Phil at the base of Tukuarika Peak
Whenever leaving the park I would see this peak at the head of Open Canyon. Pyramid shaped with a beautiful long east face ski descent on it. Apparently “Tukuarika” is a Shoshone name for the Sheepeater Indians. After getting steep and aggressive on the Apocalypse and the V Couloirs recently, it was time to ski a long moderate corn run. My alarm went off at 3 am and we were biking down the Mooose Wilson Rd, then bushwhacking up to the mouth of Open Canyon the best we could. Open Canyon is no bargain with many ups and downs, and steep sidehilling. Once in the canyon things “open” up quite nicely.
Phil skins Open Canyon with Mt Hunt on the left, and Tukuarika on the right right.
The 2200 vertical east face of Tukuarika
Phil skins up Tukuarika with the North Face of Mt Hunt in the background
Phil on a steep section of the NE ridge Tukuarika
Mike Calla ridge walking
Phil climbs next to some colorful rock
Tukuarika summit
Mike Calla skis the upper east face Tukuarika Peak
Phil cruises the corn on Tukuarika
The skiing was superb. Silky smooth corn for 3000 vertical into Open Canyon. What a great way to spend the day. Amazing corn skiing this year in the Tetons!
Phil skis the lower face
corn tracks