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WinterAfter many years of traveling the world, we have come to realize that the best backcountry skiing to be found anywhere is right here in the Sierra Nevada. The snowpack is reliable, avalanche danger is relatively predictable, and the terrain is superb. And then there’s the snow: deep winter powder and silky spring “corn snow” that’s the finest anywhere, snow that’s often referred to as “ego snow”. Not to mention the long winter programs season – long after the Utah snow junkies have put away their boards in favor of bikes we’re still searching for fresh tracks and long runs, climbing the peaks and skiing off them. Backcountry Skills These we divide into Acquiring the Skills, which are our introductory programs that get you out there, show you that winter is actually pretty pleasant in the backcountry. We work to build up your skills set and expand your horizons into the snowy months. Once you are comfortable in the backcountry it is time to start exploring more and venturing onto steeper slopes discovering what you can do through our Applying the Skills courses. Hut Based Trips SMC operates its own backcountry hut at North Lake out of Bishop. It is…
Mount WhitneyAt 14,495′ Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states and as such is the goal of many a hiker and mountaineer. A well-maintained trail on the south side takes the vast majority of these people to the top and back. For the more ambitious of us the climbing routes on the peak’s east side offer a much more stimulating way up the mountain and here the eastern escarpment of the Sierra is at its most dramatic. Climbers long ago discovered that as well as having a stunning appearance the entire Whitney region sports abundant and excellent quality rock. Whitney’s east face is but one of dozens of prominent alpine features in the area. So it’s no wonder that the climbing routes on Whitney, and its neighbor to the north, Mt. Russell are well-known and popular objectives to the alpine rock climber. We offer Whitney climbs at any time of year; the rock routes of the East Face and East Buttress are well-known classics and receive quite a bit of attention while the “Mountaineer’s Route” is a great way for novices to experience a bit more adventure than they would find on the main trail. In a…
Womens TripsSierra Mountain Center offers all-women programs to suit any desire, whether you want a leisurely hike through alpine meadows or to climb the highest peak in the lower 48. Do all of this in a comfortable, supportive environment with other women and women instructors. Meet new friends, eat good food and get outside in the beautiful mountain air. Whether you are a busy career woman or a full-time parent, a teen or a retiree, connect with nature in a way that is deeply rejuvenating and rewarding and meet the challenges of the outdoors with the friendship and support of other women. The goal of our women’s programming is to provide a supportive all-female environment to allow you to learn new skills, let loose and have fun On our women’s trips, you will: Treat yourself to some me-time when you can leave behind the needs of others and focus on having fun, developing your goals, indulging your sense of adventure, and building self-reliance in the outdoors. Laugh, recharge and rejuvenate with daily activity, and make new friends in the beauty and immensity of the mountains. Push your limits, grow your skills, and gain a sense of empowerment while attaining stunning views…
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AIARE Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course

3 days
AIARE Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course

3 days
Avalanche 1 Extension: Putting the skills to use (with a ”Guardian Angel”)

1 day
Avalanche Refresher

1 day
Avalanche Rescue Course

1 day
Beneath The Palisades

5 days
Clarence King and Gardiner Basin

5 days
Extended Sierra Mountain Camp

7 days
Guided John Muir Wilderness Hut Trips

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Custom Guided Trips

As well as our regular scheduled trips we offer the option of a custom trip with private guiding. Sierra Mountain Center leads expeditions in Alaska, the Arctic, Canada, Europe, and Patagonia as well! If you'd like to do something a little different, please get in touch!

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Sierra Mountain Center, LLC

Bishop, CA 93514

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"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer." SMC operates under permits from Inyo National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Toiyabe National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and other agencies as required.

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