What is the chute?
The chute is utilized early in the season when the 96 Switchbacks are still blocked by snow. The chute is located near the base of the Sierra Crest and ends at Trail Crest (13,600′). This is a high angle ascent which requires an ice axe, gaiters, crampons, Gore-Tex pants for the glissade back down, the ability to read snow conditions and the knowledge of how to self arrest and self belay. During the summer you can see the trail back to the chute for the trail going up to Trail Crest. Do not make this you first attempt at glissading. There have been fatal glissading accidents in this area the latest being in October 2005.
The chute is utilized early in the season when the 96 Switchbacks are still blocked by snow. The chute is located near the base of the Sierra Crest and ends at Trail Crest (13,600′). This is a high angle ascent which requires an ice axe, gaiters, crampons, Gore-Tex pants for the glissade back down and the knowledge of how to self arrest. During the summer you can see the trail back to the chute from the trail going up to Trail Crest.
