The ridge of Cornucopia Peak creates a large U-shaped ski-able formation with a pretty consistent shape on both south and north aspects. The top of the ridge is mostly 35-40 degree-angled slopes that gradually run out to mellower terrain. This can make for both fun skiing but challenging terrain to climb with avalanche danger. The route shown here is meant to be one of the less dangerous ways to gain the ridge, starting at the bench where Schneider Cabin is located.
The SW aspect is known by the locals as "Avalanche Alley," a common spot where snowmobilers poach wilderness and have triggered and been caught in avalanches. Unfortunately, the 2014 ski fatalities happened on this SW aspect that released into a terrain trap.
Access
Park at the bottom of Carson Grade Rd. There is a turnaround area that can be tight, a short ways up the road. No snopark permit required. Snowmobile the road up Carson Grade then take a right and go past McBride campground where you could take a right for a more technical and dangerous approach via Summit Point. Otherwise, to follow this route continue over the top and descend down the road to where you will eventually follow Little Eagle Creek back up. Another access into this same road is via Sparta and then through Empire Gulch.
When you arrive at "The Orchard" a clearing with fences, stay right on the road. Follow the road as it winds up the mountain and eventually spits out in an open area where you begin a more technical ascent up the ridge that first involves a short sidehill on a potentially corniced ridge. The crux is a little saddle that takes you onto a final steeper pitch up to the bench where the cabin sits. You could easily park here and skin up the ridge. When you arrive at the bench to the south of Cornucopia Peak, there is a wilderness boundary not far into the bench. The cabin lies outside of the wilderness though. Much of this is groomed by the Panhandlers Club but the last stretch at the top requires some route finding.
