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Harvest time on the South Face of Dunderberg Peak, Virginia Lakes |
Corn Harvest Basecamps
You reap what you sow during harvest time and nature's bounty is plentiful in the Eastern Sierra in Spring. Thanks to the perfect combo of sun angle and intensity, cool night-time temperatures, and optimum snowpack depth and density, we can confidently say that there is no place as consistently good as the Sierra for backcountry corn skiing. We pick different spots every year to base, for variety, and this year we are offering two incredible locations on two different dates: The Virginia Lakes Basecamp and the Upper Buttermilk Basecamp.
Both basecamps use the aid of modern 4WD vehicles to get as high as possible into the mountains before settling into a fully decked out car camping arrangement complete with kitchens, coolers, beer cozies, lounge chairs, and whatever else we can haul.
The Virginia Lakes Basecamp features the skiing from a high trail head on the Virginia Lakes Road off of Conway Summit. The corn season is usually extra long there and the ski descents are spectacular. We ski peaks like Black Mountain, Dunderberg, and Excelsior Peak
The Upper Buttermilk is a truly special place for skiers and contains the best concentration of accessible, classic ski descents found in the Eastern Sierra. The camp is a wonderful place to be based in the spring and makes for a very comfortable ski scene.
NEW!
This course will never be cancelled due to lack of participation. That means that if you are the only sign up, you get the guide and the low price all to yourself!
Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Info
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| TRIP ITINERARY: Corn Harvest Basecamp |
| DAY 1 |
Meet with your guide for a gear check and final packing of the vehicle(s). Drive to the Basecamp location and settle into our new home for 4 days. Go on a warm up ski tour.
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DAY 2 |
Harvest time! We will follow the sun around the various aspects finding the best possible corn skiing just as it goes off. Back to Basecamp for a great meal and maybe a dip in the stream.
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DAY 3 |
More Corn Skiing, possibly one of the bigger peak objectives of the area. More Basecamp leisure in the evening. |
| DAY 4 |
More skiing, followed by packing of the vehicles and descending to civilization |
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Prerequisites:
- Advanced-Expert downhill skiing skills, able to ski slopes up to 45 degrees in steepness in good corn conditions
- Ability to control speed and execute rhythmic, fall-line turns in control and comfort in challenging backcountry snow conditions (deep, heavy, moist, breakable crust, firm) on slopes up to 40 degrees in steepness
- Ability to perform a downhill facing kick-turn on a steep slope with skis and boots in downhill mode
- Ability to sideslip forward and backward, with edge control, on steep, firm slopes
- Experience ski touring using ski touring equipment (touring boots, bindings, skins)
- Prior practice with Avalanche Safety Equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Very good fitness
Additional Information:
Included in the cost of the trip:
- AMGA trained and/or certified Ski Guide
- Meals and Fuel for the trip
- Group camping gear (tents, stoves, furniture, etc.)
- Transport to basecamp, if necessary.
- Rental Avalanche Safety Equipment, if needed
Not included:
- Personal gear
- Snacks and personal trail food
- Extras
Recommended Reading:
     
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