Skiing Mount Shasta
Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Mount Shasta stands as one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring peaks in the country. Once you lay eyes on Mt. Shasta, it is impossible to not want to stand on its summit. Towering 14,179 feet above the surrounding terrain, Shasta offers some of the longest fall-line ski descents of any cascades volcano. Avalanche Gulch and the West Face are counted among the famous “50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.”
The West Face Route
While many skiers and snowboarders opt for Avalanche Gulch, the West Face is a hidden gem that sees a lot less traffic. It is arguably a better fall-line ski descent than Avalanche Gulch. The West Face offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding wilderness. Both ski routes hold a moderate steepness and can be a 7,000-vertical-foot corn run. Descending from 14,179 ft is something all ski and split-board mountaineers live for.
Climbing and Skiing the West Face
To access the West Face, we will start from the Bunny Flat Trailhead, located at 7,000 feet above sea level. After a gear check and weather/avalanche conditions update, we will hoist our packs and begin our adventure. From here, we tour up to our camp below the west face. The views from camp are out of this world. In the evening your guide will prepare a great meal and we will begin preparations for day 2.
On day 2 of our program, we work through the skills necessary to summit Mt. Shasta seamlessly. We practice utilizing our crampons and ice axes, rope skills, avalanche awareness, ski mountaineering tactics, and much more. During day 2 we will also make a ski descent of the sub-peak Shastina.
Day 3 we begin early in the morning. The climb begins by skinning uphill, often utilizing our ski crampons. Eventually, we switch to boot crampons and ice axes, and utilize the rope. As the day progresses we will watch the snow begin to soften up as we crest the crater. After a big day, we will crest the summit of this magnificent mountain. The views from here are surreal as we click into our skis and boards, and then begin the long fall-line descent back to camp. We then have a quick break, pack up camp and descend back to the trailhead. We will then often head to town for a celebratory dinner!
In addition to the standard 3-day trip, we also offer a Shasta descent as a two-day program. This program is great for those who have a broad background in ski mountaineering and are very familiar with the use of an ice axe, crampons, and ski mountaineering techniques. The 2-day program also requires a stronger fitness base, as you will not have time to get used to the altitude.
The Terrain
The West Face of Mount Shasta is known for its variety of terrain and steepness. It features long, sustained pitches, starting from around 9,000 feet and rising up to the summit. These slopes range from 35 to 40 degrees in slope angle, offering the perfect pitch for great corn or powder skiing.
We often utilize the Avalanche Gulch route as well, depending on conditions. This route is a large fall line descent. The only downfall to the Avalanche Gulch route is the crowds. We often opt for the West Face as it sees much less traffic.
Conditions and Timing
Skiing Mt. Shasta’s West Face requires careful planning, especially when it comes to timing your trip. The best window for skiing the West Face is typically spring, from late April to early June. During this period, the mountain generally receives more sunshine, favorable weather, and the snowpack tends to be more stable. Avalanche considerations, ski conditions, and weather are always at the forefront of our certified guides’ decision-making process.
Safety and Preparation
Skiing the West Face is not for beginner skiers or snowboarders, and safety should always be the top priority. Before attempting the route, skiers should be well-prepared with the proper equipment and experience. This means knowing how to use avalanche safety tools, understanding backcountry navigation, and being comfortable with steep and technical terrain. During our programs, your guide will give you all the skills necessary to safely ascend and descend the mountain. However, if your guide deems your ski or snowboard skills are not to the level to safely descend the mountain, he or she holds the right to make the decisions necessary to put your safety as the top priority.
More on Backcountry Gear and Safety:
Why Go with Valhalla Mountain Guides
Our guides are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. Not all companies you can go with will have certified guides on the trip. They will say they are AMGA trained. This means they have taken the beginning courses but have never been fully vetted and examined. Our certified guides are held to the highest standards in the industry and have been tested on all aspects of ski, alpine, and rescue skills.
Valhalla Mountain Guides offers state-of-the-art equipment. Our gear is all turned over every 2 years, and we keep everything in the best condition. You can borrow almost any gear you may need from us. We do not, however, have backcountry touring equipment such as boots, skis/splitboard. This can be rented at the Fifth Season shop in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Our guides are customer service specialists and are some of the most experienced in the industry. We hold our guides to the highest standards. This leads to a safer, more rewarding experience for our guests. Our team is extremely friendly and you are guaranteed to make lifelong friends on this adventure!
The Reward of Skiing Mt. Shasta
The experience of skiing down Mt. Shasta is nothing short of unforgettable. The raw beauty of the surrounding landscapes, the sense of remoteness, and the sheer pleasure rush of carving down the perfect fall-line slopes make it a bucket-list experience for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Mt. Shasta is a special mountain full of history and allure. This adds to the sense of accomplishment when you reach the bottom. After we finish our descent, we head to a local restaurant where we can stare at the mountain and let the accomplishment really set in.
Summit rewards!
