The conditions going into this past weekend looked good for some adventure as it was calling for snow to start falling Friday evening and continue through the day Saturday. That is exactly what happened and when it was all said and done we were left with a nice 2 feet of fresh powder making for perfect back country conditions. One of the greatest parts about living in Big Bear is that I can access some pretty rad stuff right from my house, as can most people up here! My objective on Saturday was over the ridge just north of my neighborhood.
The snow was deep right from the start so I knew I was in for a workout. For all the places that snowshoes can help you get to, they don't make it easy. Breaking trail through 2+ feet of fresh powder where you sink to your knee on every step is no joke. Hard but definitely rewarding.
The storms lingered around but by Sunday morning there was not a cloud in the sky. I gathered up some buddies and we decided to snowshoe up to Castle Rock with some climbing gear and see what we could get ourselves into. It was a tough hike up, even more considering I left my snowshoes at home and ended up making the trek in crampons. A very enjoyable adventure that included some trad climbing in boots on Castle Rock and a sweet snow slide as well!