Over 5 fun days, we skied a fun route from June Lake to Tioga Pass via the Kuna Connection. Usually this trip is done from Mammoth Mountain, but due to coverage we decided to get faster access to the high country and deeper snowpack by coming in via June Mountain and San Joaquin Ridge. This allowed for lower mileage days and some really fun skiing along the way.


We made camp below Summit Lake along the PCT, at Waugh Lake, the Headwaters of Kuna Creek below Lost Lakes Pass, and at Dana Meadows. Good coverage throughout, only having to take our skis off to walk once.


Our trip began with 2 guides and 4 guests sharing logistics, with half of our group leaving at Waugh to return via June Lake loop. I continued on towards Tioga with my guests, excited to get a good look at conditions in the Yosemite High Country. Things are looking good.




The crux, as always is the Kuna Connection, which crosses the Kuna Crest above Helen Lake. A large cornice is usually present, but we were able to get ourselves into the bowl without lingering under it. It is steep and firm for a bit, but then gave way to 1000' of great soft snow skiing.








After getting past Tioga we were able to ski to Ellery where snowline currently is. Plowing is underway, but there are some pretty big drifts from Ellery on up. For us, it was a long walk out on the road to our waiting shuttle, and cold beers.



Poor weather is on its way towards the Sierra putting a stop to a planned personal Trans-Sierra ski tour this week, but hopefully the weather cooperates later this month when I have a bit more time off scheduled for touring.