By: randosteve|Posted on: April 27, 2007|Posted in: Eastern Sierra | 6 comments

Reed and I got into into town last night around eight and after a big dinner, we drove up to Bunny Flats to crash for the night. We were both pretty tired from the 15 hour drive and skiing in the Tetons the day before, so we didn’t get going until nearly eight the next morning.

Randosteve starts up Avalanche Gulch on Mt ShastaRandosteve starts up Avalanche Gulch on Mt Shasta

We left the plans open for today, and as we hiked up the mountain, we saw some nice lines just waiting to be skied in the Trinity Chutes.

Reed Finlay scopes out the lines in the Trinity ChutesReed Finlay scopes out the lines in the Trinity Chutes

There are a few shots to ski in this area, but we skied the one in the middle, just skiers left of the rock buttress.

The Trinity Chutes on Mt ShastaThe Trinity Chutes on Mt Shasta

It was about 11:30 when we skied this south facing line and the top was still a little bit firm. We planned on coming back up for another run, so we didn’t want to wait for it to ripen.

Randosteve drops into the Trinity ChutesRandosteve skis into the Trinity Chutes

After a few hundred feet, the snow got way better, and we skied about 2,ooo’ down to Avalanche Gulch.

Reed Finlay skis the lower half of the Trinity Chutes on Mt ShastaReed Finlay skis the lower half of the Trinity Chutes on Mt Shasta

One the way back up we saw someone hiking down with skis on their back. A reminder that skiing big vertical like this is not for everyone.

Big vertical like this in not for everyoneBig vertical like this in not for everyone

The clock was ticking and I knew the West Face was going to be ready to harvest, so we bagged going to the summit today, but we are here for three more days, so we will no doubt top out at some point.

The summit of Shasta in the distanceThe summit of Shasta in the distance

As soon as we skied onto the West Face, we knew the snow was in prime shape, and we skied the 3800′ non-stop.

Starting the 3800 ft non -stop descent of the West FaceStarting the 3800′ non-stop descent of the West Face

This was one of the best spring corn runs of my life. I don’t know if it was the snow conditions, the weather, or the company but it was definitely a stellar run.

Cornucopic conditions on the West Face of Mt ShastaCorn-u-copic conditions on the West Face of Mt Shasta

We are for sure heading back up the mountain tomorrow, and we are trying to hook up with Shasta Mountain Guide, Chris Carr for a locals tour. Hopefully we can make some turns together.