Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Alpental Backcountry

We will use the Alpental lift system and progressively explore more challenging runs.

The intent of this outing to provide an opportunity for folks with advanced skiing skill with an opportunity undertake "expert" terrain and develop skills and confidence in navigating more challenging terrain and conditions.

 We will start out on the blue runs on the lower chair, progress to the black runs on the lower chair and then sample the black runs and double black runs on the upper chair.

If conditions are favorable and ski patrol opens the backcounty gates -- we will explore the backcounty bowls, but will try to avoid any lines with manditory air time. 

You will need an Alpental back bowls card for this trip.  These are issued by the Summit’s website and must be obtained well in advance of the trip date.

https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/alpental/alpental-back-bowls

I'll provide some coaching along the way to help you improve your steep skiing confidence. In prior sessions, some folks have found my tips to be helpful.

Even though we will be skiing at a lift served area -- please come equipped for backcountry touring, including avalanche gear, touring bindings and skins. I expect we will make some runs outside the defined runs and skin up a short distance. Also skiing with your pack on lift served runs helps developed proper balance for backcountry skiing.

You must buy a lift ticket or have a season's pass.

I will initally set the roster size to 0 and then after registration close date will populate the roster from the wait-list with priority given to folks that have performed stewardship activies in the last year and to folks that haven't gotten to participate in other Mountaineers Backcountry ski outings recently.    Folks with limited steep skiing experience will be favored over experienced hard chargers.    Total roster size will be six people. 

Note:  A Winter Storm Warning, Extreme Avalanche Forecast from NWAC, Freezing Rain or "Chains Required" on the highway will cancel the trip.    

Additional Info:

My Touring Tips
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORz50-KICoi6mhjK2LsNFTqCrf3MpxuCYJsxm61dZ0k/edit?usp=sharing

My day touring ski pack contents:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZvHTlJXqYwxn0sF7adqf5SWEqIXgFY5ELi-nQjfjfg/edit?usp=sharing

My Driving Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zJFjWZQ5HXp8UE5pIgKP3ZwursgV_TmkaBGMWRYwN_s/edit?usp=sharing

My Carpooling Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rw46O5vpvOYh6Ouo5kDIk0ENAtunc4ZdGw6oYKZAvSM/edit?usp=sharing

8:30AM

Alpental Lot 1 -- Exit 52 of I-90, then left 

47.4444648805, -121.42399993

Carpooling in my 4wd van from the Issaquah area is also available.

Note:  The summit has a new parking policy for this season.   Parking permits will be required 

I have a lift pass and parking permit for my van -- so if you carpool with me you are covered.   

If you are driving/carpooling separately -- be sure to review the Summit parking permit terms carefully.

https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/parking-guide