Baer Necessities

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Skiing down this, you get a grand view of Baer Canyon from top to bottom that can't be beat. The surrounding views are happy, too, including the once majestic, but now radar-tower marred Francis Peak.

This line skis over the final ascent switchbacks of the summer Baer Canyon Trail, and also all the rivets that were dug into the side of the mountain (during the great depression?) But don't worry. It's all covered in snow, and under good conditions, it's one big smooth field of loveable snow. Though if the coverage is a bit low, it can be fun to air a bit off said rivets.

You can start the line higher than shown, or end it lower, of course. There is also a lot of great skiable terrain north and south of it. The head of Baer Canyon is your oyster.

The slope angle is moderate here, which is nice for stability. But the traverses in and out from Baer Canyon Approach can be a bit scary if the snow is getting too warm.

I don't recommend trying to exit out via the summer trail down the center of the canyon unless you're sure the sunny aspects are stable. Watch for terrain traps. In any case, I think that going back along the Baer Canyon Approach would be easier, give you more skiing, and be more scenic. If you're going to use the summer trail, beware that every winter there is a section of the trail prone to icing over. I was fortunate enough to have spikes the day I exited this way after doing the Francis Peak, South Shoulder Descent.