A fresh coat of snow on the Bishop skyline - May 1, 2025     Photo: Zeb Blais

2025-05-04 |  South Lake, Bishop Creek, McGee Creek, and Mt Ritter Areas  | California

The last couple of weeks have afforded opportunities to explore more terrain and get deeper into the Range of Light . Our guides have been finding excellent skiing conditions, even amidst some dynamic weather patterns (afternoon showers have been commonplace lately).

John Lauer and Pauly Miltner climbing Treasure Col in winter conditions. Incredible riding on the way down! - April 29, 2025    Photo: Chris Cloyd

Adam Paul and John Lauer on the summit of Mt. Gilbert - April 29, 2025    Photo: Chris Cloyd


The improved road access to the South Lake trailhead above Bishop Creek has opened up a world of terrain. Above 12,000 feet winter conditions are still the norm, and we made our share of powder turns this week (yes, even in May).

Stoked Blackbird clients, with the North and Zebra Couloirs of Mt Emerson visible in the background - May 1, 2025    Photo: Blackbird Guide/Founder Zeb Blais

The Wahoo Gullies on Mt. Locke - May 1, 2025   Photo: Zeb Blais


Between warm temps and afternoon precip, getting an early start has been paramount when it comes to scoring ideal conditions. We've been getting up early and starting more than a few of our tours with running shoes on. That being said, the snowpack up above 10,000 is remarkably thick, and tons of dreamy terrain is stacked with snow for the spring season.

As we head Into May, It's not uncommon to start and end your tour with a little bit of dirt walking. McGee Canyon - May 2, 2025    Photo: Zeb Blais

Mt. Morgan and Esha Peak - May 2, 2025    Photo: Zeb Blais

High pressure weather windows (like the one forecasted for the next couple of weeks!) are often the best times to get up into the alpine. Use of ski mountaineering tools like axes, crampons, and ski/splitboard crampons is usually necessary to move safely in alpine terrain - if you've never been ski mountaineering and want to learn, we offer skills courses where you can learn from our expert guides!

Pauly Miltner skinning up the final slopes of Mt. Gilbert, Kings Canyon National Park - April 29, 2025    Photo: Chris Cloyd

Blackbird Guide Mike Henry, Adam Paul, and John Lauer looking small in big places. Kings Canyon high country in the background.- April 29, 2025    Photo: Chris Cloyd


Overnight trips can afford even greater access to the heart of the Range. We regularly take groups out into the Sierra for overnight trips - it's a great way to spend more time skiing and get into terrain that isn't easily accessible in a single day! You can learn all about our overnight programs here.

Justin Mullen out deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Banner Peak in the background. - May 2, 2025    Photo: Mike Henry

Justin Mullen reaping the rewards of a long walk. Pow in May! in California! Deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. - May 1, 2025
Photo: Mike Henry


If you've ever dreamed of getting up into the High Sierra for some skiing or splitboarding, the time is now! Push your skiing in steep terrain, or cruise mellow terrain in majestic alpine basins.

Chris Cloyd kicking in the last few steps on the North Face of Hurd Peak - April 28, 2025     Photo: Blackbird Guide Mike Henry

Mike Henry on the North Face of Hurd Peak - April 28, 2025    Photo: Chris Cloyd


Take advantage of the excellent skiing conditions and book an Eastern Sierra adventure with one of our expert Guides today!

Trailhead Status Across the Range

❌ Sonora Pass / CA108 - Closed

❌ Tioga Pass / SR120 - Closed

✅ Upper Rock Creek Trailhead 10,000' - Open

✅ South Lake Trailhead 9700' - Open

✅ Lake Sabrina Trailhead 9700' - Open

✅ Onion Valley Trailhead 9200' - Open

About the Author:

Chris Cloyd is a Splitboard Guide and AIARE Avalanche Instructor based in June Lake, CA. He works as Blackbird's Program Manager, helping put together trips into the backcountry from the Eastern Sierra all the way up to the North Cascades in Washington.