North Face (aka Tuning Fork)

Torrey's "Big Ol' Strip of Snow" is visible from Interstate 70 at the Bakersville exit. The Tuning Fork is another name that gets used. About 1,000 meters of ski descent are possible.

Hike or skin the road from the Grizzly Creek road up to the Grays Peak Trailhead. If there is enough snow, leave the trail at the footbridge and skin up the creek (see map photo). After getting back on the trail at the wilderness sign, it's best to take off the skis and hike the trail from here to the Grays-Torrys saddle, then up Torreys southeast ridge to the summit.

Unlike Dead Dog or Main Face, there is a short hike down to The Big Ol' Strip of Snow. Walk down the ridge towards Grizzly Peak, until you see the run. The summer photo is there to help you estimate how much to hike down the summit ridge. A short downclimb on loose talus leads to the snow. No natural ledges to help with clicking in. There are usually a few warm-up turns before the crux, 40+ degree, choke (See Kirk Miller Photo).

Kicking steps up Torreys' north face is a great workout but not recommendable because of rock fall.

Check out the funky map/photo for other options.

Either a whippet for skiers or ice axe for riders. But the top of the face is steep enough that in some conditions a huge, deadly, fall is possible. My worst memory is of a thin surface crust that supports skiers but lets a whippet rip through easily.