Rookie on the Ridge: Everest Ridge Ski Descent on Timpanogos

 By Drew Clegg 

There are few places in Utah that deliver the scale, beauty, and seriousness of Everest Ridge on Mount Timpanogos. Towering above the valley, this line isn’t just about snow and slope — it’s about endurance, timing, and a little grit. This spring, I teamed up with a new partner, Skyler — a first-timer to big mountain objectives — to give it a proper go.

We started our climb at 11 p.m. in Orem, moving fast by headlamp under a still sky. No skins, no switchbacks. Just crampons and axes — the direct line up the wind-raked spine of Everest Ridge. Exposed, icy, and narrow in spots, the ridge demanded our full attention as we gained elevation through the night.

                                                                                 Skyler gaining Everest Ridge exposure — knife-edge traverses and over big air.

Skyler held strong for hours. But by 6:40 a.m., with the summit finally in reach, he hit that wall — the one every backcountry skier meets eventually. No real nutritional plan, just adrenaline and ambition. It’s a mistake many of us have made, especially when you’re locked in on skiing a lifetime line. A quick break, a few calories, and a mindset shift made all the difference.

                                                                            Final stretch — the last hundred feet to the summit after an all-night climb.

He rallied. We topped out at 8:40 a.m., standing in total calm.

The view? Unreal. Timp’s massive east face dropped away beneath us, and to the west, Utah Lake mirrored a quiet morning sky. But the snow was still frozen solid, so we waited. At 9:30, it corned up — and the moment arrived. We fired up the drones, clicked into skis, and pointed it down.

6,000 vertical feet later, we hit the valley floor, speechless. Big sweeping turns, stable spring snow, and clean drone footage that looked straight out of a Warren Miller segment. Skyler’s first big descent — and one neither of us will forget.

From Spring Lines to Summer Speed

Days like this remind me why we started Clegg Mountain Company — not just to chase snow, but to create raw, unforgettable outdoor days. That same energy? We’re bringing it to the water.

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Whether you’re coming off a mountain or pulling up lakeside, we’ve got the gear and the game plan to make it a day to remember.

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📸 Want to see the Everest Ridge footage?
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