The North Fork of Mill D in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a very popular backcountry skiing area. Dozens of groups skin up this side canyon to get to places like Reynolds Peak, Big and Little Water and Powder Park. But a good place to avoid the crowds is an unnamed peak near Desolation Lake sometimes known as “Overconfidence Kills.”
In the book “Wasatch Tours Volume 2”, in the section about Mill D North Fork, there is a write up about this unnamed peak and the tragic avalanche that took the life of a skier in 1979. The title of this section is “Overconfidence Kills” and has since become the unofficial name of this area.
Turns out that “Overconfidence Kills” is a killer place to farm powder.
Many great options for skiing the ridge are spread out below all along the ridgeline. There are steep, open bowls to the west and sheltered trees with small cliff bands and chutes to the east. During days with unstable snowpack conditions, choose to stay in the trees, although avalanches are possible because the entire area is pretty steep. But overall the skiing is protected from the sun with a nice pitch and untracked snow.
The approach is low angle and long, but if you have all day, Overconfidence Kills is a perfect yo-yo tour. Simply park at the Spruces campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, cross the road and skin up the trail that leads through a bunch of summer cabins. When you eventually reach a fork at an old wooden sign, go right toward Desolation Lake. You will see Overconfidence Kills as the highest point on your right. You can also access the ever popular Powder Park from here.
Once you gain the top of the ridge, you will be treated with a sweet view of Kessler Peak and Cardiff Fork to the south and the incredible mountain biking route of the Wasatch Crest to the north above Desolation Lake.
As always, check the avalanche report before heading into the backcountry and never go without a beacon, shovel, probe pole and a friend.