Joel and I decided that it was time to return to the Northern Wasatch for the line that had eaten away at us for the last two years.
Beginning long before first light, we made the same approach and ascent as two years previous. The plan was to summit Ben Lomond then traverse northward across the ridge that connected Ben Lomond and Willard Peak. Once we reached the summit of Ben Lomond, we met a local legend known for not only his local knowledge but also his impressive accomplishments. That day he was trying to accomplish something that he believed had never been done, skiing all three faces major faces of Ben Lomond Peak in a single day. Ravenous for any knowledge or Beta that he might have, I asked about our mistery line. He replied that he had skied it several times and started to share some about his past experiences. As he talked, I realized he was referring to a more prominent line farther to lookers right. After correcting him saying our goal was the much steeper narrower couloir to the left, he was incredulous, saying “That’s a rock climb, it’s completely a dihedral in the summer. I’ve never even heard of anyone thinking about skiing that!” Wishing us the best of luck and saying that he couldn’t wait to look for our tracks in the couloir we headed our separate ways.
Under perfect bluebird conditions, Joel and I traversed to Willard Peak. Due to uncertain snow conditions, we had to drop down the west side of the ridge before re-climbing to the top of the couloir. We observed several cornices above the couloir from the summit of Ben Lomond, but once we reached the top, the shear size and magnitude of these cornices overhanging the line we were about to ski, was staggering. After clearing the bottom of the line for one final time, I put on my harness, anchored myself, and began cutting will my shovel.
Several of the smaller cornices went with ease cutting away from the rock. Then it was time to go to work on the largest of the problem cornices, which was probably equal to the size and weight of the Toyota we had driven to Utah in. I began chopping and cutting with my shovel, until suddenly the cornice released, nearly taking my shovel with it. The massive cornice plunged into the couloir resulting in a tremendous crash that shook the ground followed by that stomach-turning sound that every ski mountaineer knows. The cornice had hit the couloir triggering the top layer of snow to avalanche down the steep line.
Based on snow conditions, the look of the first rappel and evaluation of the line, we decided to go forward with the planned ski descent. After building and checking an anchor, I rappelled into the couloir first. The local we met earlier in the day had been correct. The top of the line was a true dihedral. After coming off rappel, Joel rapped down to join me. While we hung on the wall at the top of the couloir, setting the second rappel, Joel sarcastically commented that he thought he had figured out why there was a lack of Beta and why no one else had probably ever skied the line before.
After finishing the second rappel, we pulled the rope, stashed the gear, and prepared to ski. The line was still extremely steep and sustained, but the terrain still felt manageable. Joel took on the beast first. He side-slipped over some steep ice before diving into the true skiing. As he descended, Joel increased the aggressiveness of his turns until the couloir finally began to widen around him. Joel turned left into an island of safety.
It was my turn next. All of the time, energy, planning, and research was about to pay off. I checked my gear one last time, took a deep breath, and began my descent. The couloir is without a doubt the steepest I’ve ever skied, and with the variable snow conditions, adjustments needed to be made with each turn. Admittedly, those first turns were not the most fun requiring incredible focus and concentration, but the skiing improved with every passing foot. By the time I passed Joel, I was charging. Attacking the line and loving every bit of it. Continuing to the bottom, I knew my sluff would be an issue entering the final bottleneck. Coming into the constriction, I could feel the couloir narrowing on either side of me. Four quick short radius turns, and I was through, allowing me to increase my speed, exit the couloir, and cut right to wait for Joel.
After finishing the decent Joel and I looked back up at the couloir surveying our work. The line couloir still looked as fierce and daunting as ever, but the pride shared between us knowing that we had conquered it was a feeling that I will never forget.
The remaining skiing was incredible. Deep powder over rolling hills allowed for huge arcing turns. Those special conditions that keep all backcountry enthusiasts coming back. We concluded the day with a hot skin back up to the ridge and a final descent on tired legs back to the car that only increased our pride for the accomplishments of the day.
Continued research has resulted in no additional information about the steep and narrow couloir off Willard Peak. We have named the line ‘Another Day In Paradise Couloir’ and will refer to it as such until we are informed of any prior name. Claiming a first ski descent in an area like the Wasatch, where backcountry skiing is so popular and has such a historical past, can put you on dangerous ground. In light of the lack of information, technical nature, high level of difficulty, several local reports, and lack of physical evidence, it’s safe to assume that we were the first people ever to ski 'Another Day In Paradise Couloir.’ We do in fact make this claim with respect and reverence to any who may have done what we have accomplished before us. If anyone has any knowledge or information on 'Another Day In Paradise Couloir’ please contact us and share what you know.
