A trans-Sierra ski tour through the spectacular northern boundary of Yosemite National Park and Cathedral Range near Tuolumne Meadows before finishing in Yosemite Valley. A little-known ski route for ski mountaineers looking for something different.

Our route takes us from Matterhorn Peak in the Sawtooth Range near Bridgeport on the East side of the Sierra Nevada then crosses into Yosemite National Park. We then ski tour along the eastern edge of the Northern Yosemite boundary giving us numerous options for ski descents along the way.

Here's the best part, halfway along the ski tour we spend the night at the Tuolumne Meadows winter backcountry ski hut where our remaining supplies are cached. This allows us to ski this tour with only half of the required food and fuel weight and gives us a welcome respite from the tents while enjoying the heat and electricity of the hut.

We leave Tuolumne meadows and ski through the magnificent Cathedral Range which gives even more superb skii descent options. Eventually we ski our way past Tenaya Lake and on down into Yosemite Valley via the Snow Creek trail with superb views of Half Dome and Tenaya canyon. We end it all with a private charter flight back to Bridgeport.

This ski tour rivals or exceeds those in the Southern High Sierra and is suitable for skiers at a lower technical level than is required for the Sierra High Route. Truly an outstanding ski mountaineering adventure!

For other backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering tours check out our main ski touring page.

Location: The Trailhead is located at the magnificent Sawtooth Range in the northern High Sierra near Bridgeport, CA. Only 4 1/2 hours from the S.F. Bay Area and one hour north of the mountain resort town of Mammoth Lakes. We fly back to Bridgeport from Yosemite Valley at the end of the tour.

For area information view our Bridgeport Travel Page.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet backcountry meals. Breakfast & dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef. Special diets can be accommodated.

Prerequisites: Advanced skiers with some previous backcountry skiing experience. Good physical condition and the ability to carry an overnight pack all day on skis. Level one avalanche course reccomended, but not required.

Dates 2008: Apr 27 - May 3

Cost: $1395

Included: All group camping equipment and avalanche safety equipment (backcountry ski rentals available). Private charter flight from Fresno to Bridgeport and all transfers. Breakfats & dinner while in the backcountry. Professional AMGA-trained backcountry ski mountaineering guides.