Backcountry Skiing Utah - Tushar Mtns (day 1)

We got an early start today to finish our drive to the Tushar Mtns. We drove up route 153 past Eagle Point ski resort to the seasonal closure.

This area of the Tushar Mtns is outside Beaver, UT

There was a large paved area plowed out on the side of the road – this will be our home for the next few days.

at the road closure

Since its mid week we don’t expect to have any company. We got our gear together and started skinning up 153 past the road closure. We got lured into this approach by an existing snowmobile track (big mistake).



Skinning up the road (photo by Rich)



This is the top of a bathroom - no shortage of snow. This is where we turned left off the road

We took the long way around to get to City Creek Peak and its subpeak to the north. We skinned for a long time for not that many turns but we still got some good skiing in today.

At the summit (photos by Rich)

Brian

Rich

We ended up having to put our skins back on in the Cullen Creek drainage that led to Puffer Lake near the RV...now we’re just pissed off. The sun was setting by the time we crossed the lake and we were all exhausted.

Skinning across Puffer Lake to the RV (photo by Rich)

Once back at the RV though, it was time to celebrate Sean’s 34th birthday. We popped the cork on a bottle of Russell’s Reserve 10yr Kentucky Bourbon and soaked up the last sun light of the day.  Before we knew it, the bottle was empty and it was time to eat Brian’s awesome chili. Still not roughing it. All in all, a good day in the mountains.

Russell's Reserve 10yr Kentucky Bourbon...awesome

Tushar Mtns – City Creek Peak Area

Getting there: I-70 turns into I-15, head south to exit 112 at Beaver, UT. Take route 160 west of the highway into town, turn left onto route 153. Drive past Eagle Point Ski Resort to the road closure just past Puffer Lake.

Route: We took the loooong way around on the closed section of route 153. I recommend skinning across or around Puffer Lake and heading up the Cullen Creek drainage. There is a lot of skiing to be had on City Creek Peak and its subpeaks.

Precautions: Standard avalanche safety warnings - see yesterday's post for more local info. Also, watch out for open water on Puffer Lake. Skin around the lake if you aren't sure whether or not the ice is thick enough.



City Creek Peak downhill shown on green arrow, RV parked on red