South Sister: Skiing a Mountain of Ice

You never know what you're going to get when you ski a volcano. That was especially true when it came to skiing the South Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness outside of Bend, Oregon. As a matter of fact, none of us could ever recall seeing ice skating rink quality ice on a mountainside before. Or skiing hillsides littered with fist sized diamonds of ice. It made for an interesting if not more dangerous descent than usual. In the end I was just happy my skis didn't pop off and take a solo trip down the mountain.

[@dronecuber7032]

i was on mount bachlor 20 miles away when this was filmed. saw the helocupter!

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

That descent makes east coast skiing look like a powder day. Woof.

[@aldenpfeiffer640]

The Virtual Sherpa I was about to say looks like a east coast powder day.

[@prodacro-ik2yw]

Hey bro love your videos

[@difamigiliaagosto6110]

Have you guys ever thought about climbing Denali? That would be really cool to see you guys climb it.

[@AdamJStoryDC]

I really enjoy your videos and it inspires me to do more epic stuff in my own life

[@MattCookOregon]

3 ways to do south sister.. i was thinkin the south approach and north approach... But how silly I forgot the ol helicopter route.

[@junglesmoothie]

Hey amateurs. This channel & your adventures have been a major inspiration for me. Just last week, I successfully summited Mount San Jacinto in SoCal via the Cactus to Clouds route. I ended up with 20.2 miles & 10,732 ft of climbing. I started in the desert & ended in the snow. It was an incredible experience. I wore my Mediocre Amateur hat the entire way. I recommend you guys film an episode on this mountain. I’d love to join you if you do (the Snow Creek route is on my wishlist as well). Keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

About two turns on those sharks teeth and my quads would be "whelp, we're done."

[@afriendofafriend5766]

As an Oregonian, I can definitely tell you we have blue skies and sunshine all day every day.

[@0hn0haha]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA actually, depends on what part of Oregon

[@rodneyutley5787]

😉

[@johnrflinn]

At 30,000 feet

[@ClayTJohnson]

No, we don't. California is the place to be. Please god don't come here

[@junkbox7588]

Love these videos and can’t wait for the notification but when you fly in a chopper to your location You get your mediocre Amateur status revoked 😆👍

[@themeatpopsicle]

i dunno man, these dudes still get lost an alarming amount haha

[@dasgoofinhiemer5039]

only an amateur would have the bird land in the parking lot. just silly to chopper to the base and skin up.

[@junkbox7588]

Das Goofinhiemer up or down you still have to climb back up to the top to get back to it

[@dasgoofinhiemer5039]

@@junkbox7588 if im paying for a heli I aint walking anywhere

[@junkbox7588]

Das Goofinhiemer lol I don’t think they are paying

[@mikewest7585]

That was my buddy and his son Jameson that you came across. When I asked him how it was, he said - "A little icy". When he said that, this is what I expected. Good work guys!

[@nickdambrosia2304]

This Chanel is absolutely incredible! Great work guys! Hope to see you guys keep growing and putting out more amazing content

[@CST-ft9dv]

First world problem...Hey I'm running late, my helicopter is iced up. : )

[@speedyzolt]

I used to live up in La Pine in 1985. Beautiful hi desert Oregon with volcanoes all around. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffharper4509]

love how yall just take the heli all the time now lmao. keep it up gents this is one of my favorite channels on youtube!

[@kadenzook3826]

I am a local here in Bend, and that ice up there at the time you did this was absolutely gnarly!!

[@kincaidmurray12]

How to get asked on every climb ever: have a helicopter that eliminates soul crushing approaches

[@DanielSDiehl]

You guys have some awesome adventures! Between flying, being in the mountains, skiing, and getting some serious cardio in, couldn’t ask for a better day than that! Keep it up! 🏔 ⛷

[@remingtonevert8451]

"I hear its like this all the time." lololol I always like the commentary on these videos.

[@0SKBooth0]

It's amazing how a Helicopter (or airplane for that matter) can instantly add value to your life. I'm a fixed wing pilot (well...working on my PPL) and I'm really excited to have some of these adventures in and around UT in an airplane.

[@Shawn-wt4kh]

*having a friend with a helicopter adds value, to be more precise. everyone I talk to says actually owning a helicopter is no picnic.

[@ChristopherOkhravi]

Beautiful! Thanks for another great upload.

[@TheMountainMatt]

Nice! Perfect timing for me! Got the day off and a new MA video pops up👍🏼😁 excellent!!!

[@andygustafson1]

Favorite channel, keep up the great work!

[@AirborneKrew801]

I haven't looked to see if you've made a video on it but it would be cool to see you guys do the little chute on the west face of Mt. Olympus in the spring time! Love the videos, you gents always deliver!

[@corbinwantland7669]

These videos are great. You guys are literally living my dream. Keep doing your thing, It keeps me alive!

[@jjames05]

I grew up in slc. East bench. You guys make me miss my clean livin mormon friends.

