Kratka Sunday
Kratka Ridge may not offer the most challenging terrain in Southern California, but for entry-level touring, this ranks easily among the best choices in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Once upon a time Kratka (aka Snowcrest) was a viable two-chair ski resort, with a summit elevation of 7450 feet and a vertical drop of nearly 800 feet. Now it lies long-since abandoned, a victim of the many challenges of operating a low-latitude ski area in the 21st Century.
When there's snow, you'll still find inviting low to moderate-angle slopes along the mountain's western border—making it an excellent place to develop your skills in relative safety.
Unlike nearby Waterman and Buckhorn, Kratka is a straightforward, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of place, with very little possibility of getting lost or trapped. If you are new to the area (or the sport) and wondering where should I start?, this is the place.
As for current conditions, the lower elevation melt-out continues. Maybe a final AR storm is in the cards next week; otherwise probably we should be shifting our attention eastward, to Throop and places beyond.
— March 25, 2025
My family and I are deeply grateful to all of you for your kind words, encouragement, and offers of support. Every message and every gesture—big or small—has meant a lot to us. We're doing the best we can ❤️
Tyler Kramer April 7, 2025 at 5:48 pm
We Just missed you out there! We were up there that Saturday. Kratka had been on the list since before I started going into the backcountry, largely inspired by your earlier videos. You're our hero Andy! Thanks for bringing us awareness to places like this in Southern California. See you out there!