Pumphouse Falls

This is a Vail classic that is normally in when others are not. It is often confused with the 19th Fairway. This climb is in a deeper gully to the East of the 19th Fairway. Parking is at the Golf Course Pumphouse which stands alone between Aspen Lane and the rest of the golf course residents. Cross the telemark trails, and go directly up the gully. In deep snow, this ascent can take 45 minutes or more. The climb is 60-70 feet and a great place to practice lead. The middle line is closer to WI 4, while the outside lines provide poorer ice but easier angle. There is a belay station to the left and a backboard even further left. The only hazard might be the deceptive shelf below the middle line, which can catch even a moderate lead fall. Be safe.

We've used V-threads to toprope directly off the ice. There are also some trees to the left and maybe 20 feet back from the main lines.

Per Daniel Kay: there is a bolted anchor above the center line. V-threads/ ice screw anchors or slinging certain trees (to the left and maybe 20 feet back from the main lines) will work if the bolted anchor is occupied.