Seeking east side ski touring advice -- is it safe?
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:11 pm
My partner and I would like to do a ski tour of the Sierra high country from the east side on randonee gear. Our window is this weekend (Saturday the 16th) through midweek (Wednesday the 20th). Informed by options in John Moynier's Backcountry Skiing California's High Sierra, I have in mind a route from South Lake (South Lake Rd trailhead, off Highway 168/Bishop Creek Rd) out and around Hurd Peak, which takes us through the Treasure Lakes. It's rated as Class 2-3 (so not technical), only 10 miles roundtrip and only ~ 2000 ft of gradual elevation change (up to almost 12,000 ft). We are both fit, have strong wilderness experience generally, are mixed-level skiiers (me experienced, she intermediate) and have a bit of winter camping experience. However, I would rate us as still fairly rookie backcountry skiers. This is her first season and this is my third; I'm AIARE level 1 certified and just lead my first tour out to the Ostrander Hut. The question: Is this a crazy, risky plan given this factset? And if not, does anyone know how far the road is plowed toward South Lake (i.e. how much road skinning we'd have to put up with)? I'm open to recommendations on alternate tours if this seems like a bad idea. The goal is just to get some early experience ski touring, have a good time and experience the winter high country.
Thanks for the help!
Brendan
Thanks for the help!
Brendan