Backcountry Skiing in the North Cascades
The North Cascades in winter are a different world - one of deep snow, dramatic peaks, and very few people. Last month, a small group of us ventured into this winter wilderness for three days of backcountry skiing that reminded me why I endure the early morning starts and heavy packs.
Day 1: The Approach
We started from the Mount Baker Highway, already at 3,500 feet but still a long way from our destination. With full packs containing three days of supplies, avalanche gear, and camping equipment, the skin track felt particularly steep.
The weather forecast had predicted clear skies, but the Cascades have their own ideas about weather. Light snow began falling as we climbed through old-growth forest, eventually breaking out above treeline to find ourselves in a complete whiteout.
Navigation became a careful exercise in GPS checking and terrain recognition. By late afternoon, we reached our planned camping area - a relatively flat bench protected from the wind by a ridge above.
Day 2: Powder Paradise
We awoke to the kind of day backcountry skiers dream about - 8 inches of fresh powder overnight and crystal clear blue skies revealing the full majesty of the North Cascades around us. Mount Shuksan dominated the view to the north, while countless other peaks created a 360-degree panorama of alpine perfection.
After a quick breakfast, we transitioned to uphill mode and began assessing the snowpack. A couple of quick pit tests showed generally stable conditions with good bonding between layers - exactly what we hoped to find.
We spent the day doing laps on a perfect 35-degree slope with just enough trees to provide definition in the snow but plenty of open lanes for turns. Each run was about 1,200 vertical feet, giving us a solid workout on the climbs and nearly a minute of pure joy on each descent.
The snow was light, dry, and consistent - the kind of powder that sprays up around your waist with each turn and makes you feel like you’re floating rather than skiing.
Day 3: The Return
Our final day brought more challenging conditions - warming temperatures and increasing winds signaled an approaching front. We packed up camp early and planned a different route back to the cars, one that would give us a few more good runs while keeping us aware of changing avalanche conditions.
The skiing was still excellent, though heavier than the previous day. We leapfrogged down through bands of trees, regrouping frequently to make sure everyone was navigating safely.
The last hour was a mix of skiing and hiking as we reached lower elevations where the snow thinned. We reached the cars just as heavier precipitation began - perfect timing to end a perfect trip.
Gear Notes
A few pieces of equipment that proved particularly valuable on this trip:
- Black Diamond Helio 105 Skis - The perfect balance of float in powder and weight for long approaches
- Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Beacon - Reliable and intuitive to use, even with gloves
- MSR Reactor Stove - Melting snow for water in windy conditions was no problem
- Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody - The ideal active insulation layer that breathes during climbs but retains heat when static
Looking Ahead
This trip reminded me why I love backcountry skiing - the combination of physical challenge, technical skill, and pure joy of descent in beautiful settings is unmatched. I’m already planning the next adventure, possibly to the Olympic Mountains where the maritime snowpack offers different conditions and challenges.