Epic Adventure: Conquering the East Face of 13,595-Foot University Peak, CA – A SnowBrains Journey

I’m excited to share my recent ski trip in the Eastern Sierra, California. Though I got started later than planned on May 10, the adventure made it worth the wait. A friend had told me about a special area down south, and I can honestly say it lived up to the hype.

This region features breathtaking scenery and endless ski lines. We began our climb at the top of Onion Valley Road around 9 AM. The previous night had been cold, so we chose to start a bit later to tackle the icy conditions.

The initial ascent out of the parking lot was steep and challenging, but once we hit the valley, the slope eased, and we found our rhythm. My friend Fox, who had already skied the East Face, headed off to explore three other chutes while my crew and I pressed on.

We decided on the high traverse, which turned out to be less than ideal. We would have been better off climbing the chute directly from the bottom. As we made our way up, I struggled with the altitude once we reached around 13,000 feet. A bit of acclimatization would have gone a long way.

Reaching the top was spectacular. The view of Kings Canyon was nothing short of majestic: deep, green, and jagged canyons stretched as far as the eye could see.

When it was time to ski down, I didn’t expect much from the snow. Surprisingly, I found the conditions to be excellent. I was able to carve my way down without stopping constantly, which is always a bonus.

We all savored the fun slopes and worked our way back to the parking lot, filled with smiles. The journey back down Onion Valley Road was an adventure of its own.

As someone who normally isn’t a seafood fan, I discovered some surprisingly tasty fish tacos at Glenn’s taco truck. A refreshing dip in the icy Owens River in Bishop was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.

This trip was an unexpected joy. Even the minor challenges added to the adventure. It reminds me of a trend among outdoor enthusiasts to seek out less-traveled paths for their adventures, which also speaks to the growing appreciation for nature’s beauty and challenges.

In the end, I’m grateful for the chance to be in such a stunning location and to share it with friends. Until next time, California!

For more details on skiing in the Eastern Sierra, check out this trusted guide from AllTrails [link to guide].



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