by Mike | Dec 31, 2024 | Backcountry Ski, Featured Adventures
This was another amazing BC Canada ski touring lodge week I took about 10 BackCountry staff and a few more friends on. Snowfall Lodge was built in 2020 and is part of IFMGA Guide Larry Dolecki’s Icefall Lodge group. I have been to one other lodge of his called...
by Mike | May 11, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
This year has been a record snowfall year. 900″ at Mammoth Mountain. Over May 6-9, 2023, Dan from Mammoth and I went to explore Taboose Pass. Neither of us had been over the Crest in this specific area, or even up this trail. My perception for Taboose pass as a...
by Mike | Apr 30, 2023 | Not CA or Volcanos
le Another magical BC Ski Lodge week in the books! I got 7 of our BackCountry staff plus another 5 friends to join me last week in the Northern Rockies of Canada at Mistaya Lodge. I had never been there, and I will certainly be trying to go back in the future. We went...
by Mike | Apr 17, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
First draft, excuse my late night first try at this. On April 14-16 2023 I had an insane experience touring through untracked wilderness with my new friend Javier. We met each other earlier this year by flying 40 miles north of Donald, near Golden BC, to ski tour for...
by Mike | Apr 9, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Here’s what I know about this beautiful peak. The summit of Mt. Walt isn’t easy to get on, the snow can be tricky, and it is generally overlooked. The funny thing is Mt. Walt is right above your car at Twin Lakes Campground and looks exciting, and even...
by Mike | Jan 24, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Not CA or Volcanos
Sorcerer Lodge BC – April 18-24, 2022 It’s a bit in the past, but I’ll talk about this place happily. GO THERE!!!! I’ve been to about 10 BC lodges and this was my favorite. A tie perhaps with SME, but more cozy and smaller terrain venue. Plenty...
by Mike | Jan 10, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra
Mt. Langley 14,042’ Elevation Change 6500’ This could be your first 14er ski descent. Mt. Langley is big and remote, but easy to navigate and not skied very often. This is the most southern California 14er, far enough from population centers that it gets...
by Mike | Jan 10, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra
Mt. Tom 13,652’ Elevation change – 7500’ In Mid-March of 2003 I skied from the summit of Mt. Tom with Scott Shield and John Crus. It was Scott’s 30th birthday. We are all the same age. 20 years later I’m sitting at home creating this website post and I feel...
by Mike | Jan 10, 2023 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra
Mt. Humphreys 13,986’ Elevation Change – 5500’ The Sierra Crest above Bishop is an impressive and attractive ski mountaineering panorama. As high as they are, however, they are only the beginning. Climb to the top of any of them and the magnitude and beauty of the...
by Mike | Dec 31, 2022 | Backcountry Ski, Volcanoes
from Fish Lake Boat Ramp look at the roads on map Skis on pack will not work Need to carry and throw them just thrash your way through Who’s crazy idea was this? happy to be done with the rock piles happy to be done with forest SE Side is the longest Now where...
by Mike | May 10, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: South Lake above Bishop, CAElevation: 13,085’Elevation Change: 3,317’Recommended Map: Bishop Pass – Tom Harrison The view of Mt. Goode from Long Lake is one you’ll never forget, and quite easy to reach from your car. What you...
by Mike | May 10, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Palisades above Big Pine, CA Elevation: 14,153′ Elevation Change: 5,900′ Recommended Map: kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison Mt. Sill is the BIG guy you see from hwy 395 in Big Pine, CA. This 14er sits proud in the center of the...
by Mike | Apr 16, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Independence, CAElevation: 12,618’Elevation Change: 3,433′ up, 5000′ downRecommended Map: Kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison Assessing conditions for skiing Kearsarge Peak is pretty easy, you can see most of the terrain...
