SWOT
Skiing the State Highpoints: An Exploration of America’s Snowy Half
Exploring America’s diverse landscapes, rather than simply skiing, was the driving force behind the Skiing States project. The journey began with a spark of inspiration from Lou Dawson’s Wild Snow, a seminal book on backcountry skiing, which ignited a desire to explore new states through their highest points. This passion for exploration, coupled with a deep appreciation for geography and a rejection of insular perspectives, shaped the project into a unique adventure.
The Genesis of the Skiing States Project
In 1998, in the snowy Northeast, a young enthusiast discovered Wild Snow by Lou Dawson. This book, a comprehensive guide to backcountry skiing lines across the nation, sparked an interest in skiing the Northeast’s highpoints. It presented an opportunity to experience new states in their winter splendor. This initial inspiration laid the groundwork for a much larger project.
alt: Map highlighting the "snowy half" of the United States where state high points are marked in black.
Returning to the Northeast and Expanding the Vision
After returning from Europe in the 2000s, the idea of skiing highpoints resurfaced. Memorable trips to Mount Marcy, Mount Washington, and Mount Mansfield followed, leaving only Katahdin in Maine to complete the Northeast (excluding Rhode Island and New Jersey). However, a move to Colorado delayed this final ascent for several years.
alt: Dust devils swirling in the Owens Valley below Mount Whitney, which towers 10,000 feet above.
The 14er Craze and the Search for a Unique Challenge
The American West offered a vast new playground, shifting the focus from highpoint skiing. The 14er craze, fueled by Chris Davenport’s well-publicized ascents and the rise of social media, was captivating Colorado’s backcountry skiing community. However, repeating this feat felt unoriginal. Observing the insular focus on local ranges and states, a broader, more geographically diverse goal emerged: skiing the Western state highpoints.
Embarking on a Solo Journey Across the West
In 2012, Mount Elbert marked the beginning of this ambitious endeavor. The initial plan was a simple film project featuring GoPro descents of each peak. Over the next few years, several peaks were conquered annually, interspersed with other rewarding ski lines. By 2014, the project evolved into a documentary encompassing every state’s high point, a feat unprecedented beyond Mount Rainier. Solo ascents on remote peaks provided a powerful, albeit challenging, experience, testing both physical and technical skills.
alt: A panoramic view from Mount Borah in Idaho, highlighting the beauty and rewarding surprises of exploration.
The Challenges and Rewards of Solo Skiing
Solo skiing, while offering a profound connection with the wilderness, carries inherent risks. Although many historical first descents were solo endeavors, it’s generally not recommended. However, solo expeditions can enhance risk awareness, leading to more cautious decision-making in challenging conditions. This heightened awareness can sometimes outweigh the perceived safety net of group dynamics.
alt: Standing atop Mount Hood in Oregon, with a breathtaking view.
Defining the Scope: Skiing the “Snowy Half”
By 2017, with the western highpoints nearing completion, the project gained attention, inspiring others to attempt similar feats. Unlike these well-resourced endeavors, the Skiing States project was self-funded and independently executed. The limitations of solo filming were balanced by the occasional companionship of friends, further enriching the experience. The solitude of peaks like Kings Peak in Utah offered a unique, powerful connection with the wilderness.
alt: A scenic view from Mount Marcy in New York.
From 50 States to a More Realistic Goal
The initial idea of skiing all 50 state highpoints, while intriguing, presented logistical and financial challenges, particularly in the Southeast. Witnessing extravagant, resource-intensive highpoint pursuits by the wealthy further solidified the desire for a more grounded and meaningful approach. The Skiing States project prioritized exploration, appreciation for the natural world, and raising awareness of regional issues over lavish displays of wealth.
alt: A desolate road leading to Black Mesa, Oklahoma, highlighting the challenges of skiing in less snowy states.
Focusing on the “Snowy Half” and Supporting Conservation
The decision to focus on the “snowy half” of the nation – 24 states with established skiing traditions – aligned with the project’s core values. These states offered reliable snow conditions and accessibility via affordable road trips. The total travel cost remained under $10,000, a stark contrast to the exorbitant spending seen in other highpoint pursuits. This fiscal responsibility allowed for potential contributions to conservation organizations, further demonstrating the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
alt: A sunrise view in the Wind River Range on the route to Gannett Peak, Wyoming, considered one of the most challenging state high points to ski.
Conclusion: A Journey of Exploration and Appreciation
The Skiing States project is ultimately a journey of exploration and appreciation for the diverse landscapes of America’s snowy half. Granite Peak in Montana remains the final destination, with a film documenting the ascent anticipated in 2019. This project invites others to explore their own state highpoints and discover the unique beauty each region has to offer. More information, including videos and articles, is available on the Skiing States page and YouTube channel.
FAQ
What inspired the Skiing States project? The project originated from a desire to explore different regions of the United States, using state high points as a guide, sparked by Lou Dawson’s book Wild Snow.
Why not ski all 50 state highpoints? Logistical and financial constraints, coupled with a rejection of extravagant spending and a focus on states with established skiing traditions, led to the decision to focus on the “snowy half” of the nation.
What are the key themes of the project? Exploration, appreciation for natural beauty, responsible travel, and raising awareness about regional issues are central to the Skiing States project.
Where can I find more information about the project? Detailed information, videos, and articles are available on the Skiing States website and YouTube channel. We encourage you to share your own experiences and questions related to the project.