2 day Shasta Ski descent

Mt Shasta, California - 14,179 ft

Climb Overview

This is a more ambitious fast & light approach to ski the ultra-classic Avalanche Gulch route on Mount Shasta. On day one we establish a high camp partway up the route, as conditions and fitness allow. We do a quick tour for some afternoon turns and a review of climbing technique, then get some rest to prepare for an early AM alpine start and climb, culminating with a thrilling descent of one of the USA’s most sought-after ski objectives. Please contact us prior to booking to discuss your training program and experience and assure that you meet the requirements.

The two day itinerary doesn’t leave time for skills practice, acclimation, or recovery. You should be in very good condition and have some ski touring experience to consider this aggressive schedule.

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.

Booking by custom arrangement only.

    • Previous mountaineering experience along with significant ski/splitboard touring experience is required.

    • Advanced-level downhill skiing ability in all conditions is required.

    • Come with excellent fitness and recent experience climbing at least 2500-6000′ per day on skis.

    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.

  • $1395 per person
    *2 person minimum, otherwise private 2-day solo fee ($2195) applies

    INCLUDES

    • Professional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:2

    • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

    • Group camping equipment; tents, cooking equipment, main meals.

    • All permits and summit passes

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!

MT SHASTA 2-DAY Ski descent ITINERARY

Day 1
8:00 am | Meet guides and group at the SMG Shop 305 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta, CA. Please be punctual to allow time for gear rentals, packing, and a group briefing. We will conduct a thorough gear check and distribute group gear to each participant (5-8lbs.) We recommend that you reserve your rental equipment through the Fifth Season in advance 530-926-3606. They are conveniently located next door to our shop.

10:00-10:30am | Drive to the Bunny Flat trailhead (6950’) for a group briefing and start the ski approach to base camp (location may vary). Distance: 2.5-3.5 miles, vertical gain: 1,500-2,500’

10:30-2:30pm | Depending on weather and trail conditions, the moderate/ low angle approach to base camp may take anywhere from 1.5 to 4.0 hours.

3:00-5:00pm | At base camp your group will snack, set up camp, and prepare for snow school. The purpose of snow school is to prepare you and the team team for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb. Topics covered include crampon and ice axe use, team rope travel, and team arrest. Time permitting, we typically climb a little above camp to conduct snow school, then ski back down to both get a few turns in and allow the guide to assess skiing/snowboarding ability.

5:00-6:00pm | Return to camp for an early dinner and evening briefing. Your guides will discuss climb day logistics and what to pack. Generally, we like to be resting in the tents by 7:00- 8:00pm.

Day 2
Alpine Start | Depending on route conditions, weather, and group strengths, wake-up call will occur between 12:00am-1:00am. We start early for safety and best climbing conditions. Distance: 3 miles (1 way) Vertical gain approx 5,000’

Turn around time | For safety purposes, our turn around time on the mountain may be as early as 11:00 am-12:00 pm. We use these time frames to avoid hazards such as rock fall and afternoon storms, and time our ski descent for optimal conditions. Depending on route conditions, the descent back to base camp is about 2-3 hours.

Back at base camp | you will have time for a quick break and pack up for the ski descent to Bunny Flat. The descent takes about 1-2 hours.

* 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.