Kickstep (Ski)

Kickstep’s crenellations, spines, and chutes appear to rise vertically from the valley below. The mountain looms at the back of Turnagain Pass, visible from the road and, because of its prominence, from nearly every commonly skied peak in the area. It is an alluring and imposing destination.

Mike Records on the northwest face of Kickstep, descending toward the pocket glacier

Yet it isn’t too difficult to climb. Adventurous winter travelers should consider making it a destination, including but not necessarily limited to skilled backcountry skiers.

Kickstep is accessible from the valley in between Tincan and Sunburst. The fastest way to get there is to follow the common Tincan skin track uphill, then hang a right and contour around the mountainside to the valley. The only logistical challenge is figuring out when to veer off the standard skin track. I recommend heading right after two brief downhills in the spruces, and before climbing to treeline. It is certainly possible to climb higher and ski the south face of Tincan around or before Tincan Commons, and many skiers go all the way to Tincan Proper and then ski down to the valley before ascending Kickstep. Parking at the Center Ridge lot is an option as well, though it is longer and, if following the Center Ridge winter trail, more inefficient with numerous ups and downs. Assuming you take the Tincan route, it shouldn’t take more than a half hour to get from the parking lot to the valley.

After skiing approximately four miles from the car, you’ll be below a pocket glacier that is directly below Kickstep’s steep northwest face. Kickstep’s west ridge climbs directly to the summit from here, and generally is the easiest route to climb. Depending on snow conditions, it may be possible to skin up the old lateral moraine, onto the pocket glacier, and then onto the ridge itself. At some point--likely either from the pocket glacier or at the point that the ridgeline steepens--it will be necessary to begin bootpacking up the ridge. Good snow conditions are essential for an enjoyable climb. Icy surfaces would dramatically increase the fall hazard down Kickstep’s steep south face, which has numerous cliff bands.

Most of the ridge is straightforward and does not feel too exposed. However, about two-thirds of the way up, a little rock promontory requires side hilling across the south face, then climbing vertically to regain the ridge. This short traverse probably is the most dangerous spot both for falling and potential avalanches. It will probably make you glad to have brought a whippet or ice ax. When you’re transitioning from the traverse back up to the ridge, check out two ski descent options below. Down and to skier’s right, a steep route weaves through rocks and cliff bands to the valley below. Down and to skier’s left, a bowl compresses into a very narrow chute called the Hose. It is almost certainly scoured from sloughing snow.

Another option for descent, at least in a good snow year, is Kickstep’s northwest face. This will become more visible as you near the summit. It is to your left, and sufficiently steep that it appears to disappear into nothingness. If you intend to descend this route, it is a good idea to survey it from the pocket glacier, which will illustrate the importance of picking a line that doesn’t terminate in a large cliff.

It is not necessary to pick a ski line at all, of course. Many people ski out to Kickstep’s pocket glacier, stash their skis, and bootpack up and down the mountain. Not skiing from the summit is definitely the right option if you don’t want to ski 50 degree and steeper snow when most of the lines include some exposure to cliffs. The mellow approach and possibility of a bootpack ascent and descent makes a Kickstep climb ascent possible for advanced cross country skiers or snowshoers with infinite patience.

Kickstep’s summit (watch out for a cornice that can form on the south face) has enchanting views of the Isthmus Icefield, Carpathian, Byron, Spencer Glacier, the Placer Valley, apparently endless glaciers at the back of 20 Mile River, the whole sweep of the Chugach along Turnagain Arm, and the rarely-visited peaks between Kickstep and Pastoral.

Take care descending to avoid exposing multiple skiers at the same time. Be aware that very large sluffs could sweep you clear to the valley floor, and over a bunch of rocks along the way. If descending the northwest face, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid plunging into the double and offset bergschrund that will not necessarily be covered up by months of snow. Given the peak’s orientation, it is vital to be aware of the sun’s impact on snow and stability if descending the south face in springtime.

If you have skied even a few days at Turnagain Pass, Kickstep is probably on your mind as a distant and inviting summit. It really isn’t too far, and the ascent is not particularly technical in the right conditions. During periods of a stable Turnagain snowpack, it’s a good time for a mission to climb Turnagain’s crown jewel.