About This Route
The Dead Woman's Pass, known as Warmiwañusca at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), offers a thrilling high-altitude snowboard descent on the Inca Trail in Peru. This advanced route starts from the pass summit after a steep hike-up from Pacaymayu, dropping 350 meters over 2 kilometers of intermittent snowfields during the dry season. Snowboarders access it via permitted Inca Trail treks from Km 82, targeting rare powder pockets above 4,000 meters. While not a dedicated resort, this backcountry line demands respect for Andean conditions, blending ancient Incan stone steps under thin snow cover with exposed ridges. REI experts warn that snow quality varies; expect wind-packed crust or boilerplate ice rather than deep powder. Follow Leave No Trace by sticking to durable snow surfaces and packing out all waste.
Safety Considerations
Altitude sickness strikes 50% of trekkers above 3,000 meters per NPS high-altitude protocols; acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before attempting. Check MINCETUR weather forecasts for Cusco; sudden whiteouts reduce visibility to zero on the pass. Avalanches are rare but possible on east-facing slopes post-storms; carry an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel as per American Avalanche Association standards. The uneven terrain hides rocks and ruins under snow, increasing crash risks; scout lines on foot first. Inca Trail permits are mandatory (book via authorized operators); unpermitted boarding is illegal and dangerous. Hydrate aggressively (4 liters daily), monitor for hypoxia symptoms like dizziness, and descend immediately if affected. Train with hill repeats and cardio to mimic the 1,200-meter ascent to the pass.
Essential Gear
Beyond standard snowboard setup, pack layered clothing: merino base layers, Gore-Tex shell, and insulated puffy from Patagonia or Arc'teryx for sub-zero temps. Trekking poles double as probes; use Voile straps for skinning up. Include a hyperbaric altitude bag, Diamox tablets (consult physician), UV-protective goggles (Category 4 lenses), and a PLB like Garmin inReach for SOS. Crampons and ice axe for bootpack approaches per Mountaineering Club of Peru guidelines.