3 day Shasta Summit Climb and Ski Descent

Mt Shasta, California - 14,179 ft

Climb Overview

Ski a 14er! Experience the challenge and excitement of this ultimate trip on Mt. Shasta with Shasta Mountain Guides. A classic ski descent on a classic peak. To ski or ride from high on Mt. Shasta is one of North America’s greatest adventures. The three day format provides time for conditions assessment, route optimization, and training en route to the summit and descent. Ski mountaineering skis and splitboard rentals are locally available. Guests should have advanced to expert downhill ability in all conditions, and some previous experience with uphill skiing and backcountry touring. Must be in excellent physical condition and training diligently for a big challenge.

We will practice and instruct in the following skills but all participants are expected to be capable downhill skiers and riders.

  • Ice axe and crampon use

  • Ice axe self-arrest

  • Snow climbing technique

  • Basic rope travel

  • Avalanche Awareness

  • Transceiver Practice

On this ski and climb, we aim to create personal connections with Mt. Shasta and the surrounding land and build lasting connections to your new climbing community.

We bring over 40 years of experience guiding on Mount Shasta and are the original guiding company for this special mountain. We know Shasta better than anyone and aim to provide a professional and positive experience for all climbers.

    • No ski mountaineering experience is required.

    • For ski/board ability, participants should have advanced downhill ability in all conditions, and some previous experience with uphill skiing a.k.a. “skinning”.

    • Prospective climbers should be in excellent physical condition and train diligently for a big challenge.

    Climbing Mt Shasta is strenuous. For the best chances of summiting please train ahead of time. Feel free to contact us for any training recommendations. Check out our training page to get started.

  • All dates are subject to route change in the event of adverse conditions.

    • April 19-21

    • May 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 25-27, 31-June 2

  • $1495 per person

    INCLUDES

    • Professional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:3

    • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

    • All Group camping equipment such as tents and cooking equipment.

    • Mt. Shasta summit passes

    ** Ski gear is not included but rentals are available in the town of Mt. Shasta.

The difference is in our guides

The Shasta Mountain Guides® staff is a diverse, skilled, and fun group of individuals. Their common bond is a pure passion for being in the mountains and sharing that desire with friends, both old and new. We strongly believe in providing the highest level of service and quality of experience while climbing Mt. Shasta.

We are local professionals and are committed to your safety and enjoyment. SMG is the original guide service on Mt. Shasta and we are on the mountain daily. We specialize in Mount Shasta and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. When you climb with us, your trip is supported by our collective experience and knowledge of the mountain.

Our combined experience includes thousands of Shasta summits and many years spent on the mountain. Together we’ve explored all its’ routes during all conditions and seasons. Join us for a trip of your lifetime!

3-DAY climb & ski/board Descent ITINERARY

Day 1
8:00am-10:00am | Meet guides and group at 8:00am at The SMG Shop 305 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta, CA. We will conduct a thorough equipment check and pass out communal group gear. Rental equipment is available, please reserve through the Fifth Season in advance 530-926-3606. The Fifth Season is conveniently located next to us.

10:00am-10:30am | Drive to the Bunny Flat trailhead (6950’) for a group briefing and start the ski approach to base camp (8,000’). Distance 2.5 miles, gain 1,000’. We choose a low camp to allow access to several ski tours and climbing routes.

12:00pm-1:30pm | At base camp the group will set up camp, snack, and prepare for an afternoon ski tour and snow school training. We’ll plan an afternoon of ski touring for snow assessment and skill development.

2:00pm-4:00pm | The purpose of snow school is to prepare you and the climbing team for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb/ski. Topics covered include, avalanche awareness, transceiver practice, ice axe and crampon use, ski mountaineering techniques, rope travel and self arrest.

4:00pm-6:00pm | After snow school you will return to camp for dinner and evening briefing. Your guides will discuss route plan, weather and conditions and what to pack for the following day. Dinner is provided and prepared by the guides. We take great pride in the quality of organic meals we supply. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. A selection of hot drinks is available as well.

Day 2
7:00am | Wake up and breakfast, hot breakfast of oatmeal and granola, coffee, tea. Briefing for the day’s tour

8:00am-3:00pm | Ski/Snowboard tour and continued snow school. This will give us a chance to assess and refine our ski skills and look at the present snow conditions. We can expect to gain 3,000-4,000’ covered over 3 miles. This will aid in acclimating as well as provide an opportunity for some great backcountry turns. There will be ample opportunity to assess conditions, equipment, and discuss and practice technical skills. Afternoon rest and hydration. Pack and organize gear. Dry equipment and preparation for summit climb.

4:00pm-6:00pm | Dinner and briefing for next day’s climb. Dinner and hot drinks provided by guides. Early to bed in preparation of alpine start and summit climb.

Day 3
Alpine Start | Depending on group size, season and route conditions, wake-up call will occur between 1:00am-2:00am. Hot cereal and drinks provided

2:00am-10:00am | Summit climb. We will attach ski and boards to our packs and climb with crampons on our boots, ice axes, and be roped together for sections of the climb. 6,000’ elevation gain, 5 miles.

Turn around time | For safety and ski purposes, our turn-around time on the mountain may be as early as 9:00-10:00am. We use these time frames to avoid hazards such as rock fall and afternoon storms and to optimize ideal snow conditions.

Ski/Board Descent | We will ride from our high point and descend either the West Face route or Avalanche Gulch. With such great vertical relief we can expect a variety of snow conditions on the descent. It can be firm up high and soft down low and everything in between. A ski mountaineering objective relies on careful route selection and timing for best conditions.

Back at base camp | Hydrate, pack camp, and fill our packs. Prepare for the ski/hike back to the trailhead. Return to trailhead between 4:00-6:00pm

* Itinerary subject to change & the summit of Mount Shasta is subject to safe weather and snow conditions

For lodging in the town of Mount Shasta before and after your trip we recommend our partners at Summit Lofts and LOGE Mt. Shasta. They offer a discount to our climbers and guests.