Shastina/Shasta Overnight Ski Tour Filled with Solitude

The weather looked beautiful down by Mount Shasta — stable skies, good visibility, and just one night of high winds in the forecast — so I moved my house on wheels south. Central Oregon’s 200% snowpack had been a treat in the late season but weather was turning there and in the Northern Cascades.

After the 6 hour drive to Bunny Flats trailhead from Bend, I enjoyed the slow pace sharing space with other friendly skiers. With help from Gaia slope angles and a ski map at the TH, I set a mellow plan for the next day or two: skip the crowds in Avalanche Gulch and explore a neighboring valley.

It turned out to be the right move. I found a peaceful cirque with untouched snow, only an extra mile or two away. It felt far from the congestion of the parking lot and popular Avalanche Gully. After a few hour approach, I left my camp on a high ridge and set off to ski Shastina. The conditions were amazing and later that night I settled into camp with a warm meal and views of a Shasta and Shastina’s sunlit ridge. The next day, after skiing the exceptional West Ridge of Shasta, I was sad to leave behind the beautiful solitude and perfect corn but my heart was grateful!

Looking back at the west face of Shasta from my camp, happy to only see my tracks — Looking down a chute on Shasta

🧭 Travel Notes

Started with no water, filled up 1–2 miles in with spring water.
Packed ultralight: 1 lb sleeping bag + 8 oz bivy.
Slept with Jetboil and Nalgene — reheated water halfway through the night.
Light travel isn’t always comfortable, but it brings real freedom.
I would have stayed an additional evening but a crow got into my hidden food at camp.

🎒 Gear Talk

Curious what I packed for this overnighter? Check out my upcoming guide:
How to Pack for an Overnight Spring Ski Traverse in a 32L Backpack

🧭 Travel Notes

🎒 Gear Talk

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