March 29, 2007 - April 02, 2007 | Snoqualmie Pass, Mt Daniel | Ski

We've been itching to get back to the Snoqualmie High Peaks ever since Martin pioneered his version of the Haute Route several years ago. The mix of glaciers, steep mountains, and beautiful ski descents in a remote wilderness setting offers a unique Cascadian experience rivaling anything to be found in the great ski mountaineering ranges of the world. And it is only 30 miles from our back yard in North Bend, WA.

This was the year. Long time PGS clients Jim Swayze, Greg Lange, and Greg Allen joined us for this five day adventure. A bluebird start at Snoqualmie Pass made us hopeful for good things to come. When we had to ski rappel over Kendall Peak, we knew we had made the commitment.

The next several days took us over the Chikamin notch, past the Lemahs and up to Overcoat Col. Travel conditions were good. Downhill skiing was a bit of a challenge on variable conditions, but the views were outstanding. Full weather conditions greeted us on our ascent of Overcoat Col. The weather followed us through the next two days as we climbed and skied to Summit Chief Col and over to the La Bohn Gap area. The climb over the ridge to Summit Chief provided some fun roped climbing and route finding challenges. This area is the key crux to maintinaing a high route over this rugged terrain.

The big ski descents of Mt Hinman and Mt Daniel were on the agenda for the last couple of days. The group felt super charged as we traded overnight packs for day touring packs out of our camp below La Bohn Gap.
This area gave us the best skiing of the trip with new snow and intermittent sunshine. We were impressed with the limitless pure ski terrain in this massif.

Our exit was classic Cascades, using gravity on a deep consolidated snowpack to descend into the forest greenery and back to the cars in six and a half hours.

We want to go back soon. This traverse should be at the top of the to do list for any ski mountaineer.