Mt Rainier Backcountry

Ashford, WA

Mar. 25 – 28, Thu – Sun

Strong Intermediate – Advanced Backcountry Ski

This is a COVID reduced risk trip plan. I plan on driving up on Thursday and skiing the North Mt. Tahoma trail network, which is mostly road ski tour, Thursday and about 12 miles. We will stay at Whittaker Motel in Ashford, WA.  Rooms are about $75 per night plus taxes, 1 and 2 beds available.  Everyone is required to book their own rooms and is on their own for food, (restaurant, takeout or eat in). Friday we will plan on skiing in the Mazama Ridge area and Reflection Lake, which is a backcountry tour with some telemark options.  Skins are required.  Saturday, if conditions are good, we will backcountry tour in the Tatoosh Range or higher on Rainier with telemark options. Sunday we will do a Backcountry ski tour into the South Tahoma Huts area then drive home. 

Breakfast is available at Whittaker Café daily. You should carry Avalanche gear and skins in your pack. You might look at the COVID-19 bubble concept if you are considering sharing a room or car.

Trip Limit: 10 participants, including trip leader. 

Cost: $10/member registration on ONC-PDX website.  Lodging and food on your own. 3 nights in motel.  Pay the registration fee and then book your room and pay the hotel directly.  

Travel miles: 270 miles roundtrip to Ashford, WA plus daily driving. Need AWD or chains and National Park fee or pass.

Leader: Ken Wenzel, skiwenzel@hotmail.com