Stevens Peak Backcountry Ski Traverse

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Distance: 9 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Skiing time: 6 - 10 hours

Season: Dec. through March

Maps: USGS topos - Lookout Pass, Mullan

Info: Wallace Ranger Disctict, (208) 752-1221

BACKCOUNTRY SKIER TRIP NOTES Access: From Interstate 90, take Exit 68 at Mullan, Idaho. Cross under the freeway on Copper Street and leave a vehicle near cemetery near end of Boulder Creek Road. Continue in another vehicle east on I-90. Take Exit 0 and park at Lookout Pass ski area.

Attractions: A backcountry skier might spend a week in the wilderness looking for the adventure this trip can offer in one long day. Slogging through several zones of snow conditions, glorious telemarking, avalanche dodging, bushwhacking and the chance of severe weather conditions - it’s all here, just a slip of the mind away from I-90.

On sunny days from Stevens Peak, one can look north over Stevens Lakes, eastward at glistening Mission Mountains, westward to groomed runs of Silver Mountain and south over a sea of lesser peaks and ridges.

Comments: In hard-pack conditions, snowmobiles can negotiate much of this route. In powder conditions, skiers have it to themselves.

Always check avalanche forecast before making this trip. Call (208) 765-7323. Forecast is updated each Friday. Don’t go if danger is high. Even if danger is low, spread out and move through avalanche zones quickly. Carry full backcountry gear, including extra clothes, food, shovel and avalanche transceivers.

Beginning at elevation 4,725 feet, ski down the abandoned railway and head up the St. Regis Basin. Climbing skins are helpful in the upper reaches to ascend headwall above St. Regis Lakes to elevation 6,368 feet. From there, follow a ridge to the shoulder of Stevens Peak and head up the south face to the summit at 6,838 feet. Beware of cornices.

Continue off the west shoulder of Stevens Peak along a ridge to West Willow Peak. Descend westward on a fine telemarking slope, then head north down the abandoned, alder-choked haul roads that lead out to Boulder Creek.

With decent snow conditions and little luck, you should reach Mullan, elevation 3,300 feet, before dark.

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest