Ski Tour to the Summit of Half Dome

Hiking to the summit of Half Dome is a rewarding backcountry ski trip that can be done with ease of access from Whitewater Ski Resort.

After riding the Silver King Lift (no inbounds ascent on foot allowed), exit the resort through the backcountry gate to the right of the lift. Follow the trail out of the resort that ascends rapidly toward the saddle between White Queen and Half Dome. Once you reach the ridgeline, follow it south toward Half Dome - a complex bootpack is necessary to ascend the northwest ridge of Half Dome, and again later to the final summit. Conservative choices are recommended here if there is no prior bootpack established.

Once the summit has been reached, a number of ski opportunities arise - you can descend either northwest into Five-Mile Basin, east into Kutetl Creek catchment, or simply back to Whitewater Ski Resort via Ymir Bowl. All offer amazing skiing; however, be prepared if heading away from the ski area – it is true backcountry and you need to be self-sufficient in-case of emergency.

Note that this is a complex backcountry tour, and all necessary precautions should be taken when undertaking it. Prior backcountry experience, avalanche training and equipment are musts (transciever, shovel and probe), as well as being up to date with the current conditions and making conservative decisions based on those conditions.