Mount Shasta 2-Day Ski
via West Face or Avalanche Gulch

Mt. Shasta is one of the most beautiful snow covered mountains in the country. From the freeway or the town the peak is breathtaking. The most southern and second highest Volcano (14,180 ft) in the cascades presents one of California’s most sought after ski mountaineering objectives. While on the mountain our team of AMGA Certified mountain guides will give you the skillset necessary to ascend and descend this beautiful volcano.

Our 2-day Mt. Shasta ski descent program is designed for individuals who have a background in ski mountaineering. The 2 day program is an accelerated itinerary. During this program we will work on things such as using crampons and an ice axe. However, we do not have time to dive deep into the skills. If you want to gain more in depth snow skills check out our Mt. Shasta 3 day program.

On Day 1 we will head in and set up our basecamp at either the base of the West Face or the base of the Avalanche Gulch route. In the afternoon we will work through snow school going over basic crampon and ice axe techniques. That evening your guide will prepare you a great meal and you will get to bed early for the summit push on Day 2.

Day 2 will be an early start. You will climb the mountain utilizing crampons/ice axe and oftentimes a rope. After a long strenuous climb, assuming conditions and fitness allow, you will be standing on the summit of Mt. Shasta. From here you will click into your skis and ski fall line for 7,000 vertical feet, making a short stop to pack up camp. Once back at the trailhead we will head into town for a much deserved celebratory dinner.

Course Dates:

May 3-4
May 10-11
May 17-18
May 24-25
May 31-June 1

Course Objectives

Mountaineering footwork on snow and rock
Cramponing
Ice Axe use
Self-Arrest
Efficient transitions
Rope Management
Perfecting your ski mountaineering camp
Backcountry cooking
Avalanche Education
Steep Ski techniques
Winter survival skills
Emergency response and being safe in the mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at Mt. Shasta, CA for a gear check at 8 a.m. Drive to Bunny Flat and head to Hidden Valley or Horse Camp. During our skin to camp we will cover the ins and outs of efficient skinning with a heavy load. We often arrive at camp decently early in the day. This allows us to cover the necessary skills for the following day. We will go over cramponing techniques, self arrest, and basic ice axe usage. Your guide will prepare you a great meal after the lessons. This will allow us to get to bed early and prepare for our summit push the following day.

Day 2: Summit Day! Begin with a pre dawn alpine start. Ascending Avalanche Gulch or the West Face route (this decision is made based on conditions and crowds). After taking the views from 14,180 ft. we will click into our skis and enjoy the longest fall line ski descent of any volcano. This deposits us back at camp. We will then pack up camp and ski back to our vehicles at the trailhead.

Prerequisites