[@JerryArizona]

Great to see your channel doing so well. My wife and I watch this on the TV just like it’s a regular cable show.

[@markwerner7840]

Great job guys! Fun to live vicariously through you.

[@diostejastierras7898]

My Wife & I just did Hverfjall Volcano Crater in Iceland with winter conditions. *A baby compared to what you Mediocre Amatuers do, but your videos inspired us to do the Icelandic Hike in such conditions!* Crampons on then off, repeat.. all totally worth it 😂. *Stay Mediocre and Safe Amateur Travels!*

[@DNFADV]

Damn! I want a friend with a hello! Love these videos. The people, the jokes / dark humor ! oh yeah and the adventure.

[@eganfo]

The views from the summit, next level.

[@pagewhite61]

Beautiful mountains, amazing views! Matt sliding on the ice was a bonus! Thanks guys.

[@PerfDayToday]

Last time I skied the South Sister, my gen1 Onyx G3 ski bindings seized up requiring a leatherman tool to open up the bindings. I went back to Dynafits. Great mtn to ski. That boilerplate was Mt Bachelor last weekend. Good times, no not really.

[@markdavis8888]

Spring skiing on South Sister has awesome ski conditions, and after they open the road you can park at the trailhead. I've skied in from Mt Bachelor in the winter but its a 20 mile day. Most mediocre use snowmobiles and that is becoming very common.

[@jpk5148]

I always wondered what it was like in there in winter. Thank you for sharing this!

[@beyondhorizons9758]

Another stunning 4K video, You rock!

[@weatherwatchmore381]

Assuming by all the ice and frost accumulations and formations that area gets a lot of wind during the winter because mount Washington gets the same thing. But with freezing fog since the mountain lays at an area where two jet stream rivers converge.

[@alex-v5j3w]

Holy shit this is fantastic, I've done South in the summer and I recognized like 90% of your route. Going to have to take a crack at it in the winter some time. The cornice that you can see over what becomes Teardrop Pool in the crater looked incredible.

[@traviss8354]

I just like how Matt pointed out a few times that they were in beautiful sunny Oregon. Look out Florida, there's a new sunshine state!

[@harrisonaero]

Good thing you got a late start. Just think of it as really big CORN. :) Nice edit as always- thanks.

[@Fun_in_retrospect]

Beautiful view of Jefferson, Hood, and Adams

[@lbeckons304]

This is so inspiring, awesome videos!

[@jpk5148]

I just watched people ski up (nearby) the climber’s trail then ski the bowl. It was amazing!

[@darren6110]

Best youtubers out there!

[@jerryhouck2708]

I did this in 1980. Hiked in and skied down from the south rim of the summit crater. it was great except that you would be on clear snow and be booming and then you would hit a section where the wind had blown the cinders from the exposed areas onto the snow and it was like you hit the brakes (skiing on sand paper). It was the first day of summer and the weather was grand! I think that it was on the Lewis Glacier but I would have to take a look at the map to be sure. Anyway, I have pictures and I did sign the summit register. PS: I was 30 years old and in a lot better shape than I am now. PSS: The next winter, I did a solo assent of the hard side of Mt. Thielson. Oh, those were the days!

[@codywerner2161]

Favorite channel.

[@July4.1776]

Looks like the flow is growing back... Awesome!

[@herkusr01]

Awesome stuff guys, should’ve brought some ice skates 🙃

[@beautifulportland9592]

One of your coolest video's . . . . I was up on Hood, I believe the same day, snow camping !

[@markmclain1956]

South Sister is one of the more wonderful viewpoints in Oregon - summer or ... winter. Easier to get a permit in winter!! Ice or dust - depends on season. Great views and a great video from the brothers of Utah!

[@dgrfsthrgsergwrtghasefq]

There are no permits in the winter, and permits are free (trailhead sign in, no user limits for now) during the summer, have you ever even been to the actual mountain.

[@bullmancake]

Looks like an East Coast powder day to me!

[@wynnhardrath]

Heck yeah! This is awesome! These mountains are my backyard.

[@sendmorecondor]

I always follow someones tracks and end up getting just as lost/off course ass the setter! I should learn to never trust one persons tracks... Now everyone is going to go the wrong way :P

[@gualdus]

Magníficos vuestros vídeos,las imágenes espectaculares.Enhorabuena desde España

[@johnganshow5536]

Thanks for sharing!! Fantastic trip...

[@NickLumzz]

Like the video before watching every time. May the algorithm work in your favor.

[@JMachtelinckx]

You must have flown right over my house in Bend! Wish I were in town, I would have bought you gentlemen a beer for all the entertainment you've given me. You can always come back to ski Middle Sister, that's another great outing in the area. Let me know if you do - drinks on me.

[@kenjones4564]

Like always just super guys!!!!!!!

