Day 1
We meet at 8:00 am at Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park where we conduct a pack check and discuss proper winter mountaineering gear. After a short drive to the trailhead we spend most of the day on a 5 mile snowshoe/ski into bascamp near beautiful Pear Lake just under Alta Peak. The afternoon is spent learning how to build a "bomber" winter camp and discussing key winter skills as how to stay warm dry as well as winter cooking and hydration concerns. We have fun building winter shelters and snow caves, which you may sleep in if you like.

Day 2
After a warm breakfast we head off to summit Alta Peak. Along the way we learn avalanche rescue skills, ice axe use and cramponing techniques. During the summit attempt we will also snow climbing techniques and winter route finding. Alta Peak is a spectacular 11,000 ft peak in the heart of Sequoia National Park and the views from the summit on a clear day are stunning.

Day 3
The morning is spent working on skills such as rescue shelters and winter white-out navigation before we start the journey back to the trailhead. Usually we arrive at the cars around 3pm.

 

Itinerary subject to change