Mount Shasta 3-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 descend this beautiful volcano.

Our 3 day program is designed for individuals who want to learn ski mountaineering skills while climbing and skiing Mt. Shasta. On day 1 and day 2 we focus on efficient transitions in windy environments, steep skiing skills, Ice axe use, crampon use, navigation, winter camping, avalanche education and much more. Day 3 we make the ski descent of a lifetime. This course also allows flexibility in the Itinerary in case the weather is not ideal one of the days. Our three day program is our most successful for getting the best conditions on Mt. Shasta.

Course Objectives

Mountaineering footwork on snow and rock
Using crampons
Ice Axe use
Self-Arrest
Efficient transitions
Rope Management
White out Navigation
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 9 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 navigation, altitude, setting up a great camp, and backcountry cooking. Your guide will prepare you a great meal on this night.

Day 2: Have a leisurely morning with good breakfast. We will spend the day going on a ski tour up shastina. During this tour we will cover avalanche education, steep skiing, techniques, and all the information you need for the following days climb. The afternoon will be spent working on our mountaineering skillset. We will do an indepth snow school covering crampon and ice axe use, self arrest, proper steep climbing techniques, rope skills, and much more. After your guide prepares you a meal, we will get to bed early in preparation for our alpine start.

Day 3: 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