So Cal Backcountry

The sport of backcountry skiing is not typically associated with Southern California - at least to most. But some of us know that So Cal actually holds its own when it comes to skiing off piste - particularly in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Interestingly, back in the late 50’s/early 60’s Walt Disney proposed developing San “G” into a world-class ski resort and even pitched it as a potential spot to host the 1960 Olympic Games. Unsuccessful and weary of the publicity, Disney dropped this notion (his action’s actually helped to protect San G and its surrounding peaks) and turned his attention north to Mineral King. This proved even worse for Disney’s public image and resulted in a costly legal battle with the Sierra Club.

Every spring as I skin to the upper ridgeline, I try to imagine a brightly painted lift bisecting San “G’s” Sun Bowl. I try to fathom the slopes below us spotted with people and a big parking lot and lodge set at its base. Dropping into any of the number of lines that fall from San “G’s” seven mile-long ridge, I am so happy Disney’s resort never came to be. I spend so much time in this range - training, skiing, hiking. This past weekend I joined six other patrollers and instructors for an NSP Mountaineering Travel and Rescue event. Our goal: To assist five students in a winter ski mountaineering adventure. Of course, as a large group we moved slow and opted to set camp low. From there we skinned to the summit of Mt. Charleton (10800) and made a quick descent of the peak’s perfectly treed eastern ridge. Not a bad line for So Cal - variable conditions made it challenging enough for smiles and high fives back at camp.

This trip has been a favorite of mine for the last six years. While it’s purpose is to teach, it is mostly about forging new friendships, sharing hearty meals and passing communal flasks of warm, spiced rum. An experience enhanced by spending a couple of nights out in an environment colored in white where temps dip into the teens. And every time I venture into this wilderness I thank Walt Disney for the role he played in saving these slopes for those of us who choose to ‘earn our turns.’