We’re still buzzing here at SMG HQ after a fantastic week of climbing and skiing on the Cascade’s most sacred peak. Skiers are absolutely loving the near perfect conditions we’ve enjoyed in this ideal spring weather and summit climbers are finding all the south side routes in excellent shape for their alpine adventure.

Upper Red Banks Mt. Shasta

We had several teams on the mountain this weekend and all are reporting total success. Climbers on Casaval Ridge were delighted to climb through the Cat Walk en route to the summit. Skiers found perfect melt-freeze pretty much everywhere while working the aspect to follow the sun. Our West Face teams were happily camped for a scenic and quiet Wilderness experience in Hidden Valley. Personally, I had a great climb up Avalanche Gulch yesterday (Sunday) checking in with our teams and enjoying a classic descent on the east side Konwakiton Glacier.

It truly doesn’t get much better than the current conditions we have. Awesome weather, light winds, and a consolodated snow pack. Do you need any other reasons to pack your bags for Mt. Shasta??

Daron Rahlves leaves a contrail on the West Face

Mt. Shasta the southern Cascade Volcano, “a skier’s peak” saw a visit by some of skiing’s greatest ambassadors this weekend. Chris Davenport and his rowdy team of Daron Rahlves, Jess McMillan, and Jim Morrison rolled the Spyder tour bus into the Mt. Shasta trailhead and made party. They were here on the “Ring of Fire Volcano Tour” and Sunday May 6th was the Shasta stop.

Mt. Shasta shined bright under bluebird spring skies, and recent snow provided a blank canvas for these pros to show this hack how real skiers do it. Climbing from Thumb Rock to the summit it showed that these guys were here to have fun, and their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. Absolutely perfect weather and climbing conditions certainly helped as they flowed uphill as smoothly as down. We walked on to an empty summit as they spied down on Lassen Peak, the day prior’s objective; and Mt. McLaughlin, the next day’s destination. Their goals are ambitious, to climb and ski 14 peaks in 18 days. Although if any one can do it, this crew fueled by Red Bull and Whole Foods, certainly can Get It Done!

Mt. Shasta Summit with Jess, D., Jim, Dav

Once we spent a few minutes on the summit, the transition to the ski descent was made and in pure alpinist form, Dav and Rahlves dropped in from the rime covered top. Once the summit cone was negogiated, we chose a number of different aspects to find good snow and get a full tour of this classic volcano.

Daron Rahlves and Chris Davenport Mt. Shasta East Face

My local’s beta on the ski descent when all looks miserable on Misery Hill for skiing, look to the East Face for better snow conditions. Once again, smooth wind buff chalk was found and I had front row center court to view skiing’s legends make a Shasta ski descent.

Chris Davenport Mt. Shasta East Face

Dav wanted to complete a big loop so we dropped onto the upper east face before wrapping back around to ski the complete West Face route to Hidden Valley. The top of the route ended up having some of the best snow quaility, along with big views, and following ripping skiers, it was a highlight of the day.

West Face approach

The day was cooler at the upper elevations and rather than the typical spring corn, we found a mix of chalk, wind buffed smooth and carve-able, some mid elevation wind effected, and lower down finally creamy corn into Giddy Giddy Gulch. As is typical on a 7,000′ ski descent, we can expect to find at least as many snow types on the way down.

D., Jess, Dav top of the West Face Mt. Shasta

It was a great honor to share this experience with such a solid crew and inspiring team. And Mt. Shasta was the real star shining bright on a glorious spring day. I’m stoked that these guys found great success on Shasta, and Daron even quoted that his trip last summer on Shasta provided 4,000′ of the best non-stop run of my life” Yeah, well the Hahnenkamm is only like 2,800′…Great adventures for everyone and another memorable day in the mountains with friends old and new. Thanks y’all and good luck!

Mt. Shasta

The Winter of 2012 continues to bring more unseasonable weather to the mountain and surrounding hills. Shallow snowpacks, sunny days, and storms brushing us by to the north have been the norm for the season thus far. What’s a powder skier to do? And more, what does this mean for the upcoming climbing season on Mt. Shasta?

As any true outdoor enthusiast, the answer to the first question is easy; you just gotta be optimistic and hope, pray, dance, whatever it takes that the winter will return, and return with a vengeance for a long and abundant stay! Hey and look a Winter Storm Advisory is back on the radar this week! I’m calling Wednesday as the day to call in sick and wax the boards for the first pow day in weeks!

My optimism is fueled with data, the National Weather Service issued an interesting report last week that the Sacramento Bee reported on:

Green Butte ski tour

“There’s strong historical evidence that Sacramento’s dry February could be followed by a wet March. The National Weather Service noted Friday on its website that since 1878 in Sacramento there have been 25 months of February with an inch or less of rain. The following March in 23 of those 25 cases was wetter than usual. The average March precipitation following the dry months of February was 2.54 inches, forecasters reported”

In Mt. Shasta, for the month of February, we have received .93″. So maybe February’s lack of white stuff will bring on March’s wicked side.  Since September 1st, we have received 38% of our normal precipitation. For 2012, the city of Mt. Shasta stands at 47% normal precipitation.  Grim numbers, but plenty of time left to for winter fun.

Broadway ski tour

So, how should we be considering this snow pack will effect the 2012 climbing season? Even in light years, May and early June will still have excellent climbing conditions on all routes, including the south side climbs. If we continue in this pattern, we will shorten the south side climbing season in favor of more favorable routes on the North and East side. We expect great climbing on the Glacier routes through July and August. It really is too early to predict how the remainder of the season will shape up, but a good bet is to plan an earlier climb. May-June for South and West Side and July-August for North side routes.

This is an excellent winter to take that Level I Avalanche Seminar you’ve been putting off. SMG is an accredited AIARE Avalanche Course provider and we have one more LI date for the this year. March 16-18 here in Mt. Shasta, contact us for details. A shallow snowpack is a dangerous snowpack and with numerous trajedies being reported this year, it is irresponsible to head into the backcountry without the proper equipment and training.

Let’s not forget that even in low snow years, the ski touring, hiking, climbing and other outdoor recreation is exceptional and we at SMG are getting out and enjoying the absolute beauty of the place we call home. Please check in with any questions or comments at all, we always enjoy hearing from our friends!

Have you seen SMG’s North side Hotlum-Bolam climb profiled as one of Outside Magazine’s “Life-Changing Adventure Trips”? Come check out what all the attention is about and prepare to be amazed!

See you on the mountain!

Mt. Shasta winter conditions

With the La Nina forecast and early indications looking like another big winter, we are extremely excited about the upcoming climbing and ski season on Mt. Shasta. Early October delivered new snow and November has started with a winter storm advisory! Yippee! We are expecting nothing less than stellar conditions this year. If you’ve had a Shasta climb on your bucket list, it’s time to check it off! Call or email for more details or just to chat; we love what we do and are happy to help in any way!

Check out the website for dates, fees, and scheduled programs on California’s most breathtaking peak. We hope that you can join us!