Skiing Mount Gould
Mount Gould is a modest Eastern Sierra thirteener that is readily accessible from the Onion Valley parking lot via either the Kearsarge Pass or Golden Trout Lake trails.
While Gould is maybe not the most complicated of mountains, it is certainly no slouch when it comes to big Sierra views, and its broad north and east slopes are definitely in the sweet spot for low-consequence high-fun spring skiing.
I went up on Wednesday, drawn by the notably clear-and-cold forecast, which I figured would allow me to take a leisurely pace up the peak without having to worry about racing the sun.
I wouldn't say the Onion Valley snowpack is gigantic right now, but the road is open to the parking lot, and there is more-or-less drive-up access to snow for both Independence and University Peaks.
As for Gould, the lower thousand vertical feet is dry, meaning you do have to hike a bit to get to snow. Once you find the white stuff, Gould offers plenty of classic eastside skiing and is well worth checking out if you want a not-too-big and not-too-small Sierra bite. Enjoy!
— May 17, 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 ❤️
Dan Conger May 18, 2025 at 8:49 am
What a great tour! Glad to see you get out there and make backcountry turns.
Joseph J Gregory May 18, 2025 at 10:25 am
Great outing, great video, and I liked the song choice. Added it to a few playlists.