You may have heard of Doc Holiday welcoming a gun slinging stand-off with the subtle threat "I'll be your Huckleberry". It turns out the rungs on coffins back then were called huckles, and those who carried the recently deceased at their funerals were known as huckle bearers. Add a few shots of whisky and a southern drawl and you have yourself a "huckleberry". Less morose yet, easily as memorable Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort hosts 340 acres of "sidecountry" sharing the name Huckleberry Canyon. The backcountry or sidecountry terrain is also commonly referred to as "the gates" as there are five gates that allow access to this ridgeline full of shoots, pillow drops, and double black diamond descents.
I wanted to get the inside scoop on this coveted terrain. Coming from an aggressive big mountain style resort, I was looking for something that could scare the bageezus(sp?) out me or at least shoot me full of adrenaline. So, I ventured out on one of Sierra's Free Backcountry Tours offered to advanced skiers and riders. I took the tour last week when conditions were variable. I suppose I could have waited till a pow day to take the tour, but when it's deep and ripe for the taking, I don't want to waste any fresh line time with the stop and go pace associated with tours. On the other hand, if that's kind of pace you like then there you go. These guided excursions are offered every Friday by reservation and go out twice a day, once at 10:00am and at 1:30 pm. Again, you'd be missing the boat waiting to take the tour at 1:30pm on a powder day so take my advice and do it before hand.
The tours meet at the top of Grandview Express next to the oversized trail map. My co-worker and I eagerly approached the meeting site where we found our guide, Jason Albery. This guy is a seasoned instructor who teaches Level 7 and 8 private lessons, as well as freestyle (park) lessons. He's got to be good as he's lived an endless winter for the better part of the decade. When not teaching in the mountains of the Sierra he instructs in the white clad ridges of New Zealand.
A few others met up with us for our adventure, Zach and Jeremy- a skier and snowboarder from South Lake and a couple more snowboarders from Garden Valley. On top our guide supplied us with backpacks equipped with beacons, probes and shovels. The only thing missing was a St. Bernard with a barrel around his neck.
Gates 4 and 5 were closed that day so we were able to see all of the terrain from the bottom of where we would ostensibly, be able to access if we entered from the ridgeline. Our guide was well versed on the area and took care to show us the several different entry points accessing topography with varying levels of technical difficulty. A key tip to newcomers to Huckleberry was to enter through Gate 5 and drop in just past Pole 12 (There are pole markers all down the ridge accessible from gates 4 and 5). According to our guide, Pole 12 is the least difficult point of entry into the Canyon and good place to take a look and get acclimated to the landscape. Moreover, when coming down through this area known as "The Golf Course" there is a straight shot out to the groomed CAT tracks that lead back to Sierra's in-bounds.
That was another thing we were cautioned about, where terrain flattens out and were we could expect to hike if we went too far in one direction. I won't spoil the tour for you though, if you want to know how to avoid these snafus make a reservation.
There was an array of subtle instructions as we navigated the labyrinth-esque contour of Gate 3. There were gorgeous views, pillows, spines, steeps and open bowls and across the ridge we could see chutes, and drops that could definitely get your heart pumping.
As we followed our pack leader to the bottom we funneled down to a frozen lake where all the trials come together. Once there, the well groomed CAT tracks are visible and about a 15 step hike. We stopped for a spell and the bottom and practiced finding each other with the beacons that had been deployed to each of us at the beginning of the tour. Knowing best safety practices is paramount in backcountry conditions even if you are on resort territory.
From there it was a combination of single foot skating and pole pushing through rollers and bends that reminded me of the "over the river and through the woods" tune you may have sung when you were a little kid.
After a hop, skate, and a push we were back out on Castle just moments away from the bottom of Grandview. The whole process took about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. I am so glad I went even though now, I am jonesing for a storm more than ever. Thanks to the tour and our very informative guide, I feel confident I can navigate myself as well as friends through Sierra's backcountry gates and land safely in bounds that is, after aggressively elevating my endorphins.
I'm getting excited just thinking about it!!!!
Ahhhhh!
Deep breath, deep breath.... OK I'm back. As the old adage states, nothing in life is free, but if you already have your pass or lift ticket this tour is and it offers a tremendous value. And if you want to learn more about backcountry skiing or riding techniques there are also 2 and 1/2 hour lessons for just $49 or $33 each with a 3-Pak.
Take advantage of Sierra's generosity and its staff's expertise and get out there soon so you'll be ready for the next storm.
See More Photos in the Huck Tour 2011 Photo Album.
A personal special thanks to Jason Albery from Ski School- you rock!
