Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski

Ski two Cascade Volcanoes in one trip!
Mt Shasta & Lassen Peak in 4 days! We teach skills & ski 14,179' Mt Shasta before packing up camp to ski 10,460' Lassen Peak, the southernmost volcano in the Cascades. It's a great way to ski two classic volcanoes in one trip!
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

Tackle two massive volcanoes in the Cascades Range - Mt Shasta & Lassen Peak

Our 3 and 4 day private programs provide two ways to tackle this incredible ski mountaineering duo! If you're looking to join a group, reach out and we can help connect you with other skiers!

  • Mt Shasta - at 14,179,' Shasta is the second highest Cascade Volcano behind Mt Rainier and is actually the largest by volume! Its legendary slopes hold incredible corn skiing ranging from moderate to expert difficulty, and it claims as spot on the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America list.

  • Lassen Peak - The terminus of the Cascade Range, Lassen towers well over 10,460' feet above sea level and boasts challenging slopes that provides skiers with plenty of choice ski descents!

4-Day Shasta & Lassen Itinerary

The 4 Day option provides a less strenuous pace, with a more relaxed time frame between mountains. The extra day also allows for more leeway with weather and makes it easier to shift the itinerary as the weather dictates.

Day 1 - Ski Mountaineering Skills & Camping on Mt Shasta

We start at Mt Shasta, skinning up to camp, building a comfortable base for the night, and then build basic ski mountaineering skills needed for safety and efficiency on the mountain.

Day 2 - Mt Shasta Summit Attempt & Return to Camp

Day two will be our summit attempt of Mt. Shasta! After a long day we'll return to camp for the evening.

Day 3 - Return to Trailhead & Travel to Lassen

On day three we'll pack up camp and return to the trailhead, then drive down to Lassen to camp at the trailhead that evening.  

Day 4 - Lassen Summit Attempt

Day four is our summit attempt of Lassen Peak! In the afternoon we'll return to the trailhead and head home.


3-Day Shasta & Lassen Itinerary

The 3 Day option maintains a strenuous pace, with a tight schedule on Shasta and less time to commute between mountains. If you'd prefer a more relaxed pace or extra options for weather, the 4 Day option would be a better fit!

Day 1 - Brief Ski Mountaineering Skills Practice & Camping on Mt Shasta

We start at Mt Shasta, skinning up to camp, building a comfortable base for the night, and then build basic ski mountaineering skills needed for safety and efficiency on the mountain.

Day 2 - Mt Shasta Summit Attempt & Drive to Lassen Peak Manzanita Lake Campground.

Day two will be our summit attempt of Mt. Shasta! After reaching our high point, we breakdown camp, ski to the trailhead, and drive to Lassen Peak (2hrs+) where we'll camp at Manzanita Lake.

Day 3 - Lassen Summit Attempt

Day three is our summit attempt of Lassen Peak! In the afternoon we'll return to the trailhead and head home.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

  • Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including steep and consequential off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.

  • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

  • Basic Ski Mountaineering Skills - Including ice axe, crampon, and basic rope skills are encouraged, but not required. Build those skills during the program or attend our Ski Mountaineering Skills course prior to attending and spend more time climbing and skiing on Day 2

  • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week.

  • Ski/Split Touring, Avalanche, & Ski Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

Here's what's included with your trip:

  • Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
  • Ropes & Gear - for ski mountaineering training
  • Tent
  • Stove & Fuel
  • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Meals
  • Ski/Splitboard Gear
  • Avalanche Gear
  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
  • Guide Gratuities

Shasta Ski Mountaineering Gear List


Know Before you go

SKILL LEVELAdvanced Expert
ELEVATION7,000’-14,179’
LocationMt Shasta & Lassen Peak

Price/Person $3,395.00
Private Programs
Duration: 3 - 4 Days
View Full Itinerary
Private Programs

Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

PRIVATE PROGRAMS

Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

Contact us
Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Ski Mountaineering Skills & Camping on Mt Shasta

We start at Mt Shasta, skinning up to camp, building a comfortable base for the night, and then build basic ski mountaineering skills needed for safety and efficiency on the mountain.

