The classic Sierra High Route ski tour from Kings Canyon National Park to Shepherd Pass, CA (8 days)
This trip follows the classic Californian Sierra High Route ski tour from Kings Canyon National Park to Sheperd Pass, where over the course of 8 days the certified guides from SWS Mountain Guides will lead you through some of the mightiest and most majestic peaks in the state, with gorgeous alpine scenery everywhere.
Private and Group
8 Days
May
Fit
Advanced
Highlights
* Backcountry ski on the classic, epic and thrilling High Sierra Route!
* Ski amongst several 12,000 ft.+ peaks in California
* Admire the scenery of alpine forests, lakes and glaciers
* Bask in the amazing and warm California weather whilst skiing
Description
This 8-day adventure is utterly thrilling, fun and exciting, as we take the classic Sierra High Route ski tour from Kings Canyon National Park to Sheperd Pass, a route long-considered a ‘rite of passage’ for any true backcountry skiing enthusiast, as we traipse and travail around several 12,000 ft.+ peaks, through lush alpine forests and past mesmerizing glaciers, all while taking in the superb Californian landscape, scenery and terrain.
The Sierra High Route is traditionally a cross-country hiking route located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, and is often broken up in to different sub-sections, owing to its 195-mile length.
Over the course of the 8 days we will be navigating over 7 passes of 12,000 ft. or higher, each with excellent ski conditions and runs off the back sides of each.
Some of the best places we ski on include Owens Valley Desert Floor, the Triple Divide Peak, Cloud and Deadman Canyons, the Kern Plateau, and of course, Wolverton, Kings Canyon and Sheperd Pass.
Each area contains absolutely spectacular and beautiful countryside and scenery, with the alpine forests lining the mountains and valleys leading to epic lakes and glaciers, with the lovely Californian weather adding a sensational touch to proceedings.
After these 8 days you will have experienced some of the best, most challenging and most rewarding backcountry skiing in California, and hopefully have fallen in love that little bit more with this epic part of the country.
This trip is a tour bucket-list item for any serious backcountry skier – book now before it’s too late!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Flight to the start
- Local flights
- Avalanche equipment
- Camping equipment tents
Price details
Includes: Professional instruction / guides, chartered air flight back to trailhead, breakfasts, dinners and hot drinks, tents, stoves, avalanche safety equipment, radios, group climbing equipment, group
camping equipment, permits and permit fees. Private charter air flight back to Woodlake airport - Meeting place.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 8: Meet, Ski, Finish
* Meet in Woodlake, California on day 1. * Backcountry ski around the High Sierra Route all day every day. * Finish on day 8.
Details
More info
Meeting point
About the guide
SWS
4.70
(10)
Mountain Guide
Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.
Languages
English
Certificates
IFMGA | AMGA
What people are saying about SWS
Kendra
5.00
Excellent experience with my guide Ben and SWS. Was able to summit Mt Whitney via the mountaineer’s route thanks to Ben’s understanding of the mountain and assessment of my capabilities. Great experience that exceeded my expectations.
Osly
3.00
Overall, the fair evaluation for the SWS Mountain Guides and the guide assigned to me is 3 stars. Reasons: 1. The guide did not seem to remember or respect the fact that I was new to mountaineering and that the name of program is called “introduction to mountaineering...”. For example, the guide set his own time for walking and resting without any concern to my physical ability for that timing. The guide walked ahead many times and didn’t even notice when I fell a few times. I understand the guide is not the insurer of safety or a hand holder, but a complete abrasive approach to the service is not right, especially when it’s a paid service. Perhaps, the guide is not a right choice for introduction tours. 2. There was a miscommunication with timing of the summit day. I thought we would start summiting around 5am the next day; however, I was told less than 15 hours before that we would start hiking at 1am the next day from base camp. We arrived at base camp early afternoon, and I’m wired up, hot, and not prepared to fall asleep between 5pm-12am, thus, I didn’t sleep at all. I attempted the summit hike but around 12k feet the sleep deprivation was killing me and I was catching myself falling asleep and my body trying to lay down while waking. The guide didn’t seem to concerned about this. Lack of empathy. Eventually, I had to insist we turn around because I didn’t want to go beyond 30 hours of no sleep and still have to descend from the summit. 3. The guide did help set up the tent and food. The guide did explain layers of clothes on and off and why. The guide did help instruct how to pack and why. 4. Overall, I feel this guide is best suited for advanced climbers not introduction courses as he seems to be more of a “ill walk ahead of you” not “ill walk with you” type of guide.
Magdalena
5.00
This was an amazing trip and overall super positive experience with SWS Mountain Guides. I had a great guide with lots of mountain experience and many cool stories to share!
Anna
5.00
Such a difficult, but the most amazing experience! Something you will never forget!
Mikael
5.00
One of the best experiences we ever had. Amazing trip with lots of excitement, challenges and action - all in the most beautiful scenery. Our guide Matt played a crucial role making this trip a life time experience. Hi-fives to Matt and thanks for being the best guide! Best, Gustav and Mikael
Find more trips in United States
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.