Sierra Peak Descents


		Guided Trips to the Sierra Nevada & Worldwide!

Will Crljenko skis from the top of a Sierra peak in the Big Pine Creek drainage.

Sierra Peak Descents

The Eastern Sierra is world famous for its easy access to ski summits of all sizes. Nothing beats the satisfaction of climbing a mountain, ripping turns off of an alpine summit and then sniffing the desert sage of the valley bottom.

On our Scheduled Peak Descents programs, your guide will choose 2 amazing Eastern Sierra peaks for quality of skiing, mountain hazard considerations, overall mountain aesthetics, peak "summit-ability," and group profile. Each peak on this program will be done from the valley as a day tour. This gives the program maximum flexibility and allows a nice evening of rest in the valley between peaks. We plan to climb and descend 3000-5000 vertical feet each day with possible skiing up to 45 degrees, so this scheduled program is not for the uninitiated and demands some backcountry skiing experience.

Of course there are countless Sierra peaks for all levels. We offer Peak Descents on a Custom basis for those who want to experience the thrill of a lifetime but at their own pace and level, or with a private group of ski companions. We believe in this program as a peak experience that is far superior to any weekend at the ski resort. Let's go to the Peaks!

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 Information

TRIP ITINERARY: Scheduled Sierra Peak Descents Program
Pre-Trip	Your SMG ski guide will contact all members of the group by phone and email to introduce themselves and discuss the proposed itinerary based on current conditions and the group profile. The final meeting details will be communicated at this time, generally at your hotel based near the first day objective.
DAY 1	Meet your guide early in the morning at the hotel. Enjoy a classic Eastern Sierra Peak Descent! Stay the night in the valley in the hotel.
DAY 2	A second Eastern Sierra Peak Descent, and the end of two fine days of ski mountaineering.

Prerequisites:

Advanced-expert downhill skiing skills
Ability to control speed and execute fall-line turns in control and comfort in difficult snow conditions (deep powder, heavy and/or moist snow, breakable crust, firm or icy, etc.)
Ability to execute hop turns on 40 degree+, firm slopes, coming to a complete and immediate stop at the finish of each turn
Ability to sideslip forward and backward, with edge control, on steep, firm slopes
Experience ski touring in the backcountry using ski touring equipment (boots, bindings, skins, transceiver, shovel, probe, etc.
Ability to make uphill facing kick-turns in an uphill track on a slope
Very good fitness

Additional Information

Trip Cost Inclusions:

AMGA Trained/Certified Ski Guide
Avalanche Safety Equipment Rental (if necessary)
2 nights lodging, on a shared basis. (add $100 for private room)

Trip Cost Exclusions:

Personal ski and mountain gear
Transportation to/within Eastern Sierra
Food/Drink

Check out a trip report from a Sierra Peak Descent READ MORE