The Sheep Lake chute is one of the most beautiful backcountry ski tours around Crystal Mountain Ski resort. For this tour we left the Crystal Mountain Southback and made our way out to possibly the most aesthetic line around.

The lifts officially closed at Crystal Mountain on the 19th so as a farewell on some sort Dan and I made a predawn tour out past the Southback to tackle a giant. The forecast called for a bluebird day with warm weather so we were expecting more corn like conditions then powder.

Sunrise Skin up Silver Basin to Exit the Crystal Mountain Southback

Skinning was fast other then the fact that Dan forgot his headlamp as we made our way up Silver Basin. Looking towards the east the horizon line glowed in the distance. Within a few minutes we would be basking in the early morning sun.

 

A arrived on the ridge line as the sun started to light up the distant peaks. Slowly and faintly the dark skies turned to a purple before transitioning to a pinkish glow. This sunrise made the trip worth it alone and we still hadn’t started skiing yet.

 

Soon enough Mount Rainier was on fire to the West. I had a clear view of so many peaks and memories as the light had hit the Cowlitz Chimneys by now. We were seconds from being in the sun ourselves and basking in its warm glow.

 

Soon enough I was feeling the warmth of the sun as Dan climbed the last bit up Silver Basin. From here on out we would be in the sun for the rest of the day hoping to find some shade. I could finally have my gloves off without loosing the feelings of my finger tips.

 

When Dan arrived the sun was now out for the day. In the distance we could could see both Crown Point and Pickhandle Point now in the sun. We had timed our approach perfectly and after a little break it was time to head out for our first run.

 

Heading up Crystal Lakes Basin for the Sheep Lake Chute

We rode down the Western slopes of the Silver King all the way into Crystal Lakes Basin before transitioning. Since we had started so early we could go at a relaxed pace as we made our way towards Crystal Peak.

 

After putting up switchbacks in the main section of Crystal Peak we were at the final 20 feet. Knowing that the area was steep we took off our skies and boot packed the final section. As we made our steps up occasionally we would look back at our previous run.

 

Once on the col it was time to get skinning again as we made our way towards Shepard’s Peak. It was a stunningly clear day and from our perspective we had a great view straight down to the White River Valley.

 

Arriving on the summit we had a clear view to the mountains south of us. From Chinook Pass to Mount Adams the Southern Cascades were on full display.

 

Looking down into the Sheep Lake Chute it was in perfect conditions. We had clear visibility and what looked link a bit of wind loaded powder. If what we were seeing was correct it was going to be an amazing run.

 

Riding down the Sheep Lake Chute

After 30 minutes of taking in the views it was time to ride what we had come for. Each of us scoped how we wanted to drop in and ride the line. We played a game of rock, paper scissors and Dan had won. Fortunately it didn’t matter as there was more than enough tracks for two people.

 

Dan made his way halfway down the chute before traversing to a safe spot. With a quick shout up it was time for me to drop in. Seeing him ride down I knew it was in great conditions. Soon enough I let gravity take over and I was riding the features and opening my turns up.

 

As quick as the line started we were riding down the lower apron to Sheep Lake. We had worked for hours to get out there and it was all over with in 2 minutes. Knowing we had two more runs we rested at the lake for a few minutes before getting back to climbing.

Slowly Making Our Way Back Towards Crystal Mountain

Climbing to the col just east of Sourdough Gap we couldn’t help but look back. It had been a great and aesthetic couloir and at that point it was bordered by Mount Rainier.

 

As we looked hard we tried to see our two tracks heading down. There is something so rewarding to see your lines among a blank canvas.

 

Before long it was time for the third run of the trip down to Morse Creek. Knowing it was north facing we were able to find good snow all the way down to Placer Lake.

 

It was somewhat of a bonus run as we were there for the Sheep Lake Chute but it was great as it always is.

 

Heading Back to Silver Basin via Dogleg Chute

Skinning up to Dogleg Peak was uneventful but worth the addition few feet compared to other spots. It would put us on the best fall line turns within Silver Basin. After riding down the Dogleg Chute we walked back to the ski resort groomer. It was still early in the afternoon as we made our final turn to the base parking lot.

The day turned out to be perfect for both skiing as well as a stunning sunrise. Making our way back down to the Crystal Mountain Parking lot we were satisfied with riding one of the nicest lines in the Crystal Mountain Backcountry.

Thank you for reading this trip on sunrise ski tour out of Silver Basin. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.