Looking for a line to ride on the West face of Pickhandle Peak

The Pickhandle Point west trees are one of those areas that are in clear display from Crystal Mountain. Located east of the Forest Queen chair it is a long ridge with open trees throughout. From the top of the Quicksilver Chair you can take a mellow traverse over to Bear Gap before climbing the final ridge. This is a non technical route and great for people trying to get into the backcountry. With a short and sunny day both Scott and I decided to lay some tracks down in the area. Not only would we get some good snow but also one of the better views of Crystal Mountain.

I met up with Scott Early in the morning at the Crystal Mountain Parking lot. We still didn’t know exactly what area to go to as we looked at the surrounding slopes. It was a sunny day which was great but it hadn’t snowed for a while. Knowing it wouldn’t be a bottomless powder day we decided to head for a place with good terrain and views. With those two things in mind we came up with the plans to head out to Pickhandle Point’s West facing trees.

Ski Touring Out to Bear Gap

After skinning up the Quicksilver chair we made our way into Silver Basin and started traversing east. Knowing there was no point in gaining elevation we made a long and low traverse until arriving at Bear Pass. Soon we were skinning up the final ridge to our summit with Crystal Mountain on full display behind us.

Making our way to the summit of Pickhandle point west trees with Crystal Mountain in the background
Making our way to the summit of Pickhandle Point with Crystal Mountain in the background

Our First Lap Down Pickhandle Point West Trees

Strapping in for our first line we spotted numerous open slopes below us. From what we could tell the snow looked to be good and although a bit short it was wide open. After a few minutes of soaking in the views we decided to ride down close to Bear Pass. This would give us both a fun line as well as easy access for an additional run. Soon enough I dropped in and was happy to find a few inches of powder.

Dropping off the West side of Pickhandle Peak
Dropping off the West side of Pickhandle Point with Mount Rainier in the distance

Working with the shade line we rode all the way to the flats of the drainage. While the area had been in the sun the snow was still good. I was sure that the area had been cooked but it was still powder.

Making big snowboard turns down the Pickhandle Point west trees
Making turns down the face with the Stormtrooper and Dogleg Peak in the distance

After transitioning and a few small switchbacks we were back on our old skin track. After climbing back to Bear Gap we were on Pickhandle Point and ready to do another west facing line. It was starting to be the afternoon and this was going to be our last line. Knowing that we decided to hang out on the summit and take in the views of Crystal Mountain. From our spot we had a clear view of the resort slopes looking directly across to the REX area still in the sun.

Looking at Crystal Mountain ski resort from Pickhandle Point before descending the west trees
Looking at Crystal Mountain ski resort from Pickhandle Point

To the West Mount Rainier was sticking out behind the Crystal Mountain Southback. It was a stunningly clear view of the surrounding area and one of the better break spots.

Enjoying the view of the Crystal Mountain Southback and Rainier from Pickhandle Peak
Enjoying the view of the King the upper Emmons and Ingraham Glaciers

Our Second Lap Down Pickhandle Point West Trees

This would be our final run down Pickhandle Point and the west face so it would be a longer run. After scoping out the area we would be riding the drainage below all the way to the base of Quicksilver. We had two options we could either do a high traverse back to the groomer or ride to the flats and hike. Being snowboarders we decided that a hike would offer better turns in the long run. After we had a plan we transitioned and started looking for the spot that looked like it had the best turns.

Looking for a line to ride on the West face of Pickhandle Peak
Looking for a line to ride on the West face of Pickhandle Peak

When we had rode the last run we saw a small area to the skiers right that looked to hold good snow. We strapped in and after Scott dropped off he made his way down the line and set up the camera. Soon I was dropping in and happy to find a bit better snow conditions.

Powder turns in the Crystal Mountain backcountry off of Pickhandle Point west trees
Powder turns in the Crystal Mountain backcountry

The lower we got the better the snow was as we made our way towards the flat drainage. It was now bottomless snow and kicking up with every turn. This was not what I had expected but was pleasantly surprised to find that we were getting faceshots.

Finding the white room with every turn
Finding the white room with every turn

Heading Back to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Arriving at the flats we kept our speed up. We still had another 1000 vertical feet to the bottom of Quicksilver. Making sure we rode fall line the terrain quickly turned into another small drainage. The line was filled in as we milked the turns all the way to the bottom. With a 10 minute bootpack we were back on the groomer and riding to the parking lot. Though it wasn’t the biggest lines in the Crystal Mountains backcountry it was still fun. Finally we had laid some tracks down a face I had looked at for years from the ski lifts.

It was a great day made even better with the company of Scott who would be a great touring partner for years. We got the view, we got the experience and we got the powder.

Thank you for reading this trip on Pickhandle Point west trees. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.