In the late season (April/May) backcountry riders and skiers watch the CalTrans website religiously in anticipation of opening dates for the high sierra passes. When the passes open to cars they provide great access to some of the amazing terrain that is more difficult to get to in the winter. Here’s some pics from two of the popular passes in mid May.

Heading up Tioga Pass

Booting up Ellery Bowl

Looking down the Ripper Chute

Dropping

Mmcpheet our designated skier is next

Seth plays clean up

Skinning back up to the plateau

On top looking towards Mono Lake

Seth takes a quick break before we head over to Chute Out

Seth in the Chute Out chute

Chris

The next day we drove north to Sonora Pass

Seth skinning

The geology here is unique

Pick a line any line

Seth dropping into the Y Couloir

Chris

Seth on our second run

Venture plug at the pick up spot at the hairpin turn

Looking back

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