The Eastern Sierra is well-known for its easy access to hundreds of ski summits.
Nothing beats ripping turns off an alpine summit and then sniffing the desert sage of the valley bottom. For skiers who want to rise above the crowds and ski from a mountaintop!
This program is a step up from our High Sierra Peak Descents – North and is designed for very capable backcountry skiers and snowboarders with a taste for mountaineering adventure!
From the trip description by Sierra 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. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guidingAMGA Trained/Certified Ski Guide; This program requires a minimum of 2 to run on these scheduled dates at this promotional price, and will have a maximum guiding ratio of 4:1.
- 1 guide : 4 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Advanced-expert downhill skiing skills
- Ability to control speed and execute fall-line turns in control and comfort in difficult snow conditions (deep powder, heavy and/or moist snow, breakable crust, firm or icy, etc.)
- Ability to execute hop turns on 40 degree+, firm slopes, coming to a complete and immediate stop at the finish of each turn
- Ability to sideslip forward and backward, with edge control, on steep, firm slopes
- Experience ski touring in the backcountry using ski touring equipment (boots, bindings, skins, transceiver, shovel, probe, etc.)
- Ability to make uphill facing kick-turns in an uphill track on a slope
- Excellent fitness
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Sierra Mountain Guides
What the price includes
Included
- Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)As needed.
- AMGA Trained/Certified Ski Guide
- Avalanche Rescue Equipment Rental (Transceiver, Shovel, & Probe) as needed
Not included
- Lodging
- Transfers
- Personal ski touring and mountain gear (we have some items for rent)
- Lodging & transportation
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Meals, Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: Meet your guide in the morning at the SMG office in Bishop. The guide will reveal the plan and we will transport to the ski destination. Ski a local peak and descend to spend the night in or around Bishop. There are plenty of places to go to for dinner and rehydration and there is Keough's Hot Springs pool located several miles south of town. The guide will let you know the plan for the next day which will include an alpine start.
- Day 2: Early alpine start, generally well before sunrise! That is how we do it when we want to climb a big peak, and it's all worthwhile when the alpenglow hits the east side of the Sierra. Anticipate a big day out of up to 12 hours or so and ideally don't plan to drive a long distance at the end of the day.
From the trip description by Sierra Mountain Guides
Location
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 10 – Apr 11, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "April 10-11" under the 2027 dates. | 2026/27 | 2 days | 910 USD$910 per person — the page shows "$" without naming a currency; USD read from the US-based operator; minimum of 2 to run on these dates at this price | Available | Book on company website |
| Apr 17 – Apr 18, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "April 17-18" under the 2027 dates. | 2026/27 | 2 days | 910 USD$910 per person — the page shows "$" without naming a currency; USD read from the US-based operator; minimum of 2 to run on these dates at this price | Available | Book on company website |
| May 1 – May 2, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 1-2" under the 2027 dates. | 2026/27 | 2 days | 910 USD$910 per person — the page shows "$" without naming a currency; USD read from the US-based operator; minimum of 2 to run on these dates at this price | Available | Book on company website |
| May 8 – May 9, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "May 8-9" under the 2027 dates. | 2026/27 | 2 days | 910 USD$910 per person — the page shows "$" without naming a currency; USD read from the US-based operator; minimum of 2 to run on these dates at this price | 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
This program requires a minimum of 2 to run on these scheduled dates at this promotional price, and will have a maximum guiding ratio of 4:1. We are happy to arrange this program on a custom, private basis.
From the trip description by Sierra Mountain Guides
Reviews
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