Good beginner touring trip?

I have finally convinced my wife to start touring with me! I splitboard and we just got her skis set up with the Marker Barons and she is pretty stoked. I was planning on taking her out to some of the cat-tracks at Crystal (Gold Hills side) just to get the hang of skinning. Does anyone know of any good beginner touring routes that are relatively safe and good to start out on? My wife is an intermediate-advanced skier. Thank you in advance for any suggestions that you can provide!

- Pete

Congratulations on your new ski partner.

Some ideas: Hyak when the area is closed. Silver Peak basin at Snoqualmie. Silver Basin or Bear Gap at Crystal (watch for downhill skiers exiting from southback). Mazama Ridge. Skyline Ridge at Stevens Pass.

Thank you for the tips AlpineRose!

I took my girlfriend touring for her first time out on Ptarmigan Ridge outside the Mt. Baker ski area. It was also her first time snow camping. I thought it made for a great beginning introduction area, and let's face it, the view of Mt. Shuksan has anything near Crystal or Stevens beat.

I took my girlfriend touring for her first time out on Ptarmigan Ridge outside the Mt. Baker ski area. It was also her first time snow camping. I thought it made for a great beginning introduction area, and let's face it, the view of Mt. Shuksan has anything near Crystal or Stevens beat.

Yeah, I would say Artist Point in general is a great beginners run. If she feels up to it (and the snow is good) then Ptarmigan Ridge works. But if not, the whole area around there is so pretty and so varied that it works really well for a beginner. It is actually a great area for waxless skis, given the initial approach (which is fairly flat but groomed). Then there is a small steep section before you leave the lift area and you get into the best stuff. It is all fairly small, but you can wander to various places, which make it fun. Because it is so pretty and can be done in short amount of time, lots of folks get down to the bottom and go "Huh, it's only 2:30, wow". It looks much bigger than it is.

I would also add the Paradise area. There are so many variations you can do to match her interest (including Mazama). With both of these trips you can cut it short and not feel like you wasted your time (since you get great views from the parking lot). I would say that the Paradise area is a little more challenging, but offers more variety (unless you manage to get to Ptarmigan). The safest way to do Ptarmigan Ridge is the hardest (straight down next to/through the trees, then over). So much depends on the snow.

Somewhere sunny!

It doesn't have to be fun to be fun, but it's so much more fun when it is! Haven't met a beginner yet that doesn't like having fun.

Also, bring chocolate.



Nothing turns a beginner off like skinning uphill into driving sleet. "Just a little higher, there'll be powder!" doesn't cut it.