Date Created: 01/19/2011

Last Updated: 01/19/2011

You can't get any higher than skiing off the top of the highest peak in the lower 48. Mt. Whitney is the definition of classic. A mostly moderate but long ascent, with a fun couloir as well. Amazing views, a long run, and a great elevation buzz make this one a must for anyone willing.

In the winter, drive till you can't drive anymore. Depending on snow line, this could be as low as 6,000 feet or all the way to the Whitney Portal Trailhead at 8,365'. Skin the drainage for a few hours until you get underneath the amazing headwall of Mt. Whitney and the Needles. Contour to the right to the base of the mountaineer's route. Get the axe and crampons out and start booting. At the top of the couloir is when things get a little spicier. The ramp(s) leading to the top are steep, usually firm and rocky, and may be icy. Some guidebooks tell you a rope is necessary to be safe up here and on to the summit. Other times it could just be styrofoam snow and fine to negotiate with a basic axe and crampons.

Go back the way you came. Or, if the ramp you took to the top from the mountaineer's route is not looking fun, head down the summit plateau and look for a safer way to drop in. There are multiple ramps and as long as you can traverse over to the top of the couloir you'll be fine. Extra caution should be taken when traversing though as there is a great deal of exposure below the skier. This is why a lot of guidebooks tell skiers and riders to just drop in from the top of the couloir...but being the highest peak in the lower 48 many will still want to get to the top and that's where a lot of the technicality of this whole route comes into play.

In the winter, a simple wilderness permit. Here's the link you'll want to read up on: http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=110504&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003756&navid=160100000000000&pnavid=160000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Inyo%2520National%2520Forest-%2520Recreation%2520Passes%2520&%2520Permits

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Backcountry skiing is dangerous. Use our online backcountry skiing guide at your own risk.