Stevens Peak traverse a regional classic of climbing, carving and cornices

WINTERSPORTS — A few backcountry skiers are still hanging on to winter with the added benefits of longer days and warmer temperatures.

One of the region’s classic backcountry ski treks is the Stevens Peak Traverse , enjoyed Saturday by Spokane skiers Peter Groza, Carl Sunderman and Russ Oakley.

Skiers start from Lookout Pass and up the St. Regis basin, where they must climb, avoiding avalanche hazard and cornices, to the summit of Stevens Peak.

From the top, traversers head to West Willow Peak, into Boulder Creek basin and out to a vehicle waiting at the road that leads up from Mullan, Idaho.

It’s a great trek for experienced backcountry travelers.