Trip
Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Norse Peak
Crystal Mtn area tour focused on descents. Conditions permitting we will make 4 to 6 descents-transitions and gain 5,000 ft of elevation. Due to conditions we ascended Pickhandle Point via Gold Hills-Pickhandle Gap then skied Pickhandle Points NE slope twice, then ascended Crown Point via its SW ridge and traversed to Bullion Peak, then skied into Bullion Basin and out the trail to Crystals base area.
- Sun, Feb 23, 2020
- Foothills Backcountry Skiing Committee
- Backcountry Skiing
- Adults
- Strenuous 3
- Moderate
- Mileage: 7.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,560 ft
- High Point Elevation: 6,479 ft
- FULL (4 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Plaza south of the ticket sale windows of Crystal Mtn Ski Area. Just outside of entrances to the ski tune, rental centers at 7:30 AM
This is intended as a tour with descents and if conditions are conducive the plan is to make 4 to 6 descents (8 to 12 transitions) and gain 5,000 ft in elevation.
It is expected that participants can effectively ski single black diamond runs.
Leader permission is required. Permission may be requested by email prior to registration opening. I will be traveling Jan 23 thru Feb 2 and will not respond to requests during this time.
Possible destinations are East Peak -Norse Peak making multiple descents from the ridge which extends towards Norse Peaks perhaps making Lake Basin our turn around point and returning via East Peak. Other options are Pickhandle, Crown, Bullion Peaks or the area generally north of Bear Gap and Threeway Peak.
(Actual Route taken was Crystal base area to Gold Hills, Pickahandle Gap Pickhandle point. We skied the NE slope twice then ascended Crown Point via its SW ridge then traversed the ridge to Bullion Peak and then skied into Bullion Basin.
We will review avalanche, weather, snow conditions before starting the tour and to finalize route plans. Please study the nwac avy bulletin for the west south zone and weather conditions and forecast.
We are meeting at 7:30 in order to avoid traffic and ensure parking is still available.
Norse Peak
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USGS Norse Peak
Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271
Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Boots, skis/snowboard, poles
- Climbing skins (or other method to travel uphill on snow)
- Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
- Avalanche beacon (2 or 3 antenae)
- Avalanche probe