East Peak is possibly one of the best lines to ride in the Crystal Mountain backcountry after a storm. Being a direct line with numerous different options for ski descents you can work numerous different aspects. While you can find yourself in some nasty and exposed terrain there are sections for safe descents. At the tail end of a storm Scott, Dan and I made plans to put in a solid skin track. Once at the summit we would get as much runs as time allowed.

Breaking Trail up East Peak in Over a Foot of Fresh Snow

With the avalanche levels stabilizing we drove up to the Crystal Mountain Parking Lot. From our vantage point tell from the trees that the storm had come in low and the slopes around East Peak would offer some amazing riding. From the moment we started skinning up the Bullion Basin trail we were breaking in a skin track with over a foot of fresh snow. Before long we busted off the main trail and started making our way up the southwest slopes of East Peak. Behind us the view of Crystal Mountain was in full display and we could see the swarms of people riding the main runs.

 

Taking a Lap off East Peak in the Southwest Trees

Before long we crested the ridge separating both East Peak and Cement Basin. While skinning up we had noticed that numerous lines off the front side were looking amazing. So after a quick transition we dropped into our first run of the day riding between the trails and towards our skin track.

 

From top to bottom the snow was unconsolidated and dry. It was mid January and we were finding bottomless powder runs that got better the lower we went. With the slopes being relatively open we were able to ride fluidly all the way to the bottom without hitting our skin track until arriving at the summer trail down bottom.

 

Once back at the base of our skin track we quickly transitioned for another run. Making our way up we could tell that there were a handfull of other people following the skin track but no one was to be seen. Before long we were back at the upper slopes and minutes away from our next run.

 

Turning Our Attention Over to Cement Basin

Once on the ridge we could see that the other groups had dropped into the same area. There was around 20 tracks scattered in the open trees leaving more then enough room for another lap. Looking to the east and into Cement Basin we noticed there wasn’t a track to be seen. It had drawn us in and before we knew it we were riding the untracked slopes to the flat basin below.

 

Since there was more then enough room for all three of us we decided to take our own lines. Both Scott and I waited at the top until we could see Dan in a safe spot below. After he was in a good location I dropped in next . The snow was amazing as I worked with the contours punching down the main gut.

 

Once Scott was at the base with us it was time to head back up to East Peak. The day was starting to get late as we broke a new skin track in Cement Basin. Heading up a foot at a time we battled with breaking trail until arriving on the ridge again. Once there we had a stunning view of the Crystal Mountain Backcountry in the late afternoon sun.

 

Sunset Lap off the Northwest Slopes of East Peak

By now the sun was starting to deep and the slopes were starring to get some alpenglow. We were getting the best of the afternoon light as we traversed towards the northwest slopes before dropping in. Once at a spot where we would have good fall line it was time to ride our final descent to the Crystal Mountain Valley.

 

The slopes offered some great tree riding as it had collected the snow. Usually the snow quality gets worse the lower you drop but this time it just kept getting better.

Before long we were at the final stretch just before the sun dropped under the horizon. We were able to ride the open trees until the first switchback of the Bullion Peak summer trail. Before long we were on the long traverse back towards to the Gold Hills Groomers and heading towards the car. From top to bottom the snow had been excellent quality and untracked within the whole area.

 

Thank you for reading this trip riding on East Peak and Cement Basin. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.