by Mike | Apr 16, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Featured Adventures, South Shore, Tahoe Area
Location: Desolation WildernessElevation: 9,856’Elevation Change: 3,500’Recommended Map: Desolation Wilderness – Tom Harrison or Lake Tahoe Southwest – Alpine Ski Tours Jack’s Peak isn’t skied often, which is exactly why you should...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: North Lake above Bishop, CAElevation: Mt. Darwin 13,831′ and Mt. Lamark 13,417’Elevation Change: 4200′ for Lamarck. 5700′ for Darwin. add 500′ to connect bothRecommended Map: Bishop Pass – Tom Harrison These pics are from...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Buttermilks above Bishop, CA or access from AspendaleElevation: 13,225’Elevation Change: …Recommended Map: Mono Divide – Tom Harrison The North Couloir of Mt. Emerson starts the butterflies twirling in your stomach when you see it from the...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Pine Creek Trailhead above town of Rovana, north of BishopElevation: 13,242’Elevation Change: 5,500’Recommended Map: Mono Divide – Tom Harrison This is another one of the peaks where you know your doin’ it as soon as you see it. For...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Location: McGee Creek Trailhead near Mammoth LakesElevation: 12,200’Elevation Change: 4,500’Recommended Map: … Esha is a picturesque little peak that is easy to see and access right off hwy 395 with an ideal layout. The climb and upper descent is no...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: South Lake above BishopElevation: 12,871’Elevation Change: 3,103’Recommended Map: Bishop Pass – Tom Harrison I won’t forget this day and need to go repeat this peak soon. These pics are from April 27, 2009. I joined up with John Morrison,...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Big Pine, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Independence
Location: Taboose Creek Campground south of Big PineElevation: 12,772’Elevation Change: 6,500′ +/- based on snow levelRecommended Map: Kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison I found this less known east side giant by asking Howie Schwartz for something...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Twin Lakes – BridgeportElevation: 11,171’Elevation Change: 4,071’Recommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison I liked the look of Hunewill Peak each time I ski toured out of Twin Lakes. It’s amazing to look at. I would get...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra
Location: Sawtooths BridgeportElevation: 11,010’Elevation Change: 3,910’Recommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison These pics are from my one time skiing Kettle Peak on March 1, 2007 with one of my first ski touring role models. But first, thanks to...
by Mike | Apr 11, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Location: Near Crowley Lake and Mammoth on hwy 395Elevation: 10,871’Elevation Change: 3,200’Recommended Map: … Mt. McGee is the most accessible big peak in the eastern sierra, which explains why mammoth Mountain Ski Corp built their first chair lift...
by Mike | Apr 5, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Eocene Peak 11,569′ Location: Twin Lakes Campground – Bridgeport, CAElevation Change: 4481’Recommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison Eocene Peak is the left side of a huge bowl seen from hwy 395 in Bridgeport. This adventure ...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Red Slate Mountain 13,163′ Location: Convict Lake – Mammoth Lakes, CAElevation Change: 7850′ – 13,163’Recommended Map: Convict Lake – Tom Harrison The bulk of these pictures are from my first trip up Red Slate Mountain to ski the...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Big Pine, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Birch Mountain 13,665′ Location: Big Pine, CAElevation Change: 7100’Recommended Map: Kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison I skied Birch Mountain in late March of 2004. This is a huge peak that you’ll start from a beautiful green meadow and...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Laurel Mountain 11,812′ Location: Convict Lake – Mammoth Lakes, CAElevation Change: 4100’Recommended Map: Mammoth High Country – Tom Harrison Laurel Mountain is more often referred to by the names of it’s two signature and impressive,...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Crown Point 11,346′ Location: Bridgeport, CA Twin Lakes CampgroundElevation Change: 4250′ but it will feel like a lot moreRecommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison These pics are from January 17, 2008. I had to ski out to this peak after...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Cleaver Peak 11,760′ Location: Bridgeport, CA Twin Lakes CampgroundElevation Change: 4400′ plus 500′ for Col de Do DadRecommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison These pics are from April 5, 2011. I skied two great classic names in the...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Bloody mountain 12,544′ Location: Mammoth Lakes, CAElevation Change: 5035’Recommended Map: Mammoth High Country – Tom Harrison Skiing Bloody Mountain has been a thing for a long time I’m sure, with it’s surreal North Couloir staring at...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures, Mammoth
Mount Baldwin 12,614′ Location: Convict Creek – Mammoth Lakes, CAElevation Change: 4972′ from Convict Lake, 3900′ +/ from Laurel Lakes TrailheadRecommended Map: Mammoth High Country – Tom Harrison Often overlooked, Mt. Baldwin is a big,...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Cardinal Mountain 13,397′ Location: Red Lake Trailhead above Tinemaha Campground, South of Big PineElevation: 13,396’Recommended Map: Kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison These pics are from April 10, 2010. I skied the obvious NE parallel...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Twin Peaks 11,520′ Location: Twin Lakes Campground – Bridgeport, CAElevation: 7,100 – 12,500’Recommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison These pictures are from March 18, 2019. The snowpack is very deep this year and I was very...
