Description

Literally and figuratively overshadowed by the Sierra Nevada to the west, the White Mountains are remarkable in their own right, and belong on every backcountry skier's dream list.

For those looking to make turns, the best terrain is found among the complex labyrinth of canyons, couloirs, and cliffs at the north end of the range (read, not beginner friendly).

The White Mountains sit squarely in the High Sierra rain shadow, and as a result don't receive nearly as much snow as their western neighbors.

The relative lack of low elevation snowpack does make for a more reliable approach.

You can often drive all the way to the the Trail Canyon Trailhead in Nevada, a mere stone's throw from the wilderness boundary. The White Mountains form the bridge between the pine and granite dominated Sierras and the open, juniper dotted island ranges of the Great Basin.

As such, they have a unique blend of characteristics from both landscapes.

Your tour begins on a dusty trail, winding between grey-green sagebrush bushes until the vegetation abruptly stops and Boundary Peak's behemoth east bowl rises above you.

Ascend the broad snowfields to the north rim of the bowl, and then follow the ridge all the way to Boundary Peak itself.

Take satisfaction in having reached the highest physical point in Nevada.

It is difficult to imagine a more stunning landscape.

Steep chutes, knife-edged ridges, and vibrant bands of rock will keep you plenty entertained. At this point, if you are up for it, navigate the ridge connecting Boundary and Montgomery, contouring out onto the snow-covered east flank of Montgomery as you near its summit.

Along the way make sure to scope out your descent down Montgomery's east face.

Scramble to the very top and take a moment to gaze off at the insanity that is the High Sierra.

Hard to get a better view than that.

Click in and ski the line you studied on your way up.

At the bottom, steel yourself for the final climb, and punch your way up Boundary's long south face.

Back on the summit a second time, you should now be able to ski continuously for over 3,300' back to snowline, and the trail out.