The Slot via Phantom Ridge

The Slot is a narrow couloir feature off Phantom Ridge in the broader Chair Peak basin north of Snoqualmie Pass. The standard approach climbs the Snow Lake trail from the Alpental upper lot, drops to Snow Lake, traverses up the basin, and works onto Phantom ridge for the Slot's entrance. The descent itself runs about six hundred feet of fall-line skiing, then exits via Thunder Creek back to the Snow Lake drainage.

The skiing is the appeal — a tight couloir that holds powder on cold cycles and skis as corn through spring. The line stays manageable for parties comfortable with steep snow but unforgiving of poor judgment. Approach traverse routes through avalanche terrain on the way to Phantom ridge demand current avalanche advisory readings.

Best windows match the broader Chair Peak basin pattern — cold midwinter for powder, spring corn cycles for warmer-day laps. Snow Lake trail itself is busy through the day; the Slot sees a steady but light trickle of skiers who know it. Northwest Forest Pass at the Alpental upper lot.