Seattle MAC - Backcountry Ski Trip

Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club

Seattle MAC - Backcountry Ski Trip - Crystal Mountain Ski Area

We will ski from Crystal Mountain ski area in search of the best conditions. Possible destinations include East Peak, Pickhandle Basin, and Bear Gap. Expect elevation gain of up to 3,500'.

  • M2 Advanced Ski
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft

Pre-Trip Meeting: Mon Dec 19 @ 4:30pm (Join Zoom Meeting Link in trip sheet, see link below in leader's notes)

Meet immediately east of the fenced construction area (east of the now-demolished Chapel Building) at 8:30 AM. 

See trip sheet for details. 

This is an advanced trip. Please read the requirements carefully before signing up!

We will ski from Crystal Mountain ski area in search of the best conditions.  Possible destinations include East Peak, Pickhandle Basin, and Bear Gap.   Expect elevation gain of up to 3,500'. 

Students will either need to have their own alpine touring kit or rent one, including AT or telemark skis, AT or telemark bindings, AT or telemark boots, poles, skins, metal-bladed shovel, probe, two or three antenna transceiver. Ski crampons may be required, depending on conditions.  

Rentals are typically available from Pro Ski & Mountain Sports or Evo. Staff will not be able to assist with rentals and acquiring the gear is the responsibility of participants. MAC has a single transceiver and probe, along with a few shovels, available on a first come first served basis.

The destination is subject to change based on conditions 

Prerequisites: 

Prior backcountry skiing experience (not a trip suitable for beginners or first time backcountry skiers).

Watch this 7 minute AIARE video on Avalanche Rescue within 1 week before our trip:  https://youtu.be/T2LnkU0ZCU0

At least 2 years of in-bounds skiing experience and ability to ski black diamond runs (not necessarily in good style) in any conditions. You must be able to get down the hill. 

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course completed / badge. 

Completion of an AIARE Level 1 course or NIKO course completed / badge.  The NIKO course is typically offered by NWAC and hosted by MAC/The Mountaineers each winter and has a limited number of spaces and is offered as an adjunct to MAC for an additional fee.

This trip requires leader approval before signup. You can request leader approval by email to the trip leader.

This trip will include a beacon search practice session. Please bring an extra stuff sack and some padding to wrap your beacon in. Padding could be an extra sweater, foam sit pad, bubble wrap, etc.  We will pair off and one person will bury their beacon and their partner will practice their search skills.
Route/Place

Crystal Mountain Ski Area



  • USGS White River Park

    Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271

    USGS Norse Peak

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270

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

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Boots, skis/snowboard, poles
  • Climbing skins 
  • Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
  • Avalanche beacon - Two or three antenna version required 
  • Avalanche probe
  • Ski crampons may be required, depending on conditions.
Trip Reports