The combination of a very straightforward, non-technical skin route and over 5,000 feet of possible descent at a consistent 35- to 40- degree pitch make the Southwest Chutes one of most talked about backcountry ski routes on the mountain. On a sunny day, nearly perfect silky corn is achieved. While it gets a lot of hype, this route sees far fewer descents than the South Rib (Suksdorf Ridge), which is also the ascent route for this trip. On a blue-bird day in May there can be easily 100 people ascending and descending the South Rib route, and you may have Southwest Chutes entirely yourself. 

This will be a moderate but steadily paced two day trip requiring expertise and knowledge.  Glacier travel gear is not required, but Ice axe and ski/boot crampons could come in handy.  The trip is weather defendant.  Priority will be to ski the SW Chutes on Adams.

Saturday - leave around 8 am (it takes forever to get there) and set up camp.

Sunday - Ascend and ski SW Chutes of Mt Adams.  Pack up and head to Mt St Helens.

Monday - Ascend and ski St Helens.  Pack up and head back to Vancouver.  

Adams requires a parking pass, St Helens required a permit.  These are available on-line.

I will post trip reports, .gpx tracks, and logistics/gear spreadsheet over the next couple of days.

If we get the weather it will be fantastic!!