Martin Volken pioneered this multi-day ski tour in 1999 and we still love guiding it. The combination of the high alpine atmosphere, the great skiing and mountain wilderness make this trip a must for every serious backcountry skier. The region hosts every element that is needed to show what advanced ski touring in the Cascades is all about.
Overall Difficulty Level: Very difficult
Skills Required: Advanced skiing ability and prior ski touring experience
Fitness Level: Very strenuous due to ski touring with a big overnight pack
Snow Travel Equipment
Safety Gear
Technical Gear
If you have prior ski touring experience, are a good skier, and are fit, it should not be a problem.
The skiing is not difficult per say, but you will be skiing with an overnight pack in a big variety of snow conditions. Solid skiing ability will make it much more enjoyable. We do not recommend this being your first ski outing with a big pack unless you are an expert level skier.
We will have access to water on the second night; the other nights we will have to melt snow for our water.
Although tipping is not a requirement it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or flat amount that you are comfortable with.