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Glacier Col 11,560′ Location: Twin Lakes Campground – Bridgeport, CAElevation: 7,100 – 12,500’Recommended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison This was a new ski tour for me that I enjoyed checking out solo in mid March of 2019....
by Mike | Apr 2, 2019 | Backcountry Ski, Big Pine, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Black Giant 13,330′ Location: Deep above Bishop, Lake Sabrina, SW of Echo ColElevation: 13,330’Recommended Map: Kings Canyon High Country – Tom Harrison Black Giant at 13,330′ is really quite easy to skin and ski down. The west slope has a...
by Mike | Apr 27, 2018 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Dunderberg Peak 12,379′ Location: Near Bridgeport, CA – East Side of the Sierras Elevation Change: 2700’ south side, 4400’ North Side Green Creek car shuttleRecommended Map: Tom Harrison Maps – Hoover Wilderness Dunderberg Peak 12,374’ – Dunderberg...
by Mike | Apr 27, 2018 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Near Bishop, CA – East Side of the SierrasElevation Change: 3726’Recomended Map: Tom Harrison Maps – Bishop Pass Mt. Thompson 13,494’ – Be prepared for steep couloirs with potential cornices to navigate if you want to ski Mt....
by Mike | Apr 27, 2018 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Near Bishop, CA – East Side of the SierraElevation Change: 3,338’Recommended Map: Tom Harrison Maps – Bishop Pass Mt. Gilbert 13,106’ – I love Mt. Gilbert for its friendly terrain, easily skied in a half day by competent backcountry skiers....
by Mike | Apr 9, 2018 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Deerhorn Mountain NE Couloir :13,265′ Location: Independence, CAElevation Change: 6300’Recommended Map: Kearsarge Pass – Rae Lakes Trail Map by Tom Harrison and Mt. Whitney High Country Map by Tom Harrison Deerhorn Mountain is an overnight ski tour...
by Mike | Mar 30, 2017 | Backcountry Ski, Bishop, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Bishop, CAElevation Change: 3,700′ total vertical 8,300′ – 12,000′ I have only skied Bishop Bowl in the springtime looking for corn. This is a high elevation peak, mostly facing east. The sun and wind rough up the surface a bit, but...
by Mike | Mar 30, 2017 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Location: Bridgeport, CAElevation Change: 7100′ to 12,264′ (summit)Recomended Map: Hoover Wilderness – Tom Harrison Maps The Sawtooth Mountain Range of Bridgeport, CA is only 2.5 hours by car from our store in Truckee. Whoo Hooooo! Drive 13 miles...
by Mike | Mar 24, 2017 | Backcountry Ski, Bridgeport, Eastern Sierra, Featured Adventures
Crater Crest 11,200′ and Monument Ridge Location: Bridgeport, CADuration: All DayElevation Change: Twin Lakes is 7100′. Crater Crest Summit is 11,200′.Recomended Map: Hoover Wilderness Map by Tom Harrison just added to end of this photo gallery,...
by Mike | Feb 6, 2016 | Backcountry Ski, Featured Adventures, Tahoe Area, Truckee
Elevation Profile: Map of General Route: Castle Peak is popular due to easy access from Hwy 80, high elevation start, and mellow terrain. Get a CA Sno-Park permit at our shop ($5/day or $25/season) although as of dec 2022 we don’t have them yet. I think Mountain...
by Mike | Feb 5, 2016 | Backcountry Ski, Tahoe Area, Truckee
Elevation Profile: Map of General Route: Donner Peak is the sweet little mountain that dominates your view as you drive up old hwy 40 over Donner Pass. It is on your left above Donner Lake. Donner Peak is interesting, in that it offers extreme terrain on the north...
