Experience the challenge and excitement of this ultimate trip on Mt. Shasta with Shasta Mountain Guides.
A classic ski descent on a classic peak. To ski or ride from high on Mt. Shasta is one of North America’s greatest adventures. The three day format provides time for conditions assessment, route optimization, and training en route to the summit and descent.
From the trip description by Shasta Mountain Guides
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.
- Coached: Included
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- 3 days on snow with staff
- CourseWe will practice and instruct in the following skills but all participants are expected to be capable downhill skiers and riders.
- Backcountry guidingProfessional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:3
- 1 guide : 3 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Guests should have advanced to expert downhill ability in all conditions, and some previous experience with uphill skiing and backcountry touring.
- Backcountry touring experience is essential to tackling this major objective.
- For ski/board ability, guests should have expert downhill ability in all conditions. And previous experience with backcountry skiing/riding
- Prospective climbers should be in excellent physical condition and train diligently for a big challenge.
- Ice axe and crampon use
- Ice axe self-arrest
- Snow climbing technique
- Basic rope travel
- Avalanche Awareness
- Transceiver Practice
- We will ride from our high point and descend either the West Face route or Avalanche Gulch. With such great vertical relief we can expect a variety of snow conditions on the descent.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Shasta Mountain Guides
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- Lesson
- Group camp and logistics; tents and cooking equipment
- Mt. Shasta summit passes and permits
- Professional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:3
- Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.
- Group camp and logistics; tents and cooking equipment.
- Mt. Shasta summit passes and permits
Not included
- Ski gearRentals are available in the town of Mt. Shasta.
- Ski gear is not included but rentals are available in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Transfers.
Day by day
Itinerary subject to change & the summit of Mount Shasta is subject to safe weather and snow conditions
- Day 1: 8:00am-10:00am | Meet guides and group at 8:00am at The SMG Shop 305 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta, CA. We will conduct a thorough equipment check and pass out communal group gear.10:00am-10:30am | Drive to the Bunny Flat trailhead (6950’) for a group briefing and start the ski approach to base camp (8,000’). Distance 2.5 miles, gain 1,000’. We choose a low camp to allow access to several ski tours and climbing routes.12:00pm-1:30pm | At base camp the group will set up camp, snack, and prepare for an afternoon ski tour and snow school training.2:00pm-4:00pm | The purpose of snow school is to prepare you and the climbing team for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb/ski. Topics covered include, avalanche awareness, transceiver practice, ice axe and crampon use, ski mountaineering techniques, rope travel and self arrest.4:00pm-6:00pm | After snow school you will return to camp for dinner and evening briefing.
- Day 2: 7:00am | Wake up and breakfast, hot breakfast of oatmeal and granola, coffee, tea. Briefing for the day’s tour8:00am-3:00pm | Ski/Snowboard tour and continued snow school. We can expect to gain 3,000-4,000’ covered over 3 miles. Afternoon rest and hydration. Pack and organize gear. Dry equipment and preparation for summit climb.4:00pm-6:00pm | Dinner and briefing for next day’s climb. Early to bed in preparation of alpine start and summit climb.
- Day 3: Alpine Start | Depending on group size, season and route conditions, wake-up call will occur between 1:00am-2:00am. Hot cereal and drinks provided2:00am-10:00am | Summit climb. We will attach ski and boards to our packs and climb with crampons on our boots, ice axes, and be roped together for sections of the climb. 6,000’ elevation gain, 5 miles.Ski/Board Descent | We will ride from our high point and descend either the West Face route or Avalanche Gulch.Back at base camp | Hydrate, pack camp, and fill our packs. Prepare for the ski/hike back to the trailhead. Return to trailhead between 4:00-6:00pm
From the trip description by Shasta Mountain Guides
Where you stay
Group camp and logistics; tents and cooking equipment.
We choose a low camp to allow access to several ski tours and climbing routes.
For lodging in the town of Mount Shasta before and after your trip we recommend our partners at Summit Lofts and LOGE Mt. Shasta. They offer a discount to our climbers and guests.
Getting There
- Meet guides and group at 8:00am at The SMG Shop 305 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta, CA.
- Drive to the Bunny Flat trailhead (6950’) for a group briefing and start the ski approach to base camp (8,000’).
From the trip description by Shasta Mountain Guides
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "April 30-May 1" under "2027 Dates", a two-day span for a 3-day trip; end date left blank until the operator's date is confirmed. | 2026/27 | 3 days | 1,695 USD$1695 per person; currency not named on the page | Available | Book on company website |
| May 7 – May 9, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 7-9" under "2027 Dates". | 2026/27 | 3 days | 1,695 USD$1695 per person; currency not named on the page | Available | Book on company website |
| May 14 – May 16, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 14-16" under "2027 Dates". | 2026/27 | 3 days | 1,695 USD$1695 per person; currency not named on the page | Available | Book on company website |
| May 21 – May 23, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 21-23" under "2027 Dates". | 2026/27 | 3 days | 1,695 USD$1695 per person; currency not named on the page | Available | Book on company website |
| May 28 – May 30, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 28-30" under "2027 Dates". | 2026/27 | 3 days | 1,695 USD$1695 per person; currency not named on the page | Available | Book on company website |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
All dates are subject to route change in the event of adverse conditions.
Ski mountaineering skis and splitboard rentals are locally available. Rental equipment is available, please reserve through the Fifth Season in advance 530-926-3606.
Climbing Mt Shasta is strenuous. For the best chances of summiting please train ahead of time.
For safety and ski purposes, our turn-around time on the mountain may be as early as 9:00-10:00am.
This business operates under special use permit with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
From the trip description by Shasta Mountain Guides
Reviews
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