– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Banner
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

Mt. Shasta — Spring Skiing Trip Report

by Julia Dubinina August 2, 2017
written by Julia Dubinina August 2, 2017
A big thanks to Onx backcountry for making these post happen. Check out the Onx mapping app for your next backcountry adventure and click here to use the app to support your local avalanche forecasters
What a beauty!

What a beauty!

After all the stoke from my first 14,000+ ft. summit last year, I was really excited when Cailen, Louie and I decided to head south to ski Mount Shasta for Memorial Day weekend. To avoid crowds, we opted for the north side of the mountain. Access had just opened following extensive snow melt.

After a forever-long 10 hour drive with a small nap pit stop by the turn-off to Crater Lake, we found ourselves at the Northgate trailhead. We packed up and hiked in to about 9.5k, setting up camp on a nice rocky ledge. The ski carry dirt walking combo was short — and by short I mean, it lasted all about 7 minutes and it felt incredible. After setting up camp it was time to snooze hard and catch up on sleep, even if it did mean missing the sunset.

Cozy camp spot with gorgeous views.

Cozy camp spot with gorgeous views.

The next morning the alarm woke us at 4 am and we were skinning by 4:30. It was cold and breezy; the snow was frozen and slippery; and the sun was just starting to rise.

We started scoping our ascent route via the Bolam Glacier, spotting headlamps high up on the steep ridge. The entire route is exposed to rockfall, wearing a helmet is a must. During the transition from skins to crampons, a few large rocks came flying down right at us, reaffirming the helmet wearing decision. The boot pack on the steep but grippable snow on Bolam Glacier was quite intimidating and seemingly endless.

Nearing the top, our ascent route became a bit less apparent; ahead was a steep, rocky gully. With a closer look at our options, it was decided to traverse to the looker’s right ridge, over a steep, loose section. Once on the ridge, we found snow to keep ascending up towards the summit, with more stable footing. Looking back at our ascent, we decided it would have made more sense to gain the ridge much lower to avoid the steep and rocky traverse.

Up and up we go - check out those snow covered peaks in the distance

Up and up we go – check out those snow covered peaks in the distance.

Forgetting that 14k can really take it out of you, I was definitely on the struggle bus and took a little nap about 100 feet away from the top, as the crowds from Bunny Flats walked past me.

Look at that smile! Cailen just about 1k below the summit

Look at that smile! Cailen just about 1k below the summit.

Gaining the final few feet on the ridge

Gaining the final few feet on the ridge.

By 1:30 pm we finally made it to the summit. After a snack and photo party, it was time to scope our descent line. We really wanted to ski right off the top, but weren’t quite sure what looked best. Louie spotted two snowboarders booting up the Hotlum Wintun Ridge, one of the most classic Shasta ski descents. The start of the route looked steep and intimidating with firm and icy snow. We waited patiently for them to make the summit to get beta on descending their ascent route.

Summit shot - stoked!

Summit shot – stoked!

As the snowboarders reached the top, they assured us that the run would be fabulous and they expected for it to get soft and corny about 500 feet in.

They were wrong. Corn harvest started maybe 2000 feet below the top. The skiing sure was sporty but still fun. Recouping at the lower part, we decided that we would most definitely have to come back one day to ski the route in better conditions.

We skied down the west side of the mountain, but camped on the north, so traversing back to our campsite proved to be a bit of an adventure. A helpful note for next time: camping at Brewer Creek instead of Northgate offers more direct access to the route.

Resting our legs on the descent and taking in the marvelous vista.

Resting our legs on the descent and taking in the marvelous vista.

Feeling the big day, we linked as much skiing as possible while navigating glaciated terrain down low, until transitioning to skins. A short hike and our tent was back in view. Since the conditions didn’t end up being as warm and soft as expected, our hopes of skiing NW facing Shastina the next day weren’t too optimistic. After a quick chat we opted to hike out that day.

Skiing most of the way down from camp back to the car felt incredible, even if it was in some extra creamy slush. Back at the trailhead we feasted on left-over food and quickly jumped into our tent before being eaten by a swarm of mosquitoes. As I placed my head on the pillow, I realized it was only 7:30 pm. I slept hard for the next 12 hours.

