Chutes

~Rowdy~

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Ok, after a recent trip to AK and some debate on what actually constitutes a "chute" I figured I'd throw up a thread and see what people thought. I've seen what to me are "real chutes" being climbed by some of the best. Here's a pic of an example of what they call a "chute" but when I see the stuff that Dan, Amy, Megan, Laird etc do, this to me doesn't seem like a chute. Thoughts?!

"Chute" in AK
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Chute in BC
april2012049.jpg

Big difference to me...maybe I opened up a big can of worms by asking, but really..what constitutes a "chute"?
 
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powderpilot

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What I really want to know, is that a line in the second chute photo????

I'd have to agree, the first one is a really wide chute with a lot of turnout room, and not a lot of consequence.

I've been thinking about a rating system for climbs, similar to what rock climbers have. Routes are based on difficulty, steepness, and risk. Chute one would be a 5.3, chute 2 I'd give a 5.10 since I think your skis would be scraping the sides of those rocks in the centre. I also think the rating system should go up or down based on HP and track size. Not that I want to turn it into a competition, but I think the term "chute" is used pretty loosely these days, I just call them climbs.
 

Taminator

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Since the word chute applies to more than snowmobiling...and chute is pretty much any incline with sides to it that things can descend (or ascend in this case) like a laundry chute...funnel or channel shaped...versus a hill which would have no definite sides to it. Anything that has this feature would be a chute..no matter how big or small, no? Chute would refers to a shape, versus size or difficulty. For sledding, the term came from 'avalanche chute' so that too determines whether it's a chute or not. :noidea:
PP...good idea, but what a nightmare that would be to.:faint:
 

Johnny

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Ive always considered "chutes" as steep , narrow natural fall lines for avys and rock slides that arent necessarily 1000ft + pulls, they can even be rather short but tight and usually technical. Pict 1 isnt in that category imo. If you cant turn out of it cause of rock faces on either side and your scared shirtless, your probably in a "chute" :p
 

climbmax

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Chutes as described by Wikipedia
)

Couloirs which are common in snowy backcountry as well described in Wikipedia
Couloir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here is a picture of "the super chute" on Turtle Mountain
I'll try to find one of "the Couloir" also in the same area :)
Chutes or Couloirs.....doesn't matter.....they are all fun when the adrenaline is flowing :)
RS
 

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Modman

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Picture of the "coluoir" ......from a few years ago ;)
Came home on a long line last week.....iced right up :(
Safe sleddin
RS

Still my favorite video shot of all time, you making the corner up top between the rocks with inches to spare. AWESOME!
 

X-it

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It always seems to amaze why a picture never seems to look as steep as the real deal.
 

ferniesnow

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You guys can have your "chutes"! My guts and balls have never been big enough for that craziness. I have enough trouble with big trees let alone big rocks, big climbs, and big falls. But, one thing for sure.....to each their own!

Enjoy whatever or wherever you ride.
 
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