Wallowa Ski Trip - March 2006

Two years after my first backcountry ski trip to the Wallowas, I returned with friends from Portland. This time around we chose the Wing Ridge hut. The Wing Ridge hut differs from the hut we stayed in previously in that it is 1000 feet higher and that much closer to good skiing.

March 10^th
After spending the night in Joseph, we met Roger Averbeck of Wing Ridge Ski Tours at the Wildflour Bakery for a hearty breakfast and an update on the local weather and avalanche conditions. We were all pleased to hear that the heavy precipitation that we experienced in Eugene and Portland had also been good to the Wallowas. Many feet of fresh powder awaited us!

From the bakery, we proceeded to the Salt Creek Sno-Park. We quickly donned our skis and backpacks loaded with four days of supplies and began the climb to the hut. The ski into the Wing Ridge hut went remarkably quickly, covering the two miles and 1,100 feet in an hour and a half. Upon arriving at the hut, we were amazed by how much snow was piled up around the tents.

Peter in front of the cook tent

Peter in the cook tent

Kevin, Jen and Simon in the cook tent

We stoked a fire in the cook tent, unloaded our gear in the sleeping tents and devoured our lunches. After settling in, we got back on the skis to explore some of the local terrain. We ventured to the south to a flank of Wing Ridge called Phat Ridge by the local skiers. After a tough climb, we pointed our skis downhill and enjoyed faceshots of fresh powder. Exhausted from a long day of climbing through deep snow, we returned to camp for dinner, drinks, a tournament of Yahtzee and deep sleep.

March 11^th
It was a struggle to emerge from our sleeping bags to face 10 degree weather, but the lure of Simon's hearty oatmeal and more powder skiing provided ample motivation. Our agenda today was to explore Middle Ridge, located southwest of camp. We climbed up to a breathtaking view of the eastern bowls off of The Pyramid, the highest point on Wing Ridge.

Jen, Simon, Peter and Kevin with The Pyramid in the background

Jen skiing down Middle Ridge

After yoyo skiing Middle Ridge, Jen and I returned to camp for lunch and a hot drink while Simon, Kevin and Peter ventured northwest to explore the ridge up to The Pyramid. Fueled by lunch, Jen and I followed the skin track set by the others. We made good time since the trail was already broken and ripped off our climbing skins just below The Pyramid. The ski back down to camp was wonderful, with knee deep powder.

Jen climbing up to The Pyramid

Looking south to Middle Ridge

Looking up to The Pyramid