Day 1
We meet at 9:00 am at the Mineral Lodge in the hamlet
of Mineral 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 4 mile
snowshoe/ski into bascamp near Beautiful Heather Lake
just under Lassen 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.
Day 2
After a warm breakfast we head off to summit Lassen
Peak. Along the way we learn avalanche rescue skills
and ice axe and cramponing techniques. During the
summit attempt we will also cover basic ropework and
snow climbing techniques. The view from Lassen Peak
is spectacular and if we're lucky we will see Mount
Shasta in the distance.
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.