Of the view atop Southern California’s San Jacinto Peak, elevation 10,804′, John Muir reportedly said, ‘it is the most sublime spectacle to behold upon this Earth.’

Having driven by Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains many times myself, I’ve often wondered if the heat got to Muir that day. Last weekend, I got the chance to find out: my brother and I climbed Mt. San Jacinto.

I’ve saved the best for last: a summit ski descent of Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch. Despite the route’s poor reputation (for snow quality and crowds), this trip easily ranks among my most memorable.

It was also an unexpected challenge, as the combination of travel, no sleep, and altitude nearly took me out around 10,500′.

Summitting despite the adversity was a tremendous personal victory. And then there was the Skiing…