Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information & opinion website. Lou's passion for the past 50 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about
ski touring and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the
Fourteeners! Books and free ski touring news and information here.
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Backcountry skiing is dangerous. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of ski mountaineering, skimo randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information and news on this website is intended only as general information. Due to human error and passing time, the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of Wild Snow as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions templates at your own risk, and waive Wild Snow owners and contributors of liability for use of said items for ski touring or any other use.
The Chevy looks way more aero with that camper…grin. Congrats Louie!
Congrats to Louie! Hip hip horray!
Cascade River Road just opened to the trailhead a few days ago, skiable from there… Forecast looks 50/50 tomorrow but would recommend Sahale if you’re looking to ski again.
Thanks for the info Drew, we did a few ups and downs while heading around the Birthday Tour yesterday off Wa Pass, got in a good day. Back to work today for all of us but we’ll get out again soon. Lisa and I did Sahale a few years ago, I’d like to head up there again since we didn’t go to the summit. Lou
Way to go Louie! So great having you in Bellingham. Congrats on stretching your college career into the traditional Western 4 (six years). 🙂
Lou and Lisa, imagine your camper replaced with 5 or so sleds and 6-10 inches of cold powder on the ground.
Hi Gregg! You’re one of the reasons Bellingham happened, remember that old “what college?” thread? Thanks for your friendship! I hope we can ski together during this trip, but if not we hope to see you at some point before we leave. And yes, I can imagine Washington Pass with full cake coverage and sleds racing around. What a place! Lou
My wife and I just got to washington pass today, and we are planning to ski it tomorrow. All told, we’ll be in the area for two weeks, skiing and mountain biking. Any suggestions for steep couloirs are greatly appreciated.