Ski one of the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America or build your ski mountaineering skills on a private ski trip on Mt Shasta.
From fast and light 1 day pushes to multiday skills seminars, we can build the perfect program to fit the needs of your team.

• Our private programs are for just you and your team, so we move with the speed of your team.
• Programs can include ski touring, ski mountaineering with a summit and full descent of the mountain and/or ski mountaineering skills. Our itineraries are for illustrative purposes. Discuss your goals with your guide to customize your experience!
• Ascent and descent options include: Avalanche Gulch, West Face, Brewer Creek, Clear Creek.

Not looking for a private program? Check out our open enrollment Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent

Here's the schedule for the 3 DAY PROGRAM:

• Day 1 - Arrival & Tour to Camp - 8:00 am meetup with your guide in town. We'll do a quick gear check and review the plan for the day. Your guide will discuss the route up to camp and we'll make any final adjustments before we caravan to the trailhead. The rest of the day will be spent touring to camp and learning about camp craft.


• Day 2 - Ski Mountaineering Skills Training - We'll get an early start on the day, having breakfast with hot coffee or tea, and prepare any food for the day before gearing up and heading out. In this course we'll cover:
  • Ski Mountaineering Gear
  • Ice Axe Techniques including Self Arrest and
  • Team Arrest (for Glacier Travel)
  • Crampon Techniques
  • Mountaineering efficiency including the Rest Step
  • Descending techniques for mountaineering
  • Basics of rope team travel
  In the evening, we'll prepare an early dinner and head to bed

• Day 3 -Summit Attempt 3:00-5:00am quick breakfast followed by an early alpine start. Your guides will set the start time based on warming for the day and the weather forecast. Prepare for a long day, where we gaining over 4,000’ of elevation over various snow surfaces and steep slopes. Once we reach our high point, we’ll descend the route and ski the zones holding the best snow! We’ll break down camp, pack up our bags, and descend to the trailhead.

Here's the schedule for the 2 DAY PROGRAM:

• Day 1 - Tour to Camp & Ski Mountaineering Skills Review - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead. We'll do a quick gear check and review the plan for the day then tour to and set up camp. 12:00pm ski mountaineering skills review. 5:00pm Dinner and bed.


• Day 2 -Summit Attempt 3:00-5:00am early alpine start with a quick breakfast. Your guides will set the start time based on warming for the day and the weather forecast. Prepare for a long day, where we gaining over 4,000’ of elevation over various snow surfaces and steep slopes. Once we reach our high point, we’ll descend the route and ski the zones holding the best snow! We’ll break down camp, pack up our bags and descend to the trailhead.

Here's the schedule for the 1 DAY PROGRAM:

• 3:00-4:00am - Early Alpine Start - Meet up with your guide at the trailhead for a gear check and review of the plan for the day.


• 12:00-3:00pm - Summit Attempt - We'll make a push for the summit, stopping only to refuel, rehydrate and adjust layers on our way. We will go as long as stamina and conditions allow.


• 2:00-4:00pm - Ski Descent - Hard work and determination are handsomely rewarded as we enjoy the views and shred a continuous 7,000'+ feet back down to the trailhead!

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

• 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


• 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

Please note that for 1 Day Programs where your goal is to reach the summit and ski down, the fitness and mountaineering prerequisites are significantly higher:

• This day is not for the unfit or the weak of heart: it will test your limits as a ski mountaineer. This climb requires superb fitness, a solid understanding and proficiency with ski mountaineering efficiency and safety skills and a fast and light equipment kit. Your guide will set a minimum reasonable pace to complete the climb in a single push, but going slow is not an option on this climb. Going too slow will necessitate turning around. We don't want to scare anyone away but we do want to manage your expectations - this is tough to do in a day!


• Intermediate Ski Mountaineering Experience - Including ice ax, crampon, and basic rope skills.


• Excellent Fitness - Able to spend 12-16 continuous hours outside, moving uphill at over 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-2 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 12-15 miles, climbing 3,000-6,000 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with excellent fitness typically have a strenuous workout 4-6 days per week.

Here's what's included with your trip:

• Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest Permit
• Shasta Summit Pass - $25
• Ropes & Gear - for ski mountaineering training
• SlingFin 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
• Transportation
• 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:
  • The Fifth Season in Mt Shasta