 

Day 2 - Mt Shasta Summit Attempt & Return to Camp

Day two will be our summit attempt of Mt. Shasta! After a long day we'll return to camp for the evening.

 

Day 3 - Return to Trailhead & Travel to Lassen

On day three we'll pack up camp and return to the trailhead, then drive down to Lassen to camp at the trailhead that evening.  

 

Day 4 - Lassen Summit Attempt

Day four is our summit attempt of Lassen Peak! We'll get a great ski descent in and in the afternoon, we'll return to the trailhead to wrap up our trip.

Tackle two massive volcanoes in the Cascades Range - Mt Shasta & Lassen Peak

Our 3 and 4 day private programs provide two ways to tackle this incredible ski mountaineering duo! If you're looking to join a group, reach out and we can help connect you with other skiers!

  • Mt Shasta - at 14,179,' Shasta is the second highest Cascade Volcano behind Mt Rainier and is actually the largest by volume! Its legendary slopes hold incredible corn skiing ranging from moderate to expert difficulty, and it claims as spot on the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America list.

  • Lassen Peak - The terminus of the Cascade Range, Lassen towers well over 10,460' feet above sea level and boasts challenging slopes that provides skiers with plenty of choice ski descents!

4-Day Shasta & Lassen Itinerary

The 4 Day option provides a less strenuous pace, with a more relaxed time frame between mountains. The extra day also allows for more leeway with weather and makes it easier to shift the itinerary as the weather dictates.

Day 1 - Ski Mountaineering Skills & Camping on Mt Shasta

We start at Mt Shasta, skinning up to camp, building a comfortable base for the night, and then build basic ski mountaineering skills needed for safety and efficiency on the mountain.

Day 2 - Mt Shasta Summit Attempt & Return to Camp

Day two will be our summit attempt of Mt. Shasta! After a long day we'll return to camp for the evening.

Day 3 - Return to Trailhead & Travel to Lassen

On day three we'll pack up camp and return to the trailhead, then drive down to Lassen to camp at the trailhead that evening.  

Day 4 - Lassen Summit Attempt

Day four is our summit attempt of Lassen Peak! In the afternoon we'll return to the trailhead and head home.


3-Day Shasta & Lassen Itinerary

The 3 Day option maintains a strenuous pace, with a tight schedule on Shasta and less time to commute between mountains. If you'd prefer a more relaxed pace or extra options for weather, the 4 Day option would be a better fit!

Day 1 - Brief Ski Mountaineering Skills Practice & Camping on Mt Shasta

We start at Mt Shasta, skinning up to camp, building a comfortable base for the night, and then build basic ski mountaineering skills needed for safety and efficiency on the mountain.

Day 2 - Mt Shasta Summit Attempt & Drive to Lassen Peak Manzanita Lake Campground.

Day two will be our summit attempt of Mt. Shasta! After reaching our high point, we breakdown camp, ski to the trailhead, and drive to Lassen Peak (2hrs+) where we'll camp at Manzanita Lake.

Day 3 - Lassen Summit Attempt

Day three is our summit attempt of Lassen Peak! In the afternoon we'll return to the trailhead and head home.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

  • Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including steep and consequential off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.

  • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

  • Basic Ski Mountaineering Skills - Including ice axe, crampon, and basic rope skills are encouraged, but not required. Build those skills during the program or attend our Ski Mountaineering Skills course prior to attending and spend more time climbing and skiing on Day 2

  • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week.

  • Ski/Split Touring, Avalanche, & Ski Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

Here's what's included with your trip:

  • Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
  • Ropes & Gear - for ski mountaineering training
  • Tent
  • Stove & Fuel
  • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Meals
  • Ski/Splitboard Gear
  • Avalanche Gear
  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
  • Guide Gratuities

Shasta Ski Mountaineering Gear List

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