Symmetrical, glacier-clad Cotopaxi is Ecuador's

most popularly climbed volcano and one of its most active, with the last major eruption being in 1904. Undeniably beautiful and as perfect as Japan's Mt Fuji, but twice as large, Cotopaxi is not technically difficult to climb and ski, however, people do fall into crevasses and die each year.

The normal route of ascent begins from a hut at 4800m on the northern side of the mountain and climbs scree slopes before reaching the glacier. An ascent from the hut to the summit can take between 5-8 hours for the 1,100m vertical on 40-50° slopes. Most ski tourers follow the same route down again with slight variations.

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U.S.A.

Mount Shasta

4315m 14162ft    Cascade Range

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The permanently snow-capped Mount Shasta dominates the skyline of northern California and southern Oregon for hundreds of miles in any direction and is quite simply one of, if not, the greatest ski mountain in North America. Whether you wish to overlook the spiritual hyperbole that surrounds Shasta there's no denying that this magnificent volcanic peak is deservedly a climbing and skiing mecca. The fact that Shasta is the second highest volcano in the lower 48 United States (behind Rainier) and rises almost 12000 ft (3600 m) above the surrounding makes the peak a drawcard for ski mountaineers. But it is also the relative absence of serious glaciation on most summit routes, somewhat predictable Californian spring weather and deep, winter snowpack that contributes to Shasta's popularity. Apparently 90% of skiers attempt the Avalanche Gully descent, although the mountain abounds in worthy descents - all of which offer phenomenal vertical.

The route up Avalanche Gulch begins off Interstate 5 with the plowed Everitt Memorial Highway providing quick and easy year-round access from the City of Mount Shasta to the south and west sides. Pick a sunny day in spring and early summer and no doubt you will find yourself in a long line of many hungry ski tourers wishing to climb this classic, crevasse-free route. On the northeast side lies the Hotlum-Wintun Ridge, which some skiers consider to be the greatest descent on Shasta, due the greater sense of solitude and otherwise offering similar vertical on a slightly steeper, direct line from the summit. Also worthy of consideration is the impressive Bolam Glacier, and the more moderate Wintun Ridge and Clear Creek routes which do require more effort but perhaps more reward.

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U.S.A.

Mount Moran

3840m 12605ft    Teton Range

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The east side of Mt.Moran contains the spectacular Skillet Glacier, a 6,500 foot ski descent that many consider to be amongst the greatest descents in the United States. The Skillet has it all - a wild, exposed summit couloir, a gorgeous 4,000 foot bowl below, incredible views of silky lakes and gnarled chutes and spires of the Teton Range. Most skiers wait till May or June to ski the Skillet, allowing the warmth of spring to thaw the lake and requiring the more favourable option of a boat crossing, rather than a long slog on skis or snowmobile ride. Spring is also the safest period for avalanches on Mt Moran which has a penchant for flushing big winter dumps and there's not many places to hide. Spring descents often miss the classic top-to-bottom vertical but can bring a much needed safety margin. A definite must-try if you in the Tetons in May.

Jebel Toubkal receives considerable attention from ski tourers due to it being the highest point in the Atlas Mountains, and also the highest point in North Africa. It is often a migratory mission from ski bums at the end of a European winter who wish to remain on snow and to experience the colorful Moroccan culture.  The High Atlas does receive substantial snowfalls, despite the close proximity to the Sahara Desert. There are no glaciers in this area however, although some small, permanent snowfields exist on shaded north slopes.

The standard skiing route for Toubkal begins from the northern village of Imlil and climbs to the Neltner Refuge at 3200m. Routes ascend to the summit via the north and south cwms, and numerous possibilities for high ski traverses also exist. The region is also home to one of the few ski areas in Africa (and certainly the best), Oukaimeden, located in a high valley about 10 miles northeast of Toubkal, with several lifts which run from 8500-10600 ft elevation (2600-3250 m).

Elbruz has been on the skiers radar for many years, largely due to it being one of the is one of the "Seven Summits" and the highest peak in Europe. Mt Elbruz dominates the central Caucasus and is one of the world's great strato volcanoes, with two distinct summits. The mountain is covered by a huge glacial system, covering almost 150 sq km and apparently up to 400m thick.

It is a very popular climb and ski descent throughout the spring and early summer and apart from the weather and altitude, the ascent of a mid 5000m peak is about as simple as they come. Two cable cars plus a final chairlift transport skiers from the Baksan Valley at 2200m (7218ft) to the top station "Barrels" at 3900m (12,795ft), on the south side of Elbruz. The standard ascent route continues up moderate glaciers above the lifts to the saddle between the two peaks (5416m) where the summit of either peak can be quickly reached. Numerous routes on glaciers on all sides of the mountain have been skied making Mt Elbruz a popular ski touring destination during the months from April - June.

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