RITTER RANGE SKI TOUR OVERVIEW

A spectacular ski mountaineering tour to climb and ski two of the highest peaks in the iconic Ritter Range out of Mammoth Lakes. In 5 days, we explore the Ritter Range while attempting to ski from the summit of Mt. Ritter via the Southeast face and from the top of Banner peak via the West Face. We also explore the west side of the Ritter Range and the Thousand Island Lake area.

This is a semi loop ski tour in which we leave from Mammoth Mountain ski resort and drop down to the West where we then skin up to the base of the Minarets to establish a 3 night base camp. After skiing both Ritter and Banner we loop back around to the West side of the Minarets and over to Thousand Island Lake before eventually exiting at June Lakes.

The skiing is steep and can be committing but never too technical. A great ski tour for those with extensive backcountry skiing experience looking too take it up a notch.  

 
 
 

SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Multiple days of previous backcountry skiing experience required using skins on steep terrain. Must be comfortable skiing black diamond runs up to 42 degrees at a resort in any conditions and double black diamonds in good conditions with a pack. Must be in excellent physical condition. 

2024 DATES:

April 12-16

Custom dates available

 

 

COST: $1625

INCLUDES

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

  • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

  • Private shuttle from June Lake to Mammoth at the end of the tour.

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

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

 

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

Ritter Range Ski Tour Itinerary

Day 1
We meet at our office in the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. and after a pack check we make our way up to Main Lodge at Mammoth Mountain. We begin by skiing along the closed hwy 203 to Minaret Summit and then make a long descent down to Agnew Meadows. We then skin up past Shadow Lake and on the the Lake Ediza area where we establish a comfortable base camp.

Day 2
Today, we go on a tour from base camp in the Minarets area with light packs. The exact tour will be decided based on conditions and group strengths. Then it’s back to base camp for the evening

Day 3
With an early start we make our way up towards Mt. Ritter with light packs and attempt to summit via the Southeast face. Then it’s one of the areas top ski descents all the way back to base camp from the summit. We spend another night at our base camp.

Day 4
Packing up camp we then make our way up to the Banner/Ritter Col. From there our objective, depending on conditions, is to ski the West Face of Banner Peak all the way down the Lake Catherine. Another classic ski descent of the region. Then we ski and skin our way over to Thousand Island Lake where we establish our final camp of the tour.

Day 5
From the Thousand Island area we make our way towards the June Lake area where we then enjoy one of many long ski descent options into June Lake where we pick up the private shuttle that takes us back to Mammoth.