Mount Whitney // Skiing the Mountaineer’s Route

The first time I climbed Mount Whitney I saw some people dragging their skis up the Couloir towards the summit. I made a mental note to come back with skis. It took a couple years but I’ve returned to Inyo National Forest just outside Lone Pine, California. I’ve got Skis and there’s no shortage of snow. Just 5 miles and 6,200ft of uphill stands between me and a sunny, windless Mount Whitney summit. Some may notice I say the elevation is just below 14,500ft. It seems there is some debate online about the actual elevation of Mount Whitney. I’ve seen three different numbers 14,505, 14,497, and 14,494. I’m just an Amateur so I include a couple different numbers in my video. Even with the elevation undecided it is still the undisputed highest point in the lower 48. The mountain stands 86 feet or more above Mount Rainier. All height measuring aside, this mountain is awesome whether it’s on foot or on skis.

[@aaronhawley4123]

Thats sweet! You and your friends inspire me to do much harder things. These videos are like outdoor propaganda! Thanks a lot!

[@bwoah525]

Making insanely hard stuff look easy, as usual, great video!

[@ale10903videos]

“Next week when i go even higher” now im itching to know what the next adventure is. Awesome video as always!

[@davidstepro7486]

It's either got to be Alaska or abroad - can't wait!

[@38Bugatti]

​@@davidstepro7486he's currently in Tanzania, so probably kilimanjaro.

[@DaBeeClimber]

Killamanjaro?? This dude never stops

[@Coolhansolo]

Denali ?

[@kensbikeskiboard1390]

Kili for sure

[@darin6]

As usual, this video had the perfect combination of badassery and humble humor. Thank you for continuing to inspire us all!

[@n8032]

Im not sure many people here are able to appreciate that initial ski descent just off the summit ridge and how insanely steep that section is. Not many would do that.

[@danaguidice]

Stud! And set the KOM for booting up the Mountaineers Route on STRAVA! Respect!

[@jeremyquiros5483]

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this since you alluded to this on News AF. You and the crew have really inspired me to stop bed rotting and to get outdoors and in better shape. I’m now anxiously anticipating your next adventure (higher than Whitney???)

[@MountainHobbler]

Easily one of my fav adventure channels and dude is legit funny af.

[@brennainvanderhoeven7737]

That was you that my brother and I saw on the notch! We were sad we of course only put two and two together right as we had split off. Looks like the ascent up (and descent unfortunately) the final 400 stayed plenty firm despite seeming like it was warming quickly earlier.

[@connorm9002]

Wish you uploaded more, addicted to the videos :D Love from the uk x

[@robertturner1308]

Nothing mediocre about that day. You’re amazing! I have hiked up and back down Mt. Whitney the regular route in a day and I was totally exhausted when I got to the car. You made it look easy while also filming an amazing video. Impressive!

[@darkswordsmith]

Making hard stuff look easy again: 1) actually making turns on the final 400, most skiers I see side slip all the way down 2) booting up couloir casually like it's 10% incline, what a beast

[@marklishmael]

Danny, feeding the algorithm here for you, but I don't understand why more people do not watch your videos. I guess it is just that we are mostly a country of urban captured consumers, as opposed to adventure loving mountain athletes? Anyways, your videos - the great stories, the awesome videography, the awesome terrain and mountain landscapes, the happy band of up-for-anything adventurers, are just epic and glorious! Y'all are living life right! I look forward to every video that comes out. Keep this up as long as you can. I hope to be retracing some of these adventures myself this summer.

[@alexfriedman2175]

3:50 "It is saturated with my musk." Relatable.

[@DanielRussellsterling]

Love this! Thanks for documenting it all!

[@mendez31971]

great to see you back, love your work

[@erictriplett33]

It was a mediocre week -- until I saw a new MA video!! Love it!!

[@oliverfawcett8662]

Oh my god you guys are back. Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@TheDonBoston]

Danny and co. you guys are the best channel for this stuff, hands down. Thanks for your videos. Adventure season commences. Holy shit, talk about nerve wracking peeking over that send, steeeeeeep!

[@lukefromtexas]

Another great video! You’re very inspiring.

[@BeLikeNeel]

Great to see you back in action !

[@jakekaiser1399]

I'm so happy you made it down to the Sierras on this epic snow year! I was meaning to make a trip as I brought my skis to the mountaineer’s route last year which was disappointing to say the least yet have been distracted by all the great spring skiing in Colorado.

[@silasmarner7586]

Done in good style as always, great video sir!

[@Achenar15]

Gosh, looking at that steep section with the skis had me sweating! Great stuff as always!

[@jtcollins2112]

Swaeet. Glad you’re back at it. Love the videos.

[@OrionsKelt]

Amazing! I just watched y’all’s other video dreaming of Lone Pine and Whitney last week. Glad to see they have the road to Whitney portal open again.

