| Report Type | Mini |
| Peak(s) |
Torreys Peak - 14,272 feet |
| Date Posted | 06/10/2025 |
| Date Climbed | 04/26/2025 |
| Author | chrisharkness |
| Tuning Fork Couloir ski descent. Lots of problems but I survived |
|---|
|
I suppose at some point in one's learning experience, things have to start going wrong, right? For me this happened on my ski descent of the "Tuning Fork Couloir" on Torrey's Peak. This would be my 3rd 14er ski descent for the season amidst a slew of other backcountry outings, so perhaps I was getting a bit complacent. Knowing I would be alone as usual, I opted for the "Tuning Fork", which on paper was supposed to be slightly easier than adjacent couloirs (like the "Emperor") and easier than the Quandary Couloir which I had skied a few weeks prior without a problem. This time I decided I wanted to actually climb what I would ski (as opposed to making it some kind of loop) so I brought crampons and an axe. 
I parked at the winter trailhead right off the freeway exit and started hiking up the dry road. After making it to the Grizzly Gulch right turn where one can start hiking up the snowmobile trail to access the north side of Torrey's, I stopped to put on skis and skins. First mistake: upon rummaging through my pack to start tracking on my Inreach, I noticed it was nearly dead. I thought I had charged it and turned it off, but I apparently forgot to turn it off. Second mistake: I forgot my skins! Oh no, I had already gotten a pretty late start and now I would be post-holing up this thing? I donned crampons instead and started trudging up the snowmobile trail. 
Although the start was on promising ice, I started sinking in more and more. As I started booting up couloir, I was getting tired quick. I paused several hundred feet up the snow for some food and water, and dropped my phone! I watched it slide effortlessly down the slope and out of sight. Ugh, I was in some serious trouble now. Debating whether I should bail on this project or not, I stached the pack and started butt sliding down the snow to attempt to find my phone. By some miracle, I saw a tiny black protrusion out of an old footprint in the snow. It had been snared here before careening down the rest of the slope into infinite. Re-climb 500'. Break again. Now I was tired and I had only just begun climbing. Determined, I trudged on. Sinking, hamster-wheeling, clawing, falling forwards, it was ridiculous. What a difference skins make. Eventually I decided to bail from the snow and climb the rocky ridge to the left instead. It was a bunch of loose steep scree and precarious boulders. Not much better. Finally, after over 6 hours of continuous effort, I collapsed onto the summit. How the heck was I gonna get down this thing? I tried to rest and recuperate but I was getting cold and antsy; and it was already getting pretty late in the day. I would have to go for it. I really wasn't interested in descending unfamiliar terrain at this point. So, exhausted I stumbled over to an entry point. As soon I started skiing, I was stopped dead in my tracks. Melted snow had frozen solid to my already skinless skis in freezing summit temps. Regroup, clear the ice, try again. Why did this feel so hard? I could tell it wasn't as steep other things I'd done, but my legs were just worked. The crux was right off the bat. With no energy for jump turns, I shamelessly side-slipped falling-leaf-style through the whole choke point. I wasn't after style points obviously, just survival. Eventually the terrain opened up and I was able to take slow, broad, and sweeping turns across the expanse. Once again, conditions were perfect for skiing. I felt bad for being in such miserable shape. What a classic descent this was! I took a lot of breaks, and the descent down one of Colorado's longest couloirs felt like it took forever. At last, trees started to materialize again, I was warm enough to eschew the jacket. Soon I was back on the Grizzly Gulch trail, skate-skiing back to the road, and safety. I had survived. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow): 
|
| Comments or Questions |
|---|
|
|
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
