Hilton Creek - BC Skiing- April 2nd & 3rd, 2011

After Deer Mountain (see previous post) we decided to try to climb something that had less trees and a run out all the way to the car (meaning we can ski all the way back down to the car).  In Crowley, just south of Mammoth we decided to climb the Hilton Creek Trail.  We skinned up and trekked up a slight incline for about .6 of a mile.  After that we began a more steady climb.  After climbing 1500 feet and 1.5 miles we decided to ski down.  The snow conditions were not great.  The snow was punchy and warming up creating some unexpected deep spots.  We had to ski with caution because we didn't know when the thin crust was going to give.  Looking back on it we should have started a lot earlier to avoid mushy snow. Skiing down was still fun.  Unsure of whether we could ski all the way back to the car we bombed the last hill to carry momentum.  Surprisingly we were able to ski all the way back down.  It was long and it destroyed my legs but it's a lot better than skinning back to the car!!!

The next day we got an earlier start and climbed Hilton Creek Trail again.  This time the snow was firmer and more enjoyable.  I got to say it's a great place to bc ski.  I love it and the run out all the way to the road.  It offered beautiful views, nice slopes, and not too many trees.  And of course we didn't see anybody around us both days.  Good times.  Next time we are in Mammoth we will definitely do this again and hopefully climb a little higher.

Hilton Creek/Crowley Lake

Rocking the bandana.....forgot my hat

Climbing up

View Deer Mtn/Hitlon Creek 4/2011 in a larger map

Deer Mountain and Inyo Craters - BC Skiing

Pano of Inyo Crater

Showing some leg!

At the top of Deer Mountain 

Last weekend Cary and I went up to the Mammoth area to do some back country skiing.  The first day we headed out to the Inyo Craters and to climb Deer Mountain.  We parked just off scenic drive and skinned up to the Craters.  It was relatively flat for the first 1.5 mile trek.  After viewing the craters we climbed Deer Mountian which is right next to the craters.  It wasn't a long or steep climb but it was good practice climbing with skins on and it offered incredible views from the top.  When we reached the top we realized there was 3 high points which made it hard to dicipher which one was the actual summit so we tagged all three:)

On our decent down it was slow going.  The snow wasn't in good condition, soft with a little bit of crust and there were lots of trees to avoid.  Nonetheless it was fun and challenging.

Stats:
Total Mileage: 4.2
Start 10:00
End 3:30

Note:  The first mile was kind of boring since it was a relatively flat.  I prefer to be ascending or descending on skis.

Cary's photos

Surfing at 11th street

Last week I purchased a Go Pro Camera to use during my outdoor adventures.  I couldn't wait to try it out surfing.  On Monday and Tuesday I went surfing at 11th street in Del Mar and even though the waves weren't great it was still a ton of fun.  Take a look!

I mounted the camera to the front of my single fin 7'4'' funboard.

Sorry about the pixelation.

Mt. High - Skiing

Last week my buddy Justin and I went skiing at our near by ski resort Mt. High.  This season I am learning how to ski because I am getting into backcountry skiing.  I am trying to get as much experience on skis as possible this season, on groomed runs and in the backcountry.