Ski Tour: Virginia Lakes to Black Mountain

Virginia Lakes is a perfect spring season tour as the road gets you to a high altitude trailhead and there are many north facing descent options including Red Lake Bowl and Black Mountain's North Face.

This trip is for experienced backcountry skiers who enjoy strenuous exertion at high altitudes. Snowboarders with split boards welcome. You must own and know how to use an avalanche beacon, probe, and snow shovel. If you are new to backcountry skiing please consider taking an introductory course at www.sierramountaincenter.com before heading out on a trip (for your safety and that of the group).

Dispersed camping is available along the Parker Lake Road and possibly the road to Virginia Lakes. Lodging is available in Lee Vining and Bridgeport.

We will meet at the end of the plowed road to Virginia Lakes at 8:00 am Saturday and Sunday.

Please note that this event may be cancelled or rescheduled at any time due to changing weather or avalanche conditions. Safety first!

AIARE Level 1 certification (or international equivalent) is required for this tour.

Required equipment for ski touring:

Safety Equipment:
Avalanche beacon - digital only
Avalanche probe
Snow Shovel - metal only, Black Diamond or similar
Personal first aid - including medicine, epi pen etc.

Touring Equipment:
Alpine touring/telemark skis or split snowboard
Ski poles and boots
Climbing skins for skis
Ski crampons
2 water bottles
Winter clothing - shell, insulation, gloves
Sunglasses

We will check our beacons and gear together at the trailhead before every trip. Missing gear = no trip - so make sure to check your gear list before leaving home!

Backcountry skiing is a high risk activity and participants assume all risk. Visit https://www.esavalanche.org to check current avalanche conditions.