[@tannerlundell2987]

Try the PIT to PEAK in Arizona. Start at the river in the Grand Canyon, Hike to the south rim, bike the 60-70 miles to Arizona Snowbowl/Humphreys peak trailhead around 9200 ft, then skin/ hike 5 miles to Humphreys Peak the tallest in Arizona at 12,6?? And ski off the peak all in 24 hours start to finish. Over 10k of climbing I’m sure you could do it

[@bmxguy]

It's been a rough year here in the PNW. Hood has been a sheet of ice for what seems like two whole months now.

[@paullankford1449]

I knew y'all had to be coming out with a video soon. Y'all have been busy guys lately judging by y'alls IG. Even though sking conditions were bad; might have been better off with ice skates coming down, it looked cool on the mountain with all the frozen snow and ice and awesome views from the top.

[@alfredreisenberger2298]

Amaaaaaazing👍😎

[@5882300rickroll]

We've got Ice skating/skiing like that in the midwest.

[@BoomBoomLou]

You guys ever consider Team Wendy helmets? They have mounts for gopro as well as flashlights for flashlights as well. Love the videos by the way, keep up the good work!

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

extra crispy turns!

[@scottfulton267]

I love your videos, guys. Skiing down this one looked a bit miserable, but looked like it got somewhat better around 11:00 into the video.

[@drewwatts2803]

You come to my hood and don't even invite me?! Lol. Good stuff as always guys

[@tayloranderson456]

I know right, and the extra miles from the gate seem like such a grind!

[@roamnomo6333]

Spray bottles with 1 part iso alcohol and 1 part water for deicing might be a quick solution.

[@LGguedo]

Best channel on you tube

[@ineffecient8243]

I think I skied down hogs back on hood that day and it was super nice. You picked the wrong mountain lol

[@danjf1]

You're brave to fly in such a small copter!

[@shawnwalden2669]

awesome and you finally got some Merchandise!!! yee yeee

[@TVinmyEye]

My Sister and her Friend met you guys on the Historic Trail this past weekend in Yosemite National Park. I search every part of Yosemite to see if i’d run into you guys. Guess not this time around :/

[@brettfielding1816]

Always excited and happy to watch a new adventure. Any plans to come out to the east coast? Maine, NH...?

[@go2cloudbase]

There was 200 yards off soft snow between summit and car ;)

[@colinbeatty6802]

East coast skiers be like: hold my beer

[@kentwilliams13]

Another great video! Question, what kind of mapping application do you guys use in the field and when you make your videos? I realize the irony of asking about mapping from guys who laugh about always being lost, (which I am sure some of that is for our entertainment value). Keep up the great work!

[@peterbest4943]

When are you going to come to the UK and film?!?

[@jankeymunter]

That R66 is a classy helicopter.

[@bowman_ryan]

keep the videos coming!

[@themeatpopsicle]

Fairly certain I would need a hip and two elbows replaced after this

[@gteamer]

Did South Sister this fall and it was just a slog without the snow.

[@tommyp4728]

cant wait to hear about the new sticks..

[@LukeIversArch]

Your videos have inspired me to get into back country skiing. I would love to know what ski gear you guys use or would recommend. Thanks!

[@Frisbeeninja2]

i freaking love bend

[@gregknipe5358]

took a fancy red chopper that was tough to start, took the red chopper to a forest service road... then skied like the rest of us to the trail head. luckily there was a skin track for us to follow... "we fell prey to a seductive looking skin track..." !!!!! "now we need to head back to the summer trail"... as marked on the map at the trail; head... 'this is why we dont ski with locals". on to the next shoot.

[@jackstanley7052]

What does Matt do for work

[@localgemskier9410]

If a father-son duo put you guys to shane then I don’t even wanna know what they are capable of lol

[@idiotengineer3925]

I always wonder what their day job is

[@paddlefaster]

If you fell on that descent it would look like you'd been run through a cheese grater. I wonder if running the helicopter prop for a while would create enough friction to get rid of Frost?

[@ecycled3d]

Great video. Curious which model of Kastle you are currently on? PS - This looks absolutely stunning in 2160p 4K on a 5K screen. Wow!

[@michaellinkroum5657]

That ice probably wouldn't even phase skiers from NH!

[@BallardBaller]

Baller!

[@jessedean1]

What was date of trip? Luck of the draw - it has been icy as fuck here!!! I was just taking an unplanned body slide down a 50' patch of ice on Bachelor just the other day! You guys are beasts, taking those fairly horrid conditions in stride. Well done!!!

[@nigelduncan7841]

there will always be that one father son duos that smokes u.

[@kimschroeder4996]

I live in Bend... IS THIS PILOT SINGLE? 😂

[@zacharygraham9419]

Skiing mt bachelor around the same time it was the same kind of weather as this lol

[@zacharygraham9419]

suuuper icy at the summit

[@Chasenator_]

Anybody know what kind of oakleys those sunglasses are?

[@maxasaurus3008]

Green boots?

[@mythcrab6047]

Y'all crazy for this one.

[@Paramedic772]

Danny, go back to the old background music....It worked!