The Evolution Loop Ski Tour Overview

A majestic ski tour through the heart of the Evolution region in the High Sierra. Beginning at Lake Sabrina, we will ski over Echo Col and then visit historic and famous Muir Hut. From there, we have our choice of Sierra peak ski ascents, including Mt. Goddard. We then continue the loop along the Darwin Bench and under Mt. Darwin. 

One of our favorite ski tours in the High Sierra, the Evolution Loop tour combines some technical challenges with great touring and the choice of some fantastic ski decent. All in some of the most remote areas of the Sierra Nevada. Truly a fantastic experience for the experienced backcountry skier.

With over 30 years of High Sierra ski touring experience, Alpine Skills International/International Alpine Guides is unquestionably the most experienced ski guide service operating in the High Sierra.  Along with IAG director Dave Miller, Peter Leh is one of our Evolution Loop guides. Peter is an AMGA certified Ski and Ski Mountaineering Guide and PSIA certified Level III ski instructor and has guided more Sierra ski routes than any other Sierra guide in skiing's history.

Come join us this Spring!

 

 
 
 

SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Previous multi day backcountry skiing experience required using skins on steep terrain. Must be comfortable skiing black diamond runs up to 40 degrees at a resort in any conditions and double black diamonds in good conditions with a pack. Must be in excellent physical condition with the ability to go for 6-7 hours each day…day after day.

2024 DATES:

May 3-7

Custom dates also available

 

 

COST: $1575

INCLUDES

  • All group camping equipment and avalanche safety equipment (backcountry ski rentals available).

  • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

  • Sleeping bag, pad and backpack if necessary. ($25 cleaning fee for using our sleeping bags)

  • Professional AMGA-trained or certified backcountry ski mountaineering guides.

 

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

Evolution Loop Ski Tour Itinerary

Day 1
We meet in the town of Bishop, CA. and then drive to the end of the plowed road at Aspendale. We begin by skiing along Lake Sabrina to Moonlight Lakes (11,050 ft) or maybe up to to Echo Lake (11,600 ft).

Day 2
We begin the day with a beautiful climb below Clyde Spire that takes us over spectacular Echo Col (12,400') which is the technical crux of the ski tour. A steep descent down the backside brings us to Helen Lake (11,600 ft) and then to Muir Pass (11,950 ft) where we find the stone shelter known as the John Muir Hut.

Day 3
A layover day, we have our choice of great ski descents today, skiing with just day packs to one of the nearby peaks such as Mt. Salomons (13,034 ft), Black Giant (13,330 ft) or Mt. Goddard (13,568 ft).

Day 4
A pleasant downhill ski and some touring from Muir Pass takes us through the Evolution Basin’s chain of lakes and on toEvolution Lake (10,85o ft), before climbing on to the Darwin Bench to our campsite at about 12,000 ft. This is an incredible spot near the head of the cirque and it has fantastic views of the north face of Mt. Darwin and Mt. Mendal. 

Day 5
A steep climb in the morning takes us to Lamark Col at 12,900 ft. A side trip to the summit of Mt. Lamark (13,417') is worth the effort and gives us a fantastic descent of about 4,000' iback to North Lake and our trailhead back near Aspendell.