Mount Shasta Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

• 8:00 AM: Meet at the Bunny Flat Trailhead (6,950') for introductions, gear check, and distribution of any climbing gear provided by GSG.

• 9:00 AM: Hit the trail to Horse Camp (7,900').

• Afternoon: Arrive at camp, take a break to refuel and set up camp. Enjoy the views and go for a quick ski tour up towards Avalanche Gulch (gaining and descending 1,000' vertical feet). Participate in an Intro to Mountaineering Course, covering snow travel, self-arrest techniques, fundamental rope systems, and snow anchors and belay systems.

• After the course, discuss the game plan for your summit bid or day of skiing/riding in Avalanche Gulch, eat dinner, hydrate, pack your bag for the following day, and enjoy the sunset and company of your fellow skiers and splitboarders. Get a good night's sleep because you'll be waking up early the following morning!

• 3:00 AM: Alpine start! If attempting the summit, rise no later than 3:00 AM and head into Avalanche Gulch by 4:00 AM. If skiing or splitboarding below the Red Banks, sleep in a bit longer.

• 4:00 AM: Ascend Avalanche Gulch for a couple hours until you reach the Red Banks (12,800’). Take a short break, refuel, hydrate, and continue on towards Misery Hill.

• Late morning: Misery Hill is a slow and arduous climb due to the high altitude (13,000’), but the views are incredible and the nearby summit keeps you motivated.

• Early afternoon: Once atop Misery Hill, the true Mount Shasta Summit is within sight and resides just across the flat Football Field. As you near the summit, you will notice a peculiar smell of sulfuric acid, as Shasta is a relatively young volcano.

Note: conditions vary above the Red Banks. There is a high probability you will stash your skis or splitboard above the Red Banks if going for the summit.

• Summit time! Congratulations, you’ve just summitted one of the classic volcanoes in North America and are standing proud and tall at 14,179’ feet! Enjoy the views on the summit, take summit photos and selfies, refuel and hydrate, then eventually make your way back down to camp, descending the same path you climbed. Please keep in mind you’re only halfway there and more accidents occur on the descent, so take your time, watch your steps, and enjoy the views.

• Late afternoon: Once back to camp, fire up the stove, feed your calorie-depleted body, and reminisce on the incredible day you just had with a great group of people!

• 7:00 AM: For those interested, we can do one more lap up Avalanche Gulch if you have the energy! If not, we'll have a leisurely morning where you will cook breakfast, pack up your bags, and begin the descent towards the Bunny Flat Trailhead where you began your adventure.

• Early afternoon: Upon your arrival back to the Bunny Flat Trailhead, you will return any climbing equipment that was provided by GSG, kick off those ski/ splitboard boots and slip into some comfy clothes, and debrief with your Guide(s).

Note: our 2-day ski and splitboard ascent of Avalanche Gulch is the same as the 3-day itinerary, except that you will pack up camp on the second day and return to the Bunny Flat Trailhead.