Backcountry Skiing -Southern California

San Gorgonio and San Jacinto got a dusting of snow this past weekend which made me start thinking about this winter and some tours. If anyone is looking for a backcountry partner this winter hit me up, I'm mostly in San Diego but have a house by Joshua Tree where I spend most weekends so anything is in for me. I am a splitboarder, strong resort rider but this will be just my second season in the backcountry; I know the basics and am very fit but obviously still inexperienced with the backcountry. I have my Avy training and also extensive wilderness first aid/survival training. Also have the Ikon pass and spend most winter weekends in Big Bear area or Mammoth. 

With the first major storm arriving, I'm looking for more Socal touring partners, ideally in the Los Angeles area to potentially carpool. I'm looking to get out to the Eastern Sierras as much as possible.  AIARE 1 cert, 3 years of touring experience, and a love for sufferfests.

i'll ski on the eastisde with you ethan.  credentials: 6 seasons, lvl 1-2, wfr, obnoxious stoke :-) 

I hope to be in Utah less and the Sierras more this season. Maybe a google group is a good idea.. I can start 'er up if people are interested in that?

Myself: lifetime snowboarder, 4/5 seasons ago switched to skiing... Touring 3ish years, mostly in the Wasatch, with a few Sierra/SoCal sufferfests here and there. Took my AIARE level 1 a couple seasons ago. 

brian burkewrote:

i'll ski on the eastisde with you ethan.  credentials: 6 seasons, lvl 1-2, wfr, obnoxious stoke :-) 

so much stoke! I'll let you know when I'm heading up

J Bwrote:

I hope to be in Utah less and the Sierras more this season. Maybe a google group is a good idea.. I can start 'er up if people are interested in that?

Myself: lifetime snowboarder, 4/5 seasons ago switched to skiing... Touring 3ish years, mostly in the Wasatch, with a few Sierra/SoCal sufferfests here and there. Took my AIARE level 1 a couple seasons ago. 

pm'd

Down to hit eastside and other objectives with folks. Like Josh, lifetime snowboarder but switched to skiing 7 or so years ago. Probably over 10 years touring experience now (both as a splitboarder and skier), AIARE 1 done awhile ago, work as a lifeguard so pretty up on my emergency medicine/response and a super short memory when it comes to suffering. Stoked on good skiing, but even more amped on technical ski mountaineering, big traverses, etc.

I’m always down to do local laps when the conditions are right.  Can do Eastside as well.  Been touring for a decade or so, have an avy 1 and WFA, although both are due for a refresh.  

I would love to explore local backcountry if it’s possible and also join some folks touring the Eastern Sierras. Life long skiier, spent lots of time in the backcountry up by Tahoe years ago. AIRE 1 certified. Also would love to connect with other women exploring the backcountry! A google group sounds great.

Hey everyone. Looking for backcountry skiing partners too. Moved to San Diego 2 years ago and am missing skiing. Flexible leaving work early on Thursday evening and Fridays earrlier! Hoping to spend some time on the Eastside. Shoot me a DM

Had a few folks ask about the google group, sorry for the delay. I think this link should work, I think you need to request access. I set this up super basic, if someone wants to take it over, just let me know. 

https://groups.google.com/g/socal-touring-crew

Maybe starting a touring group will actually cause some snowfall. Fingers crossed! 

Thanks for putting that together. Just asked for access.

Cheers

Awesome! Thanks for setting that up.  Finall signed up for my Avy 2 this winter.  Looking forward to some good touring!

I’m new to touring and looking for partners in SoCal and along the eastside. I spend my open winter weekends at the resorts but would rather earn my lines instead of standing in them.

Seems like this is the thread to be in. Requested Google group access.

Thanks for setting that up, Josh.

For any of y'all who ski the resorts it might be a good chance to meet up and talk about BC objectives and future adventures.  I hit Mammoth pretty regularly 'cause I have a 5 year old ripper.  I'll be there this weekend if any of you are around.

I’m in Mammoth the 19th-23rd.  Still looking pretty bare up there too but there look to be a couple of storm systems coming through in the next two weeks.  Hopefully we’ll start getting a base!

I'll be in Utah those days, but yeah, hoping the storms this week and next give Mammoth some cover

NOAA just bumped up the estimate for Mt Baldy Summit to about 42 inches for this storm? Is anyone interested in a strike mission for Wednesday?

Sounds like Baldy didn't favor quite as well. Can anyone confirm?

I poked around at Waterman. HS 30 to 35 cm of heavy frozen snow with a couple inches of low density pow on top, with more near the summit. I SL hovered around 7k yesterday. I'm guessing Baldy would need a bit more snow to smooth out the rocks. Good base snow though.