Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Paradise Area (winter)

Trip

Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Paradise Area (winter)

Discovery Tour. M1 Trip. Primary Co-Leaders: Jeanette Morrison and Ron Jarvis. Primary trip objective: Safe fun discovering new ski stashes in the mountains with new and old friends on skis and/or snowboard.

  • Easy/Moderate
  • Casual
  • Elevation Gain: 500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 14,100 ft
  • Maximum Wind: 52 kts
  • Maximum Waves: 2 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 2 kts
  • Pace: Leisurely

Meeting and pre-trip discussion over breakfast @ Bruno’s in Eatonville, 204 Center Street East, Eatonville, WA 98328, at 7:30 AM.

A varied array of backcountry skiing terrain is available around Paradise allowing skiers the opportunity for safe and enjoyable ski touring in almost any weather, snow and avalanche conditions. Unfortunately, the barrier of entry to this near-infinite number of world-class terrain choices is the Park Service’s “Gate Roulette” in times of heavy overnight snowfall. A Paradise skier risks getting no more than a long drive and breakfast for the day for one’s efforts in such conditions. But when the cards fall right, the risks and disappointments are quickly forgotten.

These Leaders prefer minimum distance covered and maximum downhill skiing for effort expended. The possibilities include auto-assisted vertical and/or yo-yo skiing of a single short slope containing good snow. Fluid initial, group-based, choices on terrain and trip objectives will be based on weather, snowpack, group dynamics, and preferences.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are looking for an epic, life-changing experience. Expect a fun, relaxed pace. At least intermediate skiing/riding skills would be advisable; terrain possible could be steeps, alpine, trees, mellow cruisers, and luge-like trail skiing. If it is cold we may opt for snacks at transitions instead of a sit-down lunch break.

If there is fresh snow or any trail breaking required expect to break trail unless you are over 75, a stroke and heart attack survivor and a trip leader :). 

Optional Post-trip debriefing at a restaurant.

Basic avalanche awareness training required.

Unless you have skied with us before (and have not been banished :)), or you are a currently registered student in the Mountaineers Backcountry Skiing courses led by Amalija Kopac or Jim Orsi, leader permission is required prior to self-registration. Please include a short summary of your prior skiing and backcountry experience to ron.jarvis@yahoo.com. We are looking forward to having fun and learning together with you in the backcountry.

A few anonymous comments from trip feedback of past Discovery Tour participants:

“Ron and Jeanette are the only leaders I know who welcome entry-level Mountaineers backcountry skiers/boarders. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the backcountry which they are happy to share.”

“Explained terrain and path choices well. Created a wonderful welcoming group dynamic.”

“Cheerful, friendly, has a heart of a teacher.”

“You don't need me to tell you why trips with Ron and Jeannette are top notch.”

“Good knowledge of the area, good trip description and nice to have such fun and uncomplicated ski trips available through the Mountaineer's website.”

Ron and Jeanette have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Mt. Rainier area that they have openly shared with many, many people. Their first-hand stories and knowledge of the terrain are a better "class" than any I could take. I always feel safe with them. They manage large groups and different personalities/abilities with respect, while still managing the group decisions.”

Route/Place

Paradise



  • USGS Mt Rainier East

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270

    Green Trails Paradise No. 270S

    Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

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
  • Avalanche probe
  • FRS/GMRS Radios (if already owned – no need to buy)

Trip Reports