Ski Mountaineering in November!! - 11/20/25

By Spencer Ralston

Another clear morning and warm temps had me set my alarm for another early start. Jake and I left the parking lot a little after 6am for a ski mountaineering morning adventure. Both Jake and I had work so we set off to maximize our time on the hill.

We struggled our way into Huntington Ravine. The last 200 vertical feet from the trail into the lower Fan was a struggle. Steep little slopes and exposed branches caught our skis and backpacks. We broke out of the brush and into the warmth of the sun. We hiked up the boot pack and into the last bit of sun before we launched into Pinnacle Gully (WI3, Steep Snow 500ft). We cramponed up and enjoyed solid sticks and firm neve up the whole gully.

We crested into the sunshine again and enjoyed a skin across the Alpine Garden. The sun was out in full force and we can feel the warming of the snow. We got to the top of Right Gully and prepared for our descent. We both made note of the rapidly warming snowpack and moved quickly. Jake skied from the top through the alpine brush. I did a short booter to avoid some dicey ski moves. We got to the actually good skiing, and enjoyed turns all the way down the Bowl. We slipped out to Hermit Lake and a quick hello to Jimmy Rips and off to work I went. My perfect attendance record remains unblemished. :)