April 4-7, 2024--$1,675 total: $200 deposit due at sign-up; Remainder due on November 1st
 
Offered in partnership with Cascade Mountain Ascents
 
Treat yourself to four days of guided backcountry touring with AMGA Certified Ski Guides in some of the best terrain Washington has to offer. Immediately above camp are the Esmeralda Peaks, Koppen Mountain, Teanaway Mountain, and Iron Peak. These mountains offer a wide range of terrain, from protected storm skiing in the trees to 2,000'+ couloirs. Perched just east of the cascade crest at the confluence of cold eastern air and moisture-laden storms rolling in off the pacific, this part of the cascades is colder and sunnier than the mountains to the west. The results? Snow more worthy of the word "powder" and more bluebird days to enjoy the alpine.  Couple this with a barrel sauna and two Weatherport style huts set up to provide a comfortable escape from the winter elements, and you’re living the dream.  A hut keeper will keep the wood stove cranking out the heat and drying out your gear for tomorrow's adventures and turning out the appetizers so you can concentrate on more important things... like skiing & riding.
 
Itinerary
Day 1 Approach:  
We will meet at the 29 Pines Sno-Park about 30 min north of Cle Elum, WA. From there we will pack up our gear on the snowmobiles and begin moving up the valley. Our gear will go all the way to the hut and we will finish the commute to camp with a 4-mile/600’vert skin directly to camp or by climbing an objective along the way and descending into camp.  
 
Day 2 Tour:  
After a good breakfast and packing lunches, we’ll discuss conditions before getting out into the field for a full day of touring. We’ll ease into the trip with a more mellow lap or two to get our legs under us before venturing out into whatever terrain is appropriate for the team and conditions of the day! We’ll end the day with some sauna and appetizers before dropping into dinner and our debrief of the day. 
 
Day 3 Tour:  
Our second full tour day will provide more of the same: 2,000’ couloirs to gladed tree skiing. As is now tradition, we’ll end the day with sauna and appetizers and a good debrief of the day. 
 
Day 4 Tour and Exit:  
After breakfast and packing up our overnight gear, we’ll head out for one last half day tour.  Around mid day, we’ll exit the field, say our farewells, and likely spend several hours drooling over photos on the car ride home. Except for the drivers... keep your eyes on the road! 
 
What is included:
3-night hut stay
4:1 max guide to client ratio
Meals for the duration of the trip, excluding 1st breakfast and last day dinner
Gear portering in and out of camp
4-mile snowmobile shuttle, shortening the approach/exit
Evening saunas
 
What is not included:
Snacks
Gear rentals (Cascade Mountain Ascents rents avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). These must be coordinated through CMA).
Alcoholic beverages
Bedding (bring a warm sleeping bag)
 
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted to Cascade Mountain Ascents in writing. The effective cancellation date is the date upon which Cascade Mountain Ascents receives written notice. If written notice is not received, amounts paid will be forfeited. Cancellations will be refunded based on the following schedule:
Within 24 hours of booking – full refund
More than 60 days before departure – full refund minus deposit
30 – 60 days before departure – 25% refund
Less than 30 days before departure – no refund will be issued
 
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Most insurance policies are required to be purchased within 21 days of your program deposit.