Mammoth to June Traverse — Backcountry Skiing Tour

Ski a classic traverse from Mammoth Mountain to June Mountain

This tour is a 2-day ultralight objective that allows plenty of time to enjoy quality descents along the way. The route for this trip depends on what conditions dictate to the north and east. You’ll find plenty of powder and incredible terrain. Camp for the night is in the scenic and wild upper Deadman Creek drainage, and then finishes with a summit of San Joaquin Mountain. The final descent is an impressive 4000′ to the June Lake area and the comforts of the Double Eagle Resort & Spa.

This tour makes for a perfect introduction to a multi-day backcountry adventure.

Here’s the itinerary

Day 1

Meet your guide in the early morning at Mammoth Mountain. Check equipment and finalize packing. Then, from Main Lodge, you’ll skin up the closed road to Minaret Vista. From there, the tour follows the San Joaquin Ridge north with spectacular views of the Minarets and the Ritter Range, as well as the headwaters of the Owens River to the east. Just before Deadman Pass, you’ll drop in to the northeast for a 1000′ powder run. From there, you’ll climb back to the ridge to find another 1000′ run before finding camp in upper Deadman Creek.

Day 2

You’ll start your second day passing east of the imposing Two Teats on the way to the summit of San Joaquin Mountain. Descend right from the summit and drop down one of several options like Positive 1, the Hourglass, or the Negatives to Upper Yost Meadow. From there the plan is to descend gently via Yost Creek and then descend via the 4 Seasons run or possibly Devil’s Slide to finish at the Double Eagle Resort.

You can arrange to spend the night in the June Lake area or shuttle back with your guide to Mammoth.

Prerequisites

• Advanced to expert level downhill skiing skills
• Ability to control speed and execute fall-line turns in a variety of snow conditions
• All participants must be able to sideslip forwards and and backwards
• High level of control on 40 degree slopes
• Excellent fitness