Backcountry Skiing -Southern California

Ethan Ayerwrote:

This storm and maybe the next storm are looking good.

I have Tuesday and wednesday off and im looking to get out there! ill be a little out of shape on the uphill.

would love to get out on San Gorgonio or really any other spot!

I havnt been in the backcountry in these mountains yet, but I do yern for it!

Thoughts on Mt Baldy tues? Thinking about it…. 

• Anyone have eyes on Mt Baldy? 

Considering hiking in Mon night to hit and then sending. Tues … 

George Haydukewrote:

Thoughts on Mt Baldy tues? Thinking about it…. 

I’d be interested depending on conditions, that southish east facing bowl down didn’t have much in it at all when I last saw on Friday, so I don’t think there will be as good of a base, San gorginos north facing stuff seemed to have at least something, so that intrigued me more

Anybody think San Jacinto will have enough coverage for some runs? Im a complete beginner and need to do some touring and low angle stuff to familiarize myself with the gear.

Lucas Shipleywrote:

Anybody think San Jacinto will have enough coverage for some runs? Im a complete beginner and need to do some touring and low angle stuff to familiarize myself with the gear.

Maybe but probably not. I think your best bet would be Baldy, but even then this storm was underwhelming 

Caleb Milnerwrote:

Maybe but probably not. I think your best bet would be Baldy, but even then this storm was underwhelming 

Yeah I figured, I'm probably just gonna wait until there's enough coverage up on San J

Lucas Shipleywrote:

Yeah I figured, I'm probably just gonna wait until there's enough coverage up on San J

If yr a complete beginner I dont think San J is for you…. Mt Baldy is better IMO …. Unless you are looking to go touring maybe … 

I'm going to check out Baldy tomorrow morning.

Ethan Ayerwrote:

I'm going to check out Baldy tomorrow morning.

Ski or climb? What time? Just curious…. 

please report back! Thx :)

What part of Baldy is beginner friendly? 

Re: What part of Baldy is beginner friendly?

The resort.

Ethan Ayerwrote:

I'm going to check out Baldy tomorrow morning.

Bro did you make it out of the mountains? You alive ? How was it ? 

Yeah. The snow was pretty thin and the only skiable section was the shoulder. It was dust on crust.

George Haydukewrote:

If yr a complete beginner I dont think San J is for you…. Mt Baldy is better IMO …. Unless you are looking to go touring maybe …

I'm more familiar with San J and I've never been up to Baldy. So for my first time I think I'd rather do some more touring in and out for the sake of familiarity. Plus I can bring up a towel and my climbing shoes and do some ice cold bouldering.

Lucas Shipleywrote:

I'm more familiar with San J and I've never been up to Baldy. So for my first time I think I'd rather do some more touring in and out for the sake of familiarity. Plus I can bring up a towel and my climbing shoes and do some ice cold bouldering.

When most people talk about skiing SanJ its to ski the NE Couloir Decent  - Snow Creek … Its a 10k ft line and has a rappel and access issues… 

San J from the top of the tram is a super casual tour to the summit.  Great way to spend a day up there.  One of the best powder days I have ever had was on San J back in the 80's.  I'm sure it needs a bunch more coverage though but I'll be jumping on it again when it gets more.

George Haydukewrote:

When most people talk about skiing SanJ its to ski the NE Couloir Decent  - Snow Creek … Its a 10k ft line and has a rappel and access issues… 

Looking down snow creek from the summit sure is enticing but I'd be way too out of my depth trying to ride it. It looks like a mega classic line that I'd love to work up to but jeeeeeeeeeez it's intimidating to a beginner. I'm just sticking to the tram because it's a casual tour with casual riding.