Mount Shasta 3-Day West Face Ski

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Mount Shasta 3-Day West Face Ski

$1,595per person

Intermediate 3 Days Mt. Shasta, CA

Summit Mount Shasta and experience 4,000+ feet of incredible skiing on the massive West Face. This 3-day ski mountaineering trip is the perfect opportunity for advanced backcountry skiers to learn the skills they need and gain confidence to ski bigger, more technical lines, while also getting some fantastic views atop this 14,169 ft volcano.

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Trip Overview

This 3-day ski mountaineering trip 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 terrain. You’ll learn advanced backcountry skills on how to safely approach steep lines, summit using those skills, and ski some epic spring corn on the 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 alpine start on day 2, you will summit the peak 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 tag 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.

SKILLS COVERED

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

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The West Face of Mount 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

Food on the mountain
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

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE
With countless expeditions to high-altitude peaks around the world over the last 15 years, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our beloved “home mountain”. Our teaching and guiding philosophy has been honed from the flanks of the Himalayan giants to the technical peaks of Peru, and we are beyond excited to be able to bring our program to this fantastic mountain. In addition to our international expedition roots, we are accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), being one of the very few guide services in the region to hold such a high standard. Each of our guides is trained by the AMGA in the terrain in which they operate, and the program is supervised by internationally licensed IFMGA mountain guides. This high standard, along with our many years of experience, translates to a fantastic mountain adventure!

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under special use permit with the Tahoe, Eldorado, Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyable and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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)

Our Guides

Meet Your Guides.

FAQ’s

The answers to our most commonly asked questions.

: 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

Here’s what you’ll need.

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 Jacket

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Jacket
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 Winter Alpine Pants

Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Highline Stretch 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 Liquid Point Pant

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Pant
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. 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 Ascension Nylon STS

Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Ascension Splitboard STS
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
Technical Kit
While the technical equipment needed for a specific objective and season varies, this basic kit is a great baseline. Your guide will bring gear for you to use during your course, but participants are encouraged to bring some or all of this if you own it or are interested in purchasing it.

1 Cordalette (6mm x 5m/16.4′)
4 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
1 double-length Dyneema sling
Small prusik loop (6mm x 112cm/44″)
Auto-blocking belay device (eg. ATC guide)
Micro Traxion or similar
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
Climbing Pack: 60-75L
Internal frame pack that is between 60 and 75 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 Mission 75
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 Bishop Pass™ Gore-Tex® 15F/-9C
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
Headlamp
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

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.

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The Alpenglow Experience is Different

Technical

Fitness

Hat

Beanie

Balaclava

Neck Gaiter (Buff)

Sunglasses

Goggles

Liner Gloves

Lightweight Gloves

Midweight Gloves

Ski Socks

Lightweight Top

Sun Hoodie

Long Sleeve Base Layer

Mid-Weight Warm Layer

Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket

Soft Shell Jacket

Hard Shell Jacket

Down Parka

Base Layer Bottoms

Soft-Shell Alpine Pant

Hard Shell Climbing Pant

Helmet

Mountaineering Harness

Mountaineering Crampons

Skis w/ Touring Bindings

Ski Crampons

Ski Touring Boots

Splitboard

Splitboard Crampons

Snowboard Boots

Climbing Skins

Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe

Technical Kit

Avalanche Transceiver

Probe

Ski/Splitboard Poles

Shovel

Climbing Pack: 60-75L

Sleeping Bag (15º)

Foam Sleeping Pad

Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

Hydration System

Headlamp

I’d give them 7 stars if I could!

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Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tours

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