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!
Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski
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
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
- Meals
- Ski/Splitboard Gear
- Avalanche Gear
- Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Shasta Ski Mountaineering Gear List
- Avalanche & Ski Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird
- Ski/Split Touring & Camping Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
Know Before you go
Price/Person
$3,395.00
Private Programs
Duration: 3 - 4 Days
View Full Itinerary
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
- Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
- Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
- Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
- Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
- AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
- Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
- Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
- Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
- Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
- Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
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
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
- Meals
- Ski/Splitboard Gear
- Avalanche Gear
- Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Shasta Ski Mountaineering Gear List
- Avalanche & Ski Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird
- Ski/Split Touring & Camping Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski
Skier in a tent at Helen Lake on Mt Shasta in California
Sunset on Mt Shasta in California
Backcountry Skiers approaching Lassen Peak in the southern Cascades
Skier making a turn on Mt Shasta in California
the blackbird difference
Innovative courses
Professional Guides
Positive Progression
Community Focused
ongoing support
Got Questions?
We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!