Today was one of those few Epic ski touring days in the Cascades this season and the masses were all out in the B.C. of Crystal. Skin tracks and bootpacks were all over the Silver Basin from 3 way all the way to bear gap. I was going solo so I didn’t want to venture out too far so I stayed on the North facing slopes of silver basin and did a full Southback Traverse from 3 Way Peak to Pickhandle Point.
I took the Traverse out to the King to get a vantage of what looked good. From my perspective I could see numerous skin tracks in all directions. I decided a slow traverse East would allow for great lines while slowly getting back to the resort area. It was going to be a long day but the snow was good and I had the time.
Starting the Southback Traverse
First was 3 way peak which I traversed to the base of via Silver Basin. Once at the base I climbed to the east ridge before bootpacking to the summit. Once on top I rode down the main northeast chute to the bottom and over to the base of Joes Bad Ass Shoulder. Fortunetly there was a boot pack going straight up so I climbed a step at a time. Arriving up top I strapped in and dropped the north facing trees. Near the base I traversed over towards the base of Gunbarrel. Once again there was a boot pack to follow so once up there I traverse over to Dogleg Peak. From the summit I had a clear view of Silver Basin of the King in front of me. By now I was halfway done with the Southback Traverse.
On the summit of Dogleg Peak I dropped down the main chute. Like every run before there was a well laid bootpack up to the Stormtrooper. Arriving back on the ridge I made my way over to Bear Gap. Finally I was on the last stretch I climbing up Pickhandle Point. It had been a long day and I was excited about finishing off the traverse with the north bowl. I took one last photo of the Silver Basin before riding down to the Crystal Mountain Base.
Back at the Resort
Finally I was at the Crystal Mountain Parking lot. With over a week without snow I could tell people were desperate as there were bootpacks everywhere. It was a great day and I didn’t have to skin at all. I was able to link up 5 great runs and do an entire Southback Traverse
