Skiing the North Cascades: Top Descents and Classic Ski Mountaineering Lines

Photo: Skier heading into the backcountry on Mt Shuksan

Steep, Glaciated, Wild: Welcome to the North Cascades

With rugged ridgelines, massive relief, and glaciated peaks that rival the Alps, the North Cascades are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest ski mountaineering. This region, anchored by North Cascades National Park and the surrounding wilderness, offers big, remote descents, deep snowpacks, and endless alpine objectives.

From iconic classics like Mt. Shuksan to rarely-skied couloirs and remote glacier bowls, the North Cascades are for skiers who want more than just vert, they want a real adventure.

In this guide, we break down the main zones and most sought-after ski descents in the range, ideal for spring ski mountaineering and guided multi-day missions.

Main Zones for Ski Mountaineering in the North Cascades

1. Mt. Shuksan & Baker Backcountry – Technical, glaciated classics

2. Eldorado Peak & Inspiration Glacier – Huge alpine terrain

3. Sahale / Boston Basin Zone – Moderate to steep objectives in a wild setting

4. Hidden Gems – Remote lines like Snowfield Peak, Colonial, and more
   
   

Photo: Camp site on the Sulphide Glacier with Shuksan's Summit Pyramid in the distance.

1. Mt. Shuksan – Glaciated Icon of the Cascades

• Top Descent: Sulphide Glacier → Summit Pyramid (optional bootpack)

• Vertical: ~5,500–6,500 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate–Advanced (glacier travel + potential summit booting)

• Best Time: April–early June

• Why ski it? A true ski mountaineering classic. The Sulphide Glacier offers a huge fall-line descent with incredible views, and the Summit Pyramid (if conditions allow) adds a technical cherry on top. A perfect guided ski descent for spring.
  
  

➡️ Want more detail? We’ll be publishing a dedicated “How to Ski Mt. Shuksan” post soon—stay tuned.

Photo: Skier beginning the descent down Eldorado Glacier

2. Eldorado Peak – King of the Inspiration Glacier

• Vertical: ~6,500 ft

• Best Time: April–May

• Difficulty: Moderate–Advanced (steep access + glacier)

• Style: Big alpine mission
  
  

Known for its iconic knife-edge summit ridge, Eldorado is one of the best ski mountaineering objectives in the Cascades. After a burly approach (and early-season creek crossing), you’ll access a high glaciated basin with massive ski potential. Ideal for basecamp-style guided trips with multiple descent options.

Photo: Skier climbing up towards the Sahale Glacier and Sahale Peak

3. Sahale Peak & Boston Basin Zone

• Top Descents: Sahale Glacier, Quien Sabe Glacier, Sharkfin Col

• Vertical: ~4,500–6,000 ft.

• Best Time: Late April–June

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Style: Multi-objective touring
  
  

This zone combines easy access (for the Cascades) with classic ski lines in a dramatic setting. Sahale Glacier is a great warm-up or intro-to-glacier route, while Sharkfin Col and the Quien Sabe Glacier offer steeper, more adventurous descents. Great for guided group trips or 3-day ski mountaineering progressions.

4. Hidden Gems of the North Cascades

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, the North Cascades don’t disappoint. These lesser-known peaks deliver solitude, steep skiing, and wild terrain.

🏔️ Snowfield Peak

• Descent: Neve Glacier

• Why ski it? A massive, remote basin accessed via Diablo Lake or Colonial Creek. Ideal for 3–4 day ski missions.
  
  

🏔️ Colonial Peak

• Descent: East Face or North Couloir (in condition)

• Why ski it? A striking summit with technical lines—rarely skied but wildly rewarding.
  
  

🏔️ Ruth Mountain & Icy Peak

• Style: Moderate, remote glacier skiing

• Why ski it? Less technical than others, but scenic and remote—great for newer ski mountaineers looking for mileage and glacier experience.

➡️ Many of these zones are best done as guided multi-day trips with glacier camping, especially for skiers newer to alpine systems.

When to Ski the North Cascades

Pro Tip:

Most major ski descents in the North Cascades are best done in April–early June, when snowpack is stable and glaciers are still filled in.

What to Expect on a Guided Ski Trip in the North Cascades

Whether you’re aiming for a single summit like Shuksan, or planning a multi-day traverse across glaciated terrain, a guided trip will help you:

• Plan around weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions

• Manage crevasse hazards and glacier navigation

• Pace properly for big alpine days

• Learn and refine ski mountaineering systems

• Get the most out of every descent
  
  

➡️ Book a guided North Cascades ski trip and explore the terrain with professional guides who know the snow, the routes, and the local flow.

Gear Checklist for Ski Mountaineering in the North Cascades

• Touring skis (95–105 mm underfoot)

• Tech bindings + ski crampons

• Ski touring boots with good articulation

• Beacon, shovel, probe

• Harness, helmet, glacier rope

• Crampons + ice axe

• Glacier gear: prusiks, carabiners, slings

• 40–60L backpack, overnight gear for multi-day missions
  
  

➡️ Browse our North Cascades ski gear list or let us help you dial in your kit.

What Clients Say

“Shuksan was a dream line for me. We had perfect spring conditions, a solid team, and the trip flowed so well. Blackbird delivered from start to finish.”

– Jeff K., Seattle WA

Key Takeaways

• Mt. Shuksan is the most iconic ski mountaineering objective in the range

• Eldorado Peak and the Inspiration Glacier offer massive alpine terrain

• Boston Basin is great for moderate glacier tours and intro-to-advanced trips

• Hidden zones like Snowfield Peak offer solitude and serious adventure

• April–June is the best season for ski descents in the North Cascades

• Going guided maximizes safety, access, and the overall experience
  
  

FAQ: Skiing in the North Cascades

❓ What is the best ski descent in the North Cascades?

Mt. Shuksan’s Sulphide Glacier is the most iconic. Eldorado offers the biggest alpine terrain. Boston Basin provides the best multi-objective zone.

❓ Do I need a guide to ski the North Cascades?

If you don’t have glacier travel and crevasse rescue experience, yes. A guide ensures safe travel and helps you get the most out of the terrain.

❓ When is the best time to ski in North Cascades National Park?

April through June is ideal. Snowpack is stable, weather improves, and snow coverage is still solid.

❓ How technical are the routes?

Most major descents require glacier travel, roped skiing, and solid fitness. Some lines include bootpacks or steep skiing. Guided trips help tailor the experience to your skills and ambitions.

About the Author

Andrew Richardson is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, AIARE Course Leader, and seasoned backcountry guide with over 30 years of experience in the mountains. Based in the Pacific Northwest since 2007, he guides ski mountaineering trips, teaches avalanche safety courses, and helps clients build the skills and confidence to explore the backcountry safely. A lifelong skier raised in Northern California, Andrew has skied everything from the couloirs of the Tetons to the flanks of Denali. When he's not guiding, he’s a strength and endurance coach with Samsara Experience, training athletes to perform at their peak in the mountains and beyond.