Shasta Ski (14 June 2012)
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Kim and I awoke after a restless sleep. It was one of those nights where “the list” kept running through my mind. Did I have my crampons? Ski crampons? Skins? Ice axe? Food? Was it really already to go? It was 2:30 and we began going through the routine of making breakfast and preparing for the day.
We began hiking from Bunny Flat at 3:30. In order to follow snow, we veered early on from the main trail and followed a cairn which led us to the true Avalanche Gulch. We were above treeline at the first signs of twilight.
At sunrise, the volcano cast a shadow across the surrounding land.
And the lighting was soft and beautiful.
But we still had a long ways to go up the Avalanche Gulch.
A closer look at the Trinity Chutes, our intended descent route.
Me making the most of my new ski crampons.
Just above Lake Helen, it was time to ditch the skins and switch to crampons as we climbed toward Red Banks.
A look down from near Red Banks.
Kim climbing on this beautifully sunny day.
As we rounded the corner above Red Banks we caught a glimpse of Misery Hill and the true summit. The true summit is the jagged rocks mostly hidden behind the ridge line.
We had climbed nearly 6000 feet, but still had about 1200′ more to go. Must keep going…
Approaching the final summit block.
The final summit block was full of rimey snow. While great for climbing, it makes for poor (and possibly dangerous) ski conditions. So, we left our skis at the bottom of the block, making the last push without our packs.
And 8 hours after we started (leisurely pace) we were at the summit!
After enjoying the views for quite some time, we finally made our way back to our skis. Kim skiing the upper ridge.
Kim descending Misery Hill.
But the best skiing by far was still to be had. We made the traverse and short climb up to the top of the Trinity Chutes. Untouched in the last few days, the snow was wonderfully smooth. And we were hitting it at the perfect time of day for fantastic corn. Kim.
Me.
Kim.
Me.
Kim with the Trinity Chutes in the background on the left.
Along the way we captured some GoPro footage using the chestie cam. Kim did not have holes in her helmet to hook up the camera as a helmet cam. Yes, there is a bit more movement in the video because we used this system, but it’s still worthy of sharing.
Shasta – Trinity Chutes – 14 June 2012 from 14erskiers on Vimeo.
After skiing nearly 7000′, and within a quarter mile of the car, we couldn’t help but having smiles all over our faces. Completely satisfied, we were amazed that we were rewarded with such a perfect day. All of our plans had come together with perfect timing. We couldn’t ask for a better Shasta ski day!
Thanks to Kim for joining me on this fantastic adventure!
Links to Other Reports from this Trip:
Volcano-Bound!
From SLC to Shasta
Shasta Ski (14 June 2012)
Shastarama Ski (16 June 2012)
Lassen Peak – Closing a Volcano
Oregon Days Off
Mount Hood (19 June 2012)
Mount Adams (20 June 2012)
Mt. St. Helens (21 June 2012)
From the Gorge to Craters
- Mount Buckskin (17 May 2020) - May 28, 2020
- Horseshoe Ski (14 May 2020) – The mountain whose journey nearly killed me - May 27, 2020
- Sayres X-Rated Ski (10 May 2020) - May 19, 2020
Ahhhh, there it is. Nice trip. Thanks for the report.
Trinity Chutes, ski crampons, and a single day ascent…those are the three things I would have changed about our trip if I could do it over again, and you gals hit the nail on the head with regards to all three! That said, too much new snow for safe skiing in the Trinity Chutes did have its advantages along the rest of the route :).
Great job on an awesome peak, and nice TR Brittany!