Mt Ashland
Mount Ashland has a lot of potential for skiers of all ability levels. There are open glades and mellow bowls for those just learning the backcountry arts as well as steeper shoots and gully's for those looking for a bit more. On the northeast side of Mt. Ashland is the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. The area makes it easy to hone your downhill skills or to get some fast access to Mt Ashland's South and West faces. Access to the backcountry is from the backside parking lot of the ski area. At the end of the backside parking lot, there is a snow-covered road that traverses much of the backcountry terrain. It spits right after leaving the parking lot into an upper and lower road. The upper road traverses more open terrain and is usually the one to use for ski access. Not only do these roads make access easy, they act as great handrails. As long as you don't ski past the roads, you can always follow them out!
For the dog owners out there, dogs are not allowed on the upper road past the restrooms and on the lower road past Grouse Creek. This is because cross-country skiers also use these trails and dogs can potentially mess up the cross-country tracks.
Terrain
At 7,532 ft, Mt. Ashland is the highest peak in the Siskiyou Mountains, which are part of the Klamath Mountains. Just shy of 2 miles west of Mt. Ashland is 7,220' McDonald Peak. Between the two peaks are two North facing bowls and one large South facing bowl. It is off of these peaks and into these bowls where most of the ski terrain is located.
Skill Level:
Beginner to Advanced
Directions & Map:
- From the Ashland Outdoor Store, head SE on Siskiyou Blvd/99. Stay on this road through town.
- Merge onto I-5, heading South, just South of town.
- Take exit 6 towards Mt Ashland.
- Take a Right on Mt Ashland Ski Road. Follow the signs for Mt Ashland Ski Area.
- Once in the Mount Ashland Parking lot, drive past the lodge and park in the backside lot. A Sno-Park permit is required to park here.
Recommended Equipment
- Day Pack (15L-35L)
- Layers
- Gloves
- Hat
- Active layer - soft shell or fleece
- Insulating layer - down or synthetic fill jacket
- Hard Shell pant and top
- Avalanche Gear
- Avalanche Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Knowledge and practice using this gear
- A partner who also has this gear and knows how to use it
- A printout of current avalanche conditions from the local avalanche center
- First Aid Kit
- Backcountry repair kit
- Basic emergency/overnight kit
- Small foam pad for breaks
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Food & Water
For water, 2L-3L per person for a day trip is recommended. As for food, several small snacks throughout the day are recommended. Big meals are fun but bog you down. Small snacks allow for a continual flow of energy to your body. For your snacks, try to balance sugars, fats, proteins, and carbs so your body is continually fueled. This helps reduce crashes in energy during the day.
Additional Info
- Trailhead Lat/Long: 42° 4' 39.34" N x 122° 42' 35.64" W
- Trailhead elevation: 6620ft
Resources & Links
Weather
Click here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
