Eastern Sierra

Eastern Sierra Overview

Located far away from the cities and beaches to the south and the hustle and bustle of the Tahoe Basin to the north, the Eastern Sierra is an oasis for mountain enthusiasts. The "Eastside" is the heart of the Sierra Nevada, comprising the highest peaks in the range and characterized by open mountain vistas, vast amounts of public land, and pristine Wilderness areas. With canyons that cut west from Highway 395 in the valley below, the 150-mile stretch of mountains that spans the distance between Lone Pine and Bridgeport is truly a backcountry skier's paradise. The Eastern Sierra offers something for everyone, from the novice backcountry user to extreme skiers alike. For those with the time and energy to devote to earning their turns, there is a lifetime of possibilities here. Within this portion of the range, you will find incredible geologic and topographic diversity -- which translates into incredible skiing diversity. Each region has its own unique character, and the ski tours and descents described on the pages that follow will take you into some of the most amazing public land this country has to offer. From broad, high-elevation plateaus, to exposed knife-edge ridges, the Eastern Sierra will not disappoint. The skiing here is arguably some of the best in world, and with the high peaks, deep snowpack, and pleasant weather, you can enjoy skiing from late fall into June or later. The majority of the ski descents in the range are found on the north and east aspects of the mountains. As winter storms come in from the coast, they are typically accompanied by high winds blowing from the south and/or west. The snow is subsequently deposited on these leeward slopes. Coincidentally, these are also the aspects that are most visible from the towns and roads that sit at the base of the range. From the valley floor, the chutes, bowls, and peaks tower above -- and beg to be skied. Highway 395 is one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Mono County section is a California Scenic Byway, and was recently recognized as one of the five most beautiful highways in America. The highway is the primary transportation corridor along the east side of the range, and as you travel along it, you are treated to stellar views of this endless playground. The terrain and relief of the Eastside is often over- whelming for people who have never been here before. Foothills are virtually non-existent. Instead, a high desert valley immediately abuts the steep peaks to the west, which in places rise nearly 10,000 feet above you. Though countless people gaze upon this terrain, the majority of it is untouched during the winter months. The major population centers of the state are several hours away from this remote part of California, and with less than 50,000 people living in the immediate area, it is easy to find yourself all alone as you journey into the hills. Much of the terrain covered in this book is characterized by deep valleys, with chutes, couloirs, and rocky faces cutting through the steep canyon walls. Near the head of the valleys and canyons, bowls and snowfields abound, creating a mix of practically every type of ski terrain imaginable. A unique characteristic of the Eastside are the large drainages which cut west, deep into the primarily north- south trending crest. In almost every one of these drain- ages is a summer road, meaning that during the shoulder season, access to the high country is relatively direct and easy. That said, fairly long approaches are common, particularly during the months of January and February when the snowline can reach the valley floor and make these roads impassable. As you drive along Highway 395, the peaks seem close and easily accessible, but as you start skiing toward your destination, this perspective quickly changes. Skiing away from the parking lot, you'll notice your car getting smaller and smaller without the mountains seeming to get any closer! Most of the high country is accessed via drainages that lead from the valley floor directly to the base of the peaks. Some drainages are easily navigable; others choked with brush or lined with steep walls. Some peaks are accessed via prominent ridgelines or open faces; others require scrambling through 3rd-Class terrain. Snow conditions vary drastically here, and you must be able to handle anything that Jack Frost and Mother Nature can dish out. While we all dream of finding bottomless powder, the reality is often very different. With a huge range of elevation and terrain, it's possible to find nearly every type of snow on any given day in the Eastern Sierra. The wind is the number-one enemy of skiers in the range, and the sun can either work in your favor or turn perfect snow into mashed potatoes. Many people think that only wet-and-heavy snow falls in California, with the term "Sierra Cement'' often thrown around. But don't let the myths discourage you: the east side of the range receives much drier snow than the west, and what does fall here allows for skiing on very steep slopes with relatively stable conditions. While Utah and Wyoming may boast lighter fluff, we in the Sierra can safely ski the lines that our brethren in the Rockies can only stare at in wistful wonder. We've done our best to provide you with the basic information you need to find success, while leaving enough out to allow for adventure. Flip through the book, find something that strikes you, and have at it. Welcome to the Eastside and some of the greatest skiing in the Lower 48!

Zones Covered