May 1, 2006, Castle Peak, Lake Tahoe
5/1/06
US elsewhere
1184
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Castle Peak at 9103 feet is located just west of Donner Summit and north of I-80. It is probably the most popular ski and snowshoe area in the north Lake Tahoe region. The Sierra Clubs Peter Grubb hut is also located along the route to Castle Peak. The triple summit peaks and cliff bands are very distinct and visible along the I-80 corridor and from most of the ski resorts at the north end of Lake Tahoe. We have wanted to tour in the area for a couple of years, but previously conditions and timing never worked out. The main climbing route ascends the southerly aspect so we waited for spring conditions and a weekday to avoid the crowds. The Sno Park for the climb is located south of I-80 and about a quarter mile from the trailhead.
We left the TH, which is about 7000, at 8am and followed the well beaten snowshoe track along a snow covered road. The track is very gradual and finally begins ascending at Castle Pass at 7900. At Castle Pass you have numerous choices. You can head south up to Andesite Peak at 8219 and ski back to the road in a southeasterly direction. Or, gradually descend in a northwesterly direction to the Peter Grubb hut in Round Valley. Or, traverse easterly below Castles cliff band and descend southerly into numerous gullies and outcroppings. Or, continue climbing towards the summit peaks of Castle -which is what we did. As we reached the summit ridge, we could head northwest along the ridge to Basin Peak and descend in any direction or continue, as we did, to the westerly summit Peak. Looking northeasterly into Coon Canyon, you can ski about 1600 on varied steep to moderate terrain. Unfortunately the snowmobile crowds had thrashed the area and were high marking the slopes even on a weekday. From the summit, I was able to see the ski runs of Heavenly at the south end of Lake Tahoe, the backside runs at Northstar and over to I-80 and Boreal ski area. It was warming rapidly and the sun was softening the slopes. The top 600 vertical was classic spring corn with 1 of cream on a firm base. Unfortunately the remaining 1500 vertical was a slush run. The gradual descent made the return run slow (but not too bad) and required more poling then allotted for the trip. Another sunny, warm, windless day with great views and a bit of good spring corn skiing. Concerning spring corn, it was mentioned to us that it is like baking a cake, you just have to wait until its done. Were waiting.
Zap & Jill
We left the TH, which is about 7000, at 8am and followed the well beaten snowshoe track along a snow covered road. The track is very gradual and finally begins ascending at Castle Pass at 7900. At Castle Pass you have numerous choices. You can head south up to Andesite Peak at 8219 and ski back to the road in a southeasterly direction. Or, gradually descend in a northwesterly direction to the Peter Grubb hut in Round Valley. Or, traverse easterly below Castles cliff band and descend southerly into numerous gullies and outcroppings. Or, continue climbing towards the summit peaks of Castle -which is what we did. As we reached the summit ridge, we could head northwest along the ridge to Basin Peak and descend in any direction or continue, as we did, to the westerly summit Peak. Looking northeasterly into Coon Canyon, you can ski about 1600 on varied steep to moderate terrain. Unfortunately the snowmobile crowds had thrashed the area and were high marking the slopes even on a weekday. From the summit, I was able to see the ski runs of Heavenly at the south end of Lake Tahoe, the backside runs at Northstar and over to I-80 and Boreal ski area. It was warming rapidly and the sun was softening the slopes. The top 600 vertical was classic spring corn with 1 of cream on a firm base. Unfortunately the remaining 1500 vertical was a slush run. The gradual descent made the return run slow (but not too bad) and required more poling then allotted for the trip. Another sunny, warm, windless day with great views and a bit of good spring corn skiing. Concerning spring corn, it was mentioned to us that it is like baking a cake, you just have to wait until its done. Were waiting.
Zap & Jill
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