A ski traverse across the Wallowas is a trip of a lifetime experience.
The Wallowa ski traverse follows a classic line along the eastern edge of the Wallowa Mountains, with stunning scenery and many long ski/ride descents. A traverse of this nature incorporates many skill sets including; winter camping, steep skiing and climbing, exposed ridgewalks and the opportunity to ski from the summits of some of the highest peaks in the range. Guests will feel a sense of adventure and extreme accomplishment upon completion of this extraordinary traverse.
We require that all guests have an avalanche beacon, shovel & probe for our outings.
ITINERARY
The following itinerary is subject to change, due to weather, avalanche conditions, group fitness, etc. Your guide will determine exact camp locations and ski objectives.
Day 0:
- Meet Guides in La Grande, OR mid day for gear check
- Drive to Halfway, OR
- Night provided at Pine Valley Lodge or Main Place
Day 1:
- Skin from Cornucopia, towards Norway yurt 7,000’ and then head to Blue Creek Cirque
- Make a 2,000’ descent from Blue Creek cirque to the South Fork Imnaha River
- Establish camp alongside the South Fork Imnaha River at 6,000’ amongst a mature larch grove
- Mileage-8.5, Elevation Gain 4,500’ Elevation Loss 3,200’
Day 2:
- Head up and over Marble Mountain gaining 2,400’ and drop into the S. Fork of the Middle Fork Imnaha
- Possible ascent/descent of Cusick Peak 9,518’
- Establish camp at the headwaters of the S. Fork of the Middle Fork Imnaha
Day 3:
- Leave camp and head towards the saddle of Cusick Peak
- Ski from the saddle or continue along the ridgeline to Sentinel Peak
- Ski the NE face of Sentinel Peak
- Continue to just below Tenderfoot pass and establish camp
Day 4:
- Skin up and over Tenderfoot Pass
- Spend the morning ski touring around Aneroid Lake
- Ski out mid-day towards Wallowa Lake 6 miles
- Mileage-6, Elevation Gain 292’, Elevation Loss 3,160’
DETAILS
Difficulty: Previous backcountry experience with ECMG required, advanced skier, good fitness
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Meeting Time: Mid Day in La Grande
Meeting Location: La Grande, OR
What we provide:
- IFMGA/AMGA-trained mountain guides
- Mega Mids for sleeping
- 3:1 ratio
- Stoves for cooking
- Transportation to Cornucopia Lodge
- Night 0 Lodging in Halfway
- Shuttle to Wallowa Lake for 1 guest vehicle
What You Need:
- Snacks for 4 days (see meal planning guide)
- Alpine touring equipment – rubber-soled AT boots with walk mode required, Dynafit-style bindings strongly encouraged
- Splitboarding equipment – hard boot, “Dyna-split” style set up strongly encouraged
- Ski Crampons, boot crampons, ice axe
- Backcountry skiing clothing and equipment
- Sleeping Bag
- Down booties
- Review the full equipment list
DATES AND RATES
March 26-29 Limber Pine Expedition 6 Spots Available
April 9-12 6 Spots Available
$1,900
Minimum 2 guests, max 6
We require you to ski with us for at least 1-day prior to signing up for the traverse to evaluate your fitness and ski ability.
503-329-6603
info@eaglecapmountainguides.com
