Are You Living It?

Being a backcountry guy for quite a few years now, I’m ashamed to say that Ive failed to ski some of the best terrain Shasta has to offer, and its only a 20 minute drive from my door step.  Im speaking of Castle Lake which is a pristine high country lake with breathtaking views of Mt Shasta.  In the summer its a popular swimming spot and in the winter ice fisherman drill holes in the ice and test their luck.   The lake forms a big basin which holds tons of snow and Ive skied innumerable times.  Its the back areas of the lake that I had yet to discover.  photo by Chris Carr

It was supposed to be an early start, but a late night phone conversation and an overdose of Mate’ the prior afternoon made for a difficult wake-up and gave me the nickname “slacker” for the day.  My buddy Chris James and I headed up to Castle.  We were to meet Chris Carr of Shasta Mountain Guides in the parking lot, of course Carr being the hard charger that he is, had already done two laps on the mountain and was waiting for us on the backside of the lake.   We skinned up and dropped in over the back side of the Castle lake rim. 

The skiing there is almost indescribable, with open bowls and glades as far as the eye can see.   Everywhere you look there is a slope that seems as though it could be the best line to ski.  Rolling terrain and granite features give the area the appearance of a natural terrain park.  The territory beckons you to explore it, no matter how big of a slacker you are. 

Skiing with Carr usually means a big day and sore legs and this day was no different.  Luckily for me on this day I was introduced to some of the most beautiful areas that I have EVER skied, anywhere!!  A secret little gem right in my back yard!!!

by: Shawn Raley