Trip Date: April 6, 2013
Nason–Smith Ski Traverse: Nason Creek to Lichtenberg Pass to Smith Brook
Nason Creek Valley
Lake Valhalla
Lichtenberg Pass
Smith Brook Meadow
Trip Report Summary
Region: North-Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Wenatchee Mountains
Area: Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
Starting Point: PCT-Northbound Trailhead at Stevens Pass on Highway 2 (Elev. 4000 feet)
Way Points: Stevens Pass Railroad Grade & Nason Creek & Lake Valhalla & Lichtenberg Pass & Smith Brook Meadow & Smith Brook Road (ski tour)
High Point: Lichtenberg Pass (Elev. 5100 feet)
Ending Point: Smith Brook Roadhead on Highway 2 (Elev. 3200 feet)
Approximate Stats: 10 miles traveled; 1400 feet gained; 2200 lost; 7.3 hours elapsed.
Related Posts
>>> Nason — Smith Ski Traverse – May 21, 2022
>>> Nason — Smith Ski Traverse – April 18, 2021
>>> Nason — Smith Ski Traverse – April 28, 2018
>>> Nason — Smith Ski Traverse – March 19, 2011
>>> Nason — Smith Ski Traverse – March 17, 2007
Full Trip Report
On Saturday, Chris, Mark, Peter, and Tiffany joined me on the annual Nason–Smith Traverse. It was my 15th traverse over a span of 35 years. Our weather was very wintry—almost blizzardy at times—which contrasted sharply to last weekend’s warm springtime weather. We had plenty of fresh snow (about 18 inches new at Lichtenberg Pass), and it was accumulating at about 1 inch per hour for a while. This all made for a wet and cold trip but also for some of the best telemark skiing conditions I’ve had below the pass in recent years.
- Tiffany at Lake Valhalla outlet creek
- Peter, Mark, Chris, and Tiffany in snowstorm
- Mark skiing down glade
Equipment Comments
For more information regarding the various equipment that I used for this particular trip and that I typically use for this type of trip, see my gear reviews on the following pages:
>>> Backcountry Telemark Ski Touring Gear
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Map & Profile
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Photo Gallery
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