sierra nevada

Backcountry Beta: Exploring the Bridgeport, CA, Winter Recreation Area

Brought to you by Mono County Tourism When winter takes hold in the Eastern Sierra, the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) becomes a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts. Powderhounds flock to this area during the cold winter months, usually with snowmobiles. Shortly after you turn onto Highway 108 (Sonora Pass), the snow starts, and the journey begins. Located seven miles […]
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Katy Shipley |
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California’s Only Heli-Skiing Operation Will Open January 2026

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A new era of skiing is about to take flight in California. Sweetwater Heli has announced the launch of the state’s only heli-skiing operation, offering exclusive small-group tours across more than 180,000 acres of untouched alpine terrain in the Sweetwater Mountains. The first tours begin January 30, 2026, marking a milestone for California skiers who’ve long dreamed of a world-class […]
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Avatar photo Brent Glogau |
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Kilian Jornet Sets 56-Hour FKT in Sierra Nevada After Cycling 900 Miles From Colorado to California

After summiting all 56 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in just over two weeks, Spanish mountaineer Kilian Jornet hopped on his bike, cycled nearly 900 miles across the desert Southwest, and set a new supported fastest known time on Norman’s 13, one of the Sierra Nevada’s most demanding alpine routes. Related: Kilian Jornet Climbs all 56 Colorado 14ers in 16 Days […]
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Missing Camper Found Alive After Almost a Month in Snowy Sierra Nevada Wilderness

Tiffany Slaton, a 27-year-old from Jeffersonville, Georgia, was found alive Wednesday afternoon after surviving nearly a month alone in the snowy Sierra Nevada wilderness. Her discovery near Lake Edison brought relief to her family and the Fresno County community, concluding an intensive search that spanned nearly 600 square miles, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Related: Could You Survive […]
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Palisades Tahoe, CA, Report: Fear, Anxiety, & Relief in “The Chimney”

Report from March 20, 2025 “Scott Schmidt described [The Chimney Sweep] as being like a 90-meter ski jump. This is an appropriate analogy, particularly at low and low-medium snow levels. When viewed from above, the inrun looks long, and it feels even longer when you are skiing it.” – Dr. Robb Gaffney in Squallywood Difficulty:  Medium Snow 8, High Snow […]
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Miles Clark |
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Palisades Tahoe, CA, Report: Backflips Off The Tram Building & Mainline Pocket | Big Hucks Off “The Drifter” & “Smooth Air”

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Report from March 18, 2025 When you’re old, you need a plan. And a friend. Or, better yet, a friend with a plan. I had local legend Aaron Fox guiding me yesterday and he had a plan. There are so many options on a sunny powder day at Palisades… You can get overwhelmed. You can easily make the wrong call. […]
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Miles Clark |
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24 Days Without Measurable Snow is California’s 3rd Longest Winter Dry Spell Since 1991

Climate change is killing skiing

According to California’s Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL), the Sierra Nevada is experiencing an unusually dry January, marking its seventh driest start to the year since 1971. As of January 28, 2025, the lab has recorded only 1.5 inches of precipitation this month, raising concerns about potential drought conditions in the region. Related: SnowBrains Podcast Episode #60 | Dr. Daniel […]
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Splitboarder Survives Night Alone After Friend Abandons Him in Sierra Nevada Backcountry

A splitboarder had to be rescued from the backcountry in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains on December 29 after his friend left him behind. El Dorado County Search and Rescue (EDSAR) teams responded to the distress call near the junction of Warr Trail and Saxon Creek Trail, also known as Mr. Toads, at around 5 p.m. Related: Hiker Rescued After Unplanned Night […]
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