Winter update- new offerings and lots of pow!!
Off-the-hook backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the Cascades right now — and some new trips and winter resources for you
Thanks to all of you who have joined us for avalanche courses, backcountry ski courses, and guided days out in the mountains this winter! It seems like Washington is the place to be with a thin and dangerous snowpack plaguing the rest of the Western US. But not us — the Cascades have experienced big, multi-day storm cycles each month since the sudden onset of our ski season in early November. The ski guide crew at Madness is loving the abundance of powder days this winter! We are well underway with our AIARE avalanche programs and the remaining few available spots are filling quickly. Despite making adjustments to adhere to current COVID protocols, courses have been running smoothly and conditions have been great.
With many of our venues quickly surpassing the 100” base mark, we have been stepping out into more adventurous terrain and are excited about continued exploration this winter and spring. We have permits across much of the state and local knowledge to show our guests the best stashes we know. If you want to get up in the high peaks this winter and spring, you should check out the backcountry ski fundamental course this winter, or this spring there are ski mountaineering courses, crevasse rescue courses, and guided Mount Baker ski descents; and then there’s world classic ski tours across the globe.
But, its a ways off until spring, so here’s a couple of new things for you to consider if you’re looking for a backcountry ski/snowboard getaway with some creature comforts. We’ve teamed up with the Alpine Lakes High Camp for guided tours from cabins high on the eastern slope on the Cascades. Learn more here.
And if you want to get your backcountry splitboard game on, check out our new course that’ll set you up for some rides this winter and some descents in the spring. Much like the goals of our backcountry ski course, you’ll learn the things needed to get out on your own, pick up some new skills, and have a blast while doing it!
We’d love to have you join us, but if you’re already getting out there with your friends we hope you find the powder, great turns, and enjoy a safe trip. To help with your planning you’ll find below some great resources. Take a look and of course we’re happy to help out too. Happy rest of the winter to you!