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Trip Report    

Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Artist Point

Frozen and sunny conditions made for great "tough love" learning.

Juliane Gust Juliane Gust
January 24, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • No Baker pow for this one as we have been under a stable and long lasting high pressure system. The temperatures had remained above freezing for days on end due to a strong inversion, but the snow would freeze hard every night  under clear skies. There had been unusual glide avalanche conditions due to the warm weather and we still saw several hanging on ready to come down off steep slabby terrain. There was really no avalanche danger at all on our planned route to Artist Point and the biggest danger was skiing down frozen chunks. 

We had some last minute cancellations due to conditions, even though everything was really well forecast for many days in advance. Those who stuck with it were richly rewarded by beautiful views and opportunities for learning how to navigate tricky real-world backcountry conditions. Everyone was thrilled to safely go beyond their comfort zone and feel more ready to tackle spring trips on big mountains. Because sadly, it felt like May...in January. 

On our way to Artist Point, we practiced kick turn technique (here is a good review video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sExo7KRGOaY), got a chance to feel the love of ski crampons, and thought together about how to pick good safe routes through steeper terrain. 

We sunbathed, we skittered back down and were able to get a few turns in real warm corn snow! We departed the lodge at 10:30am and returned at 2:30pm. Good times, hope to see you all again out there at Baker.