Approach from the Devastated Area on Lassen Peak in Lassen National Park on May 24, 2025. Photo: Zeb Blais.
Lassen Peak Conditions - 2025-05-25
Spring corn, smooth lines, and scenic solitude in NorCal’s backcountry gem.
Looking for the latest Lassen Peak conditions? Our team just returned from a backcountry ski tour on Lassen, and the mountain is serving up some of the best conditions of the season. Here's what you need to know if you're planning a trip.
Snow Coverage and General Conditions
Snow remains continuous from the Devastated Area trailhead, with coverage improving above 8,000 feet. Despite a below-average snow year, Lassen Peak has held on to a healthy spring snowpack—thanks in part to its high elevation and north-facing terrain.
The upper mountain is smooth, consolidated, and corn skiing is peaking. East and north-facing lines are in particularly good shape, softening around 9–10 a.m. and staying supportable into the early afternoon.
Climbing and Skiing Routes
North Side / Devastated Area Approach:
The Devastated Area was remarkably still holding consistent, skinnable snow from within a couple hundred feet of the trailhead this weekend! The snow has thinned out considerably since our last update, but it's still amazing how easy the approach is - still no need to put the skis on your pack from the parking lot if you're willing to do a few steps of dirt skinning ;) !
A few patchy spots near the Devastated Area trailhead of Lassen Peak. May 24, 2025 Photo: Zeb Blais
Summit Ski Conditions:
Conditions are still excellent - smooth corn is still on the menu! From the summit, there are still 2,500' of beautiful California Cascades corn to ski before the terrain benches out and the snow starts to become quite sticky. In the lower reaches of the Northeast Bowl, below 8,000' the sun cups are starting to become pronounced and unpleasant as well. The descent back to the car was continuous and fun, with only a few rocks beginning to poke through at lower elevations.
Sun Cups are starting to become a menace in the lower elevations of Lassen Peak. May 25, 2025. Photo: Zeb Blais
Upper Elevations 10,457' - 9,000'
The Northeast Face of Lassen Peak still offering up primo corn. May 24, 2025. Photo: Zeb Blais
The upper elevations where the snowpack has frozen the hardest are skiing really well, even into the early afternoon. As the overnight temperatures have risen over the last few days and into the week that window will get shorter. On Sunday, the snowpack was noticeably warmer and weaker than Saturday. Overnight temps were 3-4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer overnight on Sunday vs Saturday (37-35F vs 41-38F at 9,500') and the warmth made a noticeable difference in ski quality and avalanche hazard. At around 9,000' the snowpack became isothermal shortly after noon and skiers triggered two small (D1) triggered wet loose avalanches on steep slopes (35+). Weaker snowpack on the approach, collapsing steps in the boot pack and skis trenching deeper into the snow were tell tale signs of the quickly increasing Avy hazard and poor ski quality. Turn around or choose lower angle terrain when you anticipate or see these signs!
Mid Elevations - 9.000' - 7,500'
Fun carving in the mid elevations with a ski guide on Lassen Peak, but the snow was definitely on the softer side of the corn spectrum at 1:30 on Saturday, and 11:30 on Sunday. May 10, 2025. Photo: Zeb Blais
Mid Elevations are softening quicker than they were a few days ago and this is causing a noticeable decrease in ski quality. Our tails were sinking in deeper, even just before noon on Sunday, when even the day before the snow in these elevations was still supportable well past 1pm. Get an early start for both ski quality and to avoid wet loose avalanches!
Low Elevations - 7,500' - 6,500'
The left chute on Southeast Face of Lassen Peak. Right of the moraine is the much wider, open slope pictured below. It skied perfectly from 9:00am would have been perfect. It was teeth rattling firm at 7:30am. May 10, 2025. Photo: Zeb Blais
Low elevation snowpack (from the trailhead to treeline) is remarkably consolidated and maintaining support for skis. This is keeping the approach and commute back to the parking lot relatively easy if you like route finding and "adventure skiing." Trees are melting out dishes of snow, making the out track anything but linear. Small rises in terrain are burning out in places as well, requiring a few steps here and there on dirt and downed branches.
Weather and Timing
Spring weather has been stable, and the freeze-thaw cycle is dialed in. Expect firm snow in the early morning, softening rapidly on solar aspects by mid-morning. Early starts are key for both climbers and skiers to enjoy safe, high-quality conditions and avoid post holing or sticky snow.
Check the latest Lassen Volcanic National Park weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions at higher elevations.
Avalanche & Safety Notes
While avalanche risk is low due to the consolidated spring snowpack, don’t let your guard down. Glide cracks are beginning to open up in isolated areas, and wet loose slides may occur on steeper solar slopes by midday. Standard springtime backcountry precautions apply: start early, monitor warming, and descend before the snow turns.
Final Word on Current Lassen Peak Conditions
Right now is prime time for spring ski mountaineering on Lassen Peak. Conditions are excellent, crowds are minimal, and the views are unmatched. Whether you're ticking off a summit ski or just enjoying some classic corn laps, Lassen is delivering.
Why Hire a guide to ski Lassen Peak?
Lassen is an awesome peak to climb and ski and offers a wide variety of descents on all aspects. Hiring a guide to ski Lassen Peak will help you increase safety and find the perfect lines on the peak! Our AMGA trained and certified guides know all the nooks and crannies of this incredible Cascade Volcano and they will find the perfect route for your team based on the conditions and your ski style! We love working with everyone from experienced backcountry skiers and riders to seasoned ski mountaineers! Join a Lassen Peak guided ski descent today!
Lassen Peak Private Backcountry Skiing
Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski
About the Author
Zeb Blais is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Course Leader based in Truckee California. He loves all the disciplines of mountain guiding - ski, rock and alpine climbing - but skiing is his first love. In the winter he enjoys backcountry skiing, guiding local and international ski trips, and teaching avalanche courses across the west coast, from Bishop, California to Mt Baker, Washington.