I’ve had my eye on Mt. Shasta for a ski trip for several weeks. The weather finally looked good, so I drove up and spent the night at Bunny Flat. I started skiing up Avalanche Gulch Wednesday morning at 4:08. The climbing skins started slipping on the icy snow at about 8,500’, so I switched to crampons and carried my skis the rest of the way. I finally summited at 1:38. What a chore!

After a half-hour break, I put my skis back on. I was thinking about how totally screwed I would be if one of the skis got away from me, so I was really careful putting them on. I started down at 2:11. The snow near the summit was very icy and chopped up. It was a real pain getting down to the Football Field. I met another climber who had stopped to put his skis back on for the descent. Oops! One of them got away from him and disappeared off the north side. Sure glad I was extra careful not to do that!

The snow was mostly choppy ice above the Thumb. It was hard work, but it was a lot faster than hiking, even with frequent rest stops. The snow was excellent from the Thumb to Helen Lake. Below Helen Lake, it was just slop. Skiing the slop was much faster than hiking, but it was hard work. My legs were just screaming. I had to stop and rest often, but I still made it to the car by 3:06. It was a great climb, and I’m glad I brought the skis.

Congrats. I was thinking of doing Shasta over Memorial Day weekend, but Mother Nature screwed me over.

It's now more likely during the week of July 4th since my Yosemite trip that week is up in the air until I get trail reports the week before and know if Tioga Road will be open or not.

Current options:
1) Tuolumne Meadows through Grand Canyon of TR to Hetch Hetchy (or looping back around to TM via Rodger Canyon) (this is looking like a long shot right now)
2) Old Oak Flat Road along North Rim to exit either Snow Creek or all the way around to Happy Isles TH. (the later is a long shot with conditions this year)
3) Old Oak Flat Road along North Rim to exit Snow Creek, then book it up to Shasta for 3-4 days there.
4) Just do Shasta summit from Bunny flat.


#3 would help acclimatization, but is a long drive between Yosemite and Shasta (but I have 9 days to do what I want that week). I might not even have to switch from summer gear to winter gear the way the snow is still sticking around.

#4 Would be the simplest, but if anyone has suggestions for other hikes to do around that area, I'm all ears.
I was thinking I could add a side trip to Shastina on the way up since I won't be pressed for time if I just do Shasta.

Bob, I turn 67 next month. I’m no slug, but the reports of your activities make me feel inadequate. Looking forward to Borah Peak in Idaho next month with my stepson. That’s no cakewalk, but it’s still not as strenuous as what you’ve been doing on Shasta and Whitney. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” right?

Hi, Jim. I wrote a trip report after climbing Borah back in 1998, but I can’t find it. I got there in mid afternoon: too late to go for it and too early to eat dinner and go to bed. I went for it anyway, and barely made it out without needing my headlamp. The route was short and fairly steep, but not too hard. There was a lot of rock that was upper class 2 to lower class 3. The trip was easier, shorter, and more fun than I expected. You’ll enjoy it.

Okay... when I asked for suggestions, I was referring to places near Mt Shasta.

Only Borah I could find was in Idaho. But I'll add it to my list, but don't know when I might be in Idaho. (was just on the edge near Yellowstone once )

WanderingJim, I was replying to SoCalJim because he said he was “Looking forward to Borah Peak in Idaho next month.” I wasn’t replying to you since I wasn’t sure what you were asking, and I’ve never climbed anything other than Shasta “around that area.” Sorry for the confusion.

Oops... Maybe I shouldn't reply to threads before going to bed.

Amazing Bob. I wish I had half your energy.