SierraDescents | Page 3
June 18, 2025
University Pass
On June 6 I returned to Onion Valley, intending to ski the "official" University Pass. But as it turns out, there is some disagreement as to which col is actually UP. So which (more)
June 3, 2025
Sullivan Canyon Reopens
Sullivan Canyon, in the Santa Monica Mountains, was closed for several years for pipeline maintenance (the land is owned by SoCal Gas) and then of course because of the Palisades (more)
June 1, 2025
University Peak – Hourglass Couloir
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 (more)
May 27, 2025
Mammoth Crest – Crystal Chute
Crystal Chute is one of the closest technical objectives in the Mammoth Lakes basin, and probably a solid entry point if you're looking to dabble in steep skiing along the Mammoth (more)
May 21, 2025
Mount Gould – North Face
Thank goodness I had my crampons! Following my climb-and-ski of Mount Gould's east face a week ago, I returned this Monday to try Gould's north face, expecting a similarly-modest (more)
May 17, 2025
Mount Gould’s East Face
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 (more)
May 12, 2025
Point Mugu Flowers
For me it is definitely a strange and bittersweet wildflower season compared to years past, but there are flowers out there if you're willing to look for them. This is La Jolla (more)
April 22, 2025
From Bare to Fair
When my daughter and I got to Flagstaff for a Spring Break visit this past week, the entire south side of the mountain was bare, which quashed my plan to repeat some of the (more)
March 25, 2025
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 (more)
March 17, 2025
BP: Mostly Skiing
Here's Baden-Powell Saturday, one day after our slightly-miraculous mid-March storm cycle, which put about three feet of dense snow atop the big three SoCal ranges. I admit, I (more)
