University Pass – Hourglass Chute
I am a Southern Sierra skier; I know there are interesting parts of the range northward, but it is the south, with its towering spires, epic cirques, and preposterous to-the-bitter-end drainages, that speaks to me.
Yesterday Al Preston and I went up the Robinson Lake trail from the Onion Valley parking lot, intending to ski University Peak's southeast chute.
The east face, however, was largely melted out, and that plus very warm temperatures (despite an early start) convinced us a more northerly aspect was a better idea.
From the parking lot, the start of the route didn't look particularly promising, but there is a trail, and that got us up and over the initial headwall over Onion Valley.
Things looked quite a bit better at Robinson Lake, elevation 10,500', where we got our first look at University Pass.
Alas, as we continued climbing, it soon became obvious that the snow throughout the drainage was heavily sun-cupped.
That didn't stop us from admiring the territory; the terrain in University Peak's south cirque is absolutely stellar.
Think of it as a compact feast of eastern Sierra classics, including sweeping Owens Valley vistas, giant granite walls, and lots of tasty steep-skiing options.
Paul Ritchens likens University Peak's south drainage to Williamson's Bairs Creek Cirque—though on a smaller scale. If you look at the two in Google Earth, the comparison is apt.
When we reached the bench at 11,500', Al and I stopped to consider our options. With better conditions, University Peak's southeast chute would obviously be a marquee descent. But for us, it didn't look appetizing—it was heavily textured and melted out to the point of being discontinuous.
In contrast, the opposite side of the cirque featured a number of tempting northeast lines, including the University Pass couloir, and an aesthetic "hourglass" chute.
For me the Hourglass proved irresistible.
I put my skis on my back and climbed up, finding the steepness and complexity to my liking.
There was a cliff at the bottom, but things never felt unreasonable. The snow was textured but warm enough to be more or less skiable.
Al and I rendezvoused at the bottom of the chute and then made our way back down the drainage, complaining all the way about the usual trials and tribulations. This is Sierra skiing, after all.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
— June 1, 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 ❤️
Joseph Gregory June 2, 2025 at 10:42 am
Looks like a beautiful line. Glad to see there is some skiing somewhere.
Dan Conger June 2, 2025 at 1:10 pm
Another great trip report. My wife, son and I are visiting my folks in Bishop in two weeks. Planning on running the Buttermilk Loop 4WD trail and getting some fishing in. I’m always looking at lines up on the big peaks, but alas I think those days are behind me.