Eastern Sierra Backcountry Skiing Conditions Update
2024-05-21 | Tioga Pass / Mt Dana
The Eastern Sierra is firing on all cylinders. The snow quality is excellent, and the access just gained a massive boost with Tioga Pass opening a few days ago. If you've ever dreamed of backcountry skiing some of the famous terrain accessible here, now's the time!
Our guides have been finding quality corn skiing on solar aspects by mid-morning, and consistent overnight freezes are improving skiing conditions every day. There is still a bit of wintry snow just beginning to transition in shaded high-elevation terrain. Choose your backcountry skiing terrain wisely!
Getting an early start, carrying an axe and crampons (and knowing how to use them!), and timing your descents are all imperative this time of year - hiring a guide is a great way to build your skills and ensure that you're finding the best snow when you're backcountry skiing in the alpine!
The Dana Plateau area holds some of our favorite terrain in all of the Eastern Sierra. Check out a few photos of some of our favorite ski descents in the area!
Photo: Riley Bathurst
Chris Cloyd riding the North Couloir on North Peak.
Photo: Sim McKenna
Photo: Chris Cloyd
Access to the Mount Dana area is currently easier than ever with the gate open to the park entrance station. Come ski and ride some of this incredible terrain with us! We offer single-day and multi-day options and have guides available this spring!
Trailhead Status Across the Range
✅ Tioga Pass / SR120 - Open to the Park Entrance
✅ Sonora Pass / CA108 - Open
✅ South Lake Trailhead 9700' - Open
✅ Lake Sabrina Trailhead 9700' - Open
✅ Kearsarge Pass - Open