[@davidbaker5725]

Another awesome video! I'm impressed how well you can film these even when you are on a solo mission! Inspiring!

[@pagewhite8177]

Sick camera angles going down that steep part! Great video as always. Thanks Danny!

[@nothankyou90]

Great video as always!

[@jurian89]

Great video! Excited about the video next week!

[@teufelhund53]

Mountaineers Route to Mt Whitney was one of my favorite mountain trips. Cool to see you guys do it in snow

[@thisisrandom1251]

You are one of the best KZbinrs in the world these videos are great

[@benc.8103]

What a cool production. Nice work.

[@yuliyanikiforets]

Awesome video, thank you! I did Mount Whitney (summer route though) two years ago so it was nostalgic to watch.

[@ryanxvx]

My wife and I were JUST here so a lot of this looks super familiar. Great video!

[@murphytravelsofficial]

Awesome video! That looks like it was an amazing day! 🏔

[@robmills7611]

So great to have you back with new content! My own health continues to rapidly deteriorate so these our my outdoor activities now!😂 Hope to see some of your old friends in your future ones! God bless you brother!!

[@marki7275]

Nicely done. Looking good.

[@JustinMNYC]

A Blake mention! We miss watching your suffering, Blizz!

[@BobBroeking]

Great trip I have done the regular route in a day (26) would have loved to do the mountaineers route with all that snow. I was always a snowshoer so I did not get to save all that effort you do on the ski descent… jealous! Always a great video from MA!

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

Awesome! I was wondering where you all were. Looking forward to what's next that's *higher* than Whitney.

[@AleksandarGospic]

Danny is back in action, woohooo! Excellent video and adventure, as always! Can't wait to see what is that next higher peak, which means it is either Alaska or traveling somewhere abroad 😁

[@sune3000]

awesome Danny. I’ve done Whitney and a couple other 14ers off the 395 but I’ve never done the mountaineers route on Whitney. You make it look easy and I know it’s not. Love your channel.

[@justmemtb]

Being outdoorsy anyway, your channel early on got me MORE motivated to seek more summits and outdoor adventures both hiking, camping, climbing and your favorite.... Mountain Biking :) I feel I am better for it! Thanks for the inpsiration!!!!

[@ZombieCartmanYT]

You are an inspiration sir.

[@eaglesfannnn]

Dope vid (as usual)!! Mad respect for the solo filming. Also I still can't believe that Cody Townsend send Alex Hannold down that couloir off the summit as a beginner skier haha

[@MichalOlender]

Congrats! This looked much nicer then when we went on the 7th this month on the usual trail. Rain, snow, really cold, and snow storm at the top. We got up to the saddle and turned back after seeing the trail there. Just few hundred feet from the top, but going again at the end on July, hopefully snow will be mostly gone!

[@cocoyoco]

The skiing alpinist make this mountain seem so much more fun than other regular route hikers. You killed it! Made it look so easy.

[@bennett_records]

First. Love your content! Keep going never stop!!!

[@gatortim1986]

i'm preparing to start (carefully) backcountry skiing in update ny. Thanks for the encouragement - T

[@sophietheyogi]

I don't think I even understand how sick this is. You're so calm and collected the whole time! I would love to ski Whitney one day. Great vid

[@austinado16]

I was stoked to wake up to another Med-Am video!! I'll bet you're loving the short hair, and it looks great on you. Excellent work, as always.

[@domesticterrorist483]

Seems like Dannys hippy days are over. It made for a great anti red neck shield.

[@robertphillips93]

So often we celebrate nature in an unnatural way - by emphasizing only this or that feature and consequently missing the whole. But a man who begins with such a humble attitude is better positioned to come into a truthful relationship. Ordinary concerns about the safety of snow bridges are dealt with in a sensible and frank manner. Even the character and beauty of the mountain is measured impartially and with obvious gratitude. Even on a solo trip, such travelers are never alone!

[@thom8728]

Love your channel! I have climbed Whitney 1 1/2 times, the second time was foiled by bad weather and diarrhea. Your videos inspire me to get back into the mountains. My sister recently summited Kilimanjaro, I need to somehow find a way to top that!

[@deivclayton]

Glad you felt good and didn't have to vomit. It was a tiny bit sad though when you mentioned the high-fiving friends and you were alone. Keep up the great work!!!

[@bradleykelsey5156]

Nice!!! That's on my bucket list

[@nicklucas7552]

Excellent job showing the angles on camera!

[@dystopiandreamguy]

I want my MATV ~ dope vid and as usual making it look easy

[@bigbird2451]

This is cool. I just read about you in the LA Times about a week ago. The author was with a guide and mentioned a guy wanting to ski down. Now I get to see it from your view.

[@markhuebbe]

This made my day ❤

[@spartacusmario2437]

How ever well done, Inspirations and Motivation 👌⛷✌ Kind regards froh Austria 🇦🇹

[@gumotx]

Great haircut! Finally!