- Ski Alpha best routes span California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington backcountry classics.
- Jakes Peak is the top Lake Tahoe pick for variety, access, and scenery.
- The Forbidden Tour is the hardest objective: 19 miles, seven glaciers, 3-4 days.
- Timing matters: most routes are best in spring corn or right after a stable powder cycle.
- Avalanche gear and education are non-negotiable on every line listed here.
Ski Alpha Best Routes: Overview
The Ski Alpha best routes list draws from the most trusted backcountry ski and snowboard route guides in the United States. We ranked five standout tours — one per region — based on terrain quality, accessibility, scenery, and the overall experience each author highlighted in their guidebooks. Whether you are chasing powder in the Wasatch or planning a multi-day glacier circumnavigation in the North Cascades, there is a line here for your skill level.
Every route on this list takes place in uncontrolled avalanche terrain. Carry a beacon, probe, and shovel, check your local avalanche forecast, and take an AIARE-level course before attempting any of these tours.
| Route | State | Difficulty | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakes Peak (NE Side) | California | Moderate | Winter, spring |
| Dead Squirrel Couloir | Colorado | Difficult | March to early May |
| Mt. Hood Circumnavigation | Oregon | Expert | Spring |
| Bonkers | Utah | Advanced/Expert | Winter |
| The Forbidden Tour | Washington | Very difficult | April-May |
Route-by-Route Breakdown
Each of the Ski Alpha best routes earned its place for a different reason. Here is how the five stack up side by side.
Jakes Peak, CA
- 3 miles, 2,300 ft gain
- Northeast-east aspect
- Great in powder or spring corn
- Named for ski patroller Jake Smith
Dead Squirrel, CO
- 4.8 miles up, 3,680 ft gain
- Aesthetic couloir, ~30-degree range
- Requires ice axe and crampons
- Named for a tumbling frozen squirrel
Bonkers, UT
- 8 miles, 4,000 ft climb
- Nearly 2,000 ft open NE ramp
- Links to expert-only Stairs Gulch
- Watch for glide cracks on rock slabs
Mt. Hood Circumnavigation, OR
- 12 miles around the volcano
- 6,000-8,000 ft of gain, 1 day
- Glaciers, seracs, crags
- Start and finish at Timberline Lodge
The Forbidden Tour, WA
- 19 miles, 3-4 days
- Crosses seven glaciers
- Circles Forbidden Peak
- Free overnight permit required
Key Stats Comparison
| Route | Distance | Vertical Gain | Time | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jakes Peak | 3 mi | 2,300 ft | 2 hours | Low |
| Dead Squirrel | 4.8 mi up | 3,680 ft | 6-8 hours | Moderate |
| Mt. Hood Circum. | 12 mi | 6,000-8,000 ft | 1 day | High |
| Bonkers | 8 mi | 4,000 ft | 6 hours | High |
| Forbidden Tour | 19 mi | 10,315 ft | 3-4 days | Very high |
Jakes Peak is the most forgiving entry point: if you do not beat the dawn patrollers on a powder day, a skin track will already be set for you by the time you arrive.
Step-by-Step: Planning Your First Route
Follow this process to move from guidebook to trailhead safely.
Pick a Route Matching Your Level
Start with Jakes Peak if you are new to backcountry touring. Save multi-day objectives like the Forbidden Tour until you have glacier travel and overnight touring experience.
Check Conditions and Permits
Review the avalanche forecast, recent snowfall, and route-specific hazards. The Forbidden Tour requires a free backcountry permit from the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount.
Pack the Right Gear
Standard touring kit plus route extras: ice axe and crampons for the Dead Squirrel, ski mountaineering and overnight equipment for the Forbidden Tour.
Execute and Adjust
Start early on powder days, track your turnaround time, and be willing to bail. Bonkers and Stairs Gulch sit on snow-covered rock slabs with unusual avalanche danger — ski them only when the snowpack is highly stable.
March through early May covers the prime season for the Dead Squirrel Couloir, while April-May is the window for the Forbidden Tour. Jakes Peak works in both winter powder and spring corn conditions.
Gear and Safety Requirements
| Route | Extra Gear Beyond Basics | Primary Hazards |
|---|---|---|
| Jakes Peak | None | Avalanche terrain, early crowds |
| Dead Squirrel | Ice axe, crampons | Long day, couloir conditions |
| Mt. Hood Circum. | Glacier travel kit | Crevasse falls, seracs |
| Bonkers | Avalanche knowledge | Glide cracks, rock slabs |
| Forbidden Tour | Overnight + ski mountaineering kit | Glacier crossings, remoteness |
Beacon, probe, and shovel — worn, not just carried — plus a partner who knows how to use them. On the Forbidden Tour, commitment level rises sharply once you drop onto the Boston Glacier; retreat options become limited.
Pre-Tour Checklist:
- Checked avalanche forecast for the zone
- Filed a trip plan with a contact at home
- Confirmed permit requirements (Forbidden Tour)
- Packed beacon, probe, shovel, and first aid kit
- Set a firm turnaround time
Which Route Should You Ski First?
| If You Want... | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A first backcountry tour | Jakes Peak | Short, moderate, track often set |
| Aesthetic couloir skiing | Dead Squirrel | Classic line, ~30-degree steeps |
| A single-day volcano adventure | Mt. Hood Circumnavigation | 12 miles of glaciers and views |
| Big vertical near a city | Bonkers | 2,000 ft ramp above Salt Lake City |
| A multi-day expedition | The Forbidden Tour | Seven glaciers, true wilderness |
Jakes Peak earns our top overall ranking for the Ski Alpha best routes list. Its variety of aspects means you can usually find good snow regardless of conditions, and the Emerald Bay setting above Lake Tahoe is among the most scenic places to ski anywhere.
FAQ
Q: What is the easiest of the Ski Alpha best routes?
Jakes Peak (Northeast Side) in California is the most accessible. It is only 3 miles with 2,300 feet of gain, rated moderate, and a skin track is typically already set on powder days.
Q: Do any routes require permits?
Yes. The Forbidden Tour in Washington requires a free backcountry overnight permit for North Cascades National Park, available at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. No parking pass is needed along Cascade River Road.
Q: When is the best time to ski the Dead Squirrel Couloir?
March to early May is the prime window. The couloir holds snow consistently in the upper 30-degree range and requires an ice axe and crampons for the ascent.
Q: How hard is the Mount Hood Circumnavigation?
It is an expert-level ski mountaineering objective covering 12 miles and 6,000-8,000 feet of gain across multiple glaciers. It demands more planning and preparation than the standard South Side summit routes.