Powder days at the ski resorts are great, but they aren't like they used to be. The steep and deep used to be reserved for expert skiers and the pow would last all day. Since the development of fat, shapely skis and high speed, high capacity lifts, powder days have become as much a part of history as three-pin telemark bindings- reduced to a lucky hour or two of fresh tracks. As a result, more than ever, people are discovering the glorious backcountry of the Eastern Sierra and especially the Mammoth Lakes area!
Skiers are realizing that in the cumulative time spent waiting in lift lines and sitting on a cold, metal chair buffeted by wind, they could have comfortably and enjoyably ascended to the top of a beautiful mountain slope with heaps of the best snow imaginable and nobody else around. It just doesn't get any better than this! Eastside backcountry cognoscenti have realized that the Eastern Sierra is blessed with "the greatest snow on Earth" and that the term Sierra cement was apparently invented somewhere on the other side of the Sierra. Eastside powder is actually quite light, often measured in the 4-10% range and Sierra corn makes some of the best spring backcountry skiing anywhere.
We believe that the best one-day backcountry trips are those that are flexible. Our ski guides are AMGA trained and/or certified and know better than anyone where to find the best snow and the best terrain for your abilites. This is an amazing day of skiing at a special group price!
We generally base in the greater Mammoth Lakes Area and maintain flexibility to access the best nearby tours on each day. Your guide will contact you prior to the trip to confirm logistics and meeting details .
Prerequisites:
Advanced downhill skiing skills, with ability to ski the fall line with rhythmic, parallel turns on black diamond runs at the ski resort
Experience skiing in the backcountry using specialized ski touring gear (AT or telemark skis, boots, and bindings and climbing skins)
Basic familiarity with Avalanche Safety Equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