Louie making sure he follows the target instructions

Louie making sure he follows instructions to hit the target.

The drive back was long, packed with traffic and slow Oregon speed limits but I was on a high from our unforgettable adventure. Can’t wait to go back and get on top of that gorgeous peak in the future!

7 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
Scott Celeste III – Women’s Backcountry Ski Boot – First Look
next post
WildSnow Mod — Keen On Quinoa Version 2

7 comments

Bill B August 2, 2017 - 10:28 am

Beautiful Julia
Loved reading it.
Let’s just hope Louie was a true gentleman and carried your skis up for you.
Thank you for a great blog.

Julia August 2, 2017 - 11:18 am

Thank you Bill!
Louie was a true gentleman and did not carry my skis. 🙂 He knows I like suffering! He did make some ramen midway to the summit! That sure was tasty!

Joe John August 3, 2017 - 9:41 pm

I really appreciate the pictures too.

Lou Dawson 2 August 4, 2017 - 9:27 am

Nice TR Julia, really appreciate it. Had a primo day on Shasta many years ago, got winded off with Louie and friends in 2010. Best ski mountain on the planet? I still think so. Lou

Gregg Cronn August 7, 2017 - 1:31 pm

I topped out a few minutes before you guys and watched you come up from the north. Didn’t realize until I saw pictures on Facebook that it was Louie and friends. The west face was quite nice from the top. Agree with Lou. The best skiing when you consider length and easy access. Fantastic place to spring ski.

Louie Dawson 3 August 7, 2017 - 11:20 pm

Bummed we missed you Gregg! The skiing on the west face sure looked nice.

Lukas August 16, 2017 - 4:03 am

Great to see that California has such good skiing conditions this summer.
Nice read for an Austrian, Julia!
Thanks.

Comments are closed.

Recent Comments

  • ioan on The Ski Trab Deep Look: Ski Trab Magico.2 Skis, Titan Vario.2 Binding, and Branded Mohair Skins
  • Jim Milstein on The Ski Trab Deep Look: Ski Trab Magico.2 Skis, Titan Vario.2 Binding, and Branded Mohair Skins
  • aemono on Photo Story: Gear Explosion Event Horizon
  • OR on Springtime Primer: Securing Skis/Splitboard to a Bike Frame
  • RCL1 on Springtime Primer: Securing Skis/Splitboard to a Bike Frame

Gear Reviews

  • The Ski Trab Deep Look: Ski Trab Magico.2 Skis, Titan Vario.2 Binding, and Branded Mohair Skins

    May 13, 2022
  • BCA’s FLOAT E2 25: The Alpride E2 Side of the Equation

    April 29, 2022
  • BCA’s FLOAT E2 25: The Pack Side of the Equation

    April 27, 2022

Trip Reports

  • Techniques and considerations for ski mountaineering on glaciers

    February 16, 2022
  • Making the Most out of the Alaska Range

    February 14, 2022
  • Emergency Layers for Backcountry Travel

    February 7, 2022

Totally Deep Podcast

  • Totally Deep Podcast 99: Big Geography with Roman Dial and Alex Lee

    April 20, 2022
  • TOTALLY DEEP PODCAST 98: Live at the EMGT with Cam Smith

    April 12, 2022
  • TOTALLY DEEP PODCAST 97: Talk of Gear for Next Year

    March 23, 2022

Tips & Tricks

  • Fueling For Ski Touring

    May 3, 2022
  • The “New Math” for Sheltering from the Storm

    May 2, 2022
  • A Simple Ski Crampon Mod

    April 21, 2022

Ski Touring Stories

  • Backscratchers in My Brain

    April 6, 2022
  • Blessing of the Freeheelers & Bon Voyage Grand Traversers

    April 2, 2022
  • Mentorship On My Mind

    March 31, 2022

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2020 - All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Patagonia’s Womens Stormstride Pant

May 17, 2022

The Ski Trab Deep Look: Ski...

May 13, 2022

Photo Story: Gear Explosion Event Horizon

May 12, 2022