THE SIERRA HIGH ROUTE by David Beck

One of the most elegant ski mountaineering tours in the world, it's as scenic as the European Houte Route and it's difficult to find more skiable snow than Sierra spring corn. The tour begins in the Eastern Sierra at the Shepherd Pass trailhead, not far from Independence and follows a high line across the crest of the Sierra, goes along the Great Western Divide and ends close to the Giant Sequoia Groves near Giant Forest. Each Day the tour has new and spectacular views. I was a member of the first party to ski it in 1975. The tour is described in my book Ski Touring in California.

I have guided the High Route over 30 times. Storm, avalanche, drought and illness have turned us back or altered the route six times. 

We always cross east to west; It's by far the best way. The last few years, except for 1999, have been particularly good ones: Good snow and good people. I have been combining regular clients with my AVE 3 guides course participants. At times I will also take along porters to keep client pack weight down. Clients typically carry their personal gear, most of their own lunches and a dinner. It is worth the effort to keep packs as light as possible. Study the equipment lists and contact us if you have any questions.

High Route campsites will vary. We try to locate them for maximum ski runs and views. Each tour is designed for a rest day, so we will often have several short days to maximize good skiing conditions. The typical camp site list:

1. Below Anvil Camp in Mahogany Flat

2. North of the Bighorn Plateau above the Kern River

3. The Boudoir, below Milestone just before Yougottabekidding Pass, near the Colby Trail

4. Glacier Lake

5. The upper Table Lands; the last day down the Marble Fork is classic

I have lived for years in Giant Forest and Mineral King. That is how the High Route was born; Most of it is visible on the northern skyline from Mineral King. I will vary the tour at times, such as going in from Mt. Whitney or coming out at Mineral King.

Clients who sign up are encouraged to come ski with us. It is best we know each other before the tour begins. Sign ups receive a 50% discount on any two or three day event. One doesn't have to be a great skier, or rider; but one must be in shape. This is a strenuous tour, one must travel all day with a pack and not fall to often. Sign ups will receive a map showing the route, a menu list and be expected to sign a Participant Agreement. At the end of the tour we will drive clients to an airport in Bakersfield, a bus station or back around the Sierra to the trailhead.

FEE: $590 

Tyndall High Camp

FEE: $490

Combined SHR & THC    $990