While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

Can I customize a day for my group?

Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.

Do I have enough experience to ski Shasta?

Skiers must be confident on a variety of terrain, including off-piste black diamond-caliber descents. 25+ days of prior ski touring experience is required, and excellent physical fitness is important.

Mount Shasta Ski

An early morning photo of mount Shasta covered in snow with a blue sky above.

Mount Shasta Ski: 3-Day West Face Ski Trip

$1,595per person

Intermediate 3 Days Mount Shasta, CA

Climb and Ski Mount Shasta. Experience 4,000+ feet of incredible climbing and skiing on the massive West Face. This 3-day Shasta climb and ski mountaineering trip is the perfect opportunity for advanced backcountry skiers to take their ski mountaineering skills to the next level and gain confidence to ski bigger, more technical lines. Don’t forget the fantastic views stretching as far as you can see atop this 14,169 ft volcano.

May 10-12, 2024

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Ski Mount Shasta Trip Overview

This 3-day ski mountaineering trip on Mount Shasta is the perfect opportunity to take your backcountry skiing to the next level.

Mount Shasta is one of the most iconic ski mountaineering peaks in North America, and a prime location to break into some big backcountry skiing terrain. You’ll learn advanced backcountry skills on how to safely approach steep lines, summit using those skills, and enjoy some epic spring corn when you join us on this West Face ski Shasta trip.

MOUNT SHASTA SKI – WEST FACE:

On day one you’ll ascend to Hidden Valley, where you will set up camp, go over basic snow climbing and ski mountaineering techniques, and discuss the next day. With an early alpine start on day 2, you will summit Mt Shasta by late morning/early afternoon and then make long ski descent down the wide-open terrain of the West Face, all the way back to camp. Day 3, you’ll have breakfast at camp, while enjoying the awe-inspiring views from Hidden Valley and ski down to the trailhead.

For especially motivated groups, it is possible to also summit Shastina on day 3 before heading down, an incredible ski experience in its own right. The West Face is our first choice for this itinerary. However, depending on conditions, our guides will occasionally select a different route to accomplish the same goals.

SKI MOUNTAINEERING SKILLS COVERED ON SHASTA SKI TRIP:

– Basic snow climbing, using ice axe and crampons
– Basic rope techniques for steep ground and glacial travel
– Use of ski crampons

WHO CAN SKI MOUNT SHASTA?

The West Face of Mt Shasta will be an extremely fun ski descent for both experienced “big mountain” skiers and those looking to move into bigger terrain from their local mountains. Advanced level skiers and riders with 25+days of touring experience are welcome.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ON OUR MOUNT SHASTA SKI TRIP:

Food on Mount Shasta
Group Gear: Tents, Camp Kitchen, etc. (Does not include bowl, fork, spoon, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad)
Ropes and other Technical Equipment (Does not include ski boots, skis, skins, or avalanche safety equipment)
Wilderness Permits
Guide Fees

Preparation

Technical

Skiers and splitboarders must be experienced backcountry riders, with 25+ days of touring experience. Advanced level skiing and riding is required. This is comparable to confidently skiing off-piste black diamond terrain in a variety of snow conditions.

Fitness

Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack.

Day 1: Ascend to Hidden Valley
8:00am: Meet and Greet in Town, briefing
9:30am: Depart for Bunny Flat 6,880 ft
11:00am-12:00pm: Lunch break at Horse Camp 7,880
3:00pm: Arrive Hidden Valley (9200′) and set up camp
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Climbing training
5:30pm-7:30pm: Dinner, Climb briefing, packing
8:00pm: Bed
Day 2: Summit Attempt
Alpine start (1:00am-3:00am, conditions dependent)
Turnaround time (11:00am-2:00pm, conditions dependent) Ski back to camp
Back at Hidden Valley camp by mid-afternoon
Day 3: Descent
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Depart Hidden Valley and ski to Trailhead
12:00pm-1:00pm: Arrive at Trailhead
(option to make ski attempt on Shastina before heading down)

Alpenglow’s California Guides

Our Mount Shasta Ski Guides.

Meet who will join you on this Mt Shasta Ski trip.

FAQ’s

Mount Shasta Ski Mountaineering Questions

The answers to our most commonly asked questions about skiing Mount Shasta.

: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.
: Skiers must be confident on a variety of terrain, including off-piste black diamond-caliber descents. 25+ days of prior ski touring experience is required, and excellent physical fitness is important.

Equipment

Mount Shasta Ski Mountaineering Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need to ski Mount Shasta

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vaurnet Ice Rounds
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Wooltech Gloves
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Mission MX Gloves
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Long Sleeve Base Layer
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Crew
Mid-Weight Warm Layer
A polar guard or fleece jacket. This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Quarter Zip
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Quarter Zip
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell
Down Parka
A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Base Layer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants
Soft-Shell Alpine Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose Schoeller® or a soft-shell equivalent. Breathable + water-resistant.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Men’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Vision Helmet – MIPS
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 95mm and 110mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.
Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis
Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings
Ski Crampons
While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons
Ski Touring Boots
These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!
Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.
Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard
Splitboard Crampons
While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons
Snowboard Boots
The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!
Recommended: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Climbing Skins
Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.
Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe
A small, light weight ice axe designed for ski mountaineering. Typically between 45cm and 55cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Venom LT Classic Piolet
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Ski/Splitboard Poles
Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.
Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Sleeping Bag (15º)
Rated to 15º F. Choose an 800+ Fill Premium Goose Down bag. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Granite Gear Compression Sack is desired.
Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15
Foam Sleeping Pad
Foldable foam sleeping pad for sleeping and using as a sit-pad.
Recommended: Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping pad
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Hydration System
Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Climbing Pack: 50-60L
Internal frame pack that is between 50 and 60 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 50L Pack
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate

Mount Shasta Ski Testimonials

I’d give them 7 stars if I could!
“Super happy with our Mt. Shasta 3-Day ski guided by Tim Mincey from Alpenglow. The Alpenglow team was very helpful and responsive in getting our trip planned and booked. Tim did a superb job–not only coaching us on ski mountaineering basics and safety–but also making adjustments to our plan based on day-to-day weather. Everyone in our skiing party was thinking about what next adventure we can book with Alpenglow before we even got off the mountain. I’d give them 7 stars if I could!”
Tom M.

Stories

Mount Shasta Ski Mountaineering Stories

Learn more about skiing Mount Shasta

All Stories

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A Brief History of Mt. Shasta
Mount Shasta, a pinnacle of beauty and grandeur in Northern California’s landscape, boasts a history as intriguing as its rugged slopes. From its volcanic birth to indigenous reverence to challenges faced by early climbers, the mountain’s story is one of geological wonder and human endeavor. Today, it’s a place revered by countless climbers, skiers, and those who simply admire the mountain’s natural beauty.
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Mount Shasta Spring Trips with Alpenglow Expeditions
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By adequately preparing physically, mentally, and logistically, climbers can increase their chances of a safe and enjoyable ascent of Mt. Shasta.
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