Big Crow Basin is one of those area where you look at the map and wonder what is out there. Being a massive bowl in the middle of nowhere there had to be good lines but it is such a remote area. With terrain wrapping around almost every aspect it was just a matter of time before I made the trip. Finally that day came along when my friend Chris was looking to get into the backcountry. Since he was a photographer as well as a backcountry enthusiast he was game for a long and scenic day.
My friend Chris was a lift op at Crystal Mountain and staying at the base of the hill. Everyday he would walk up to the resort at see Norse Peak rising above all the surrounding mountains. With his interested in the area we put together a trip to ride both Norse Peak and Big Crow Basin. With our bags packed we made our way on the Bullion Peak Trail for the first few hundred feet. Once getting to the main switchback we let the trail and started wrapping around the lower slopes of east peak.
Heading up the Northeast side of East Peak
Being early in my days of splitboarding I was having issues with skinning on the icy sidehills. Slipping with every step I quickly switched over to boot pack. With every step I would sink up to my knees as I watched Chris climb with easy using showshoes.
A step at a time we fought our way up to Scouts Pass. Behind us Mount Rainier and Crystal Mountain were out if full glory. We had chosen the route because of the views and instantly the trip was worth the pain.
Finally we arrived on the ridge just before Scout Pass and on mellower terrain. This was my opertunity to switch over to skinning. There was no more post holing from here on out. I had a sigh of relief knowing the worst of the day was over with.
Following the Ridge to Norse Peak
As we followed the ridge line the terrain opened up to both the east and the west. From our low saddle we had a view into the Lake Basin area. This was a place that I had spent numerous trips in and knew that there was some great terrain in the lower section. It was a beautiful day as the sun was casting long shadows among the area.
Once we got to the summit of Norse Peak we were looking into Big Crow Basin. From our perspective the northeast slopes were looking like they were still holding good powder. I had rode off the south face of Norse Peak before and though it would be fun to ride the other direction.
As I made it to the top of the line the sun came out on the slopes. From my perspective there was a nice ridge to ride out onto before the terrain became steep. From there I would make my way a bit lower and snap some photos of Chris on the lower portion.
Snowboarding into Big Crow Basin
After dropping in a ways I set up to take a photo of Chris riding down. We had decided to ride down to the flats of Big Crow Basin. Dropping in his turns illuminated in the sun before he made his way into the valley.
For our second run we decided to head out further along the ridge. I would keep going to the southern aspects while Chris stuck around the area. From both of our perspectives we could snap photo of each other.
Another Lap in Big Crow Basin
By now the clouds were starting to come in from a distance. I could see the sun line quickly vanishing as I strapped into my board. Knowing the sun was soon going to disappear I strapped in and started to ride into Big Crow Basin.
The terrain was nice and steep as I worked with the features. It was a fun albeit short line but I made the most out of it. While the snow wasn’t as good as north aspects it was some fun turns in the slush.
Riding into Big Crow Basin I made sure to keep up my speed. I had planned to skin back up Norse Peak and I was on the other side of the valley. Once arriving near the flats the clouds swallowed the sunlight. It was know flat light as I transitioned my board and set up for taking photos of Chris.
He had spied a nice looking gully on the east facing slopes. By now his line was flat light yet still good snow. He was able to open up as the slopes were smooth and wide open. What he lacked in sunlight was more than made up with good snow.
The Long Exit From Big Crow Basin up and over Norse Peak
After we both met up in the valley of Big Crow Basin we climbed back up Norse peak. We were in a race against time as we snowboarded into the Lake Basin. With the sun setting to the west we made a brisk pack heading up towards East Peak
By now we were minutes from the sun dropping over the horizon. It was our plan to take in the sunset from our vantage point. Standing near Scout Pass we took in the views as the sun dropped under Crystal Mountain.
Watching the Sunset Before Riding East Peak
It was a stunning light show as we basked in the alpenglow transitioning for our final descent. Knowing that the last run was straightforward we hung around until the last of the light basked among the mountains.
Soon enough the show was over and it was time to ride down. We followed our original route up as we made our way down the northwest side of East Peak. The temperatures had dropped and the soft snow had turned to ice. A turn at a time we made our way back to the Bullion Basin Trail.
Soon enough we were back at the base in the dark and walking back to the dorms. It was a scenic day and we were fortunate to find some good snow. Though it was a fun day the lines were a bit short. All in all it was a great day though and it was good to see a new area.
It was great showing Chris around Norse Peak and Big Crow Basin and getting him out of the resort for something different. All in all it was a great trip with great snow.
Thank you for reading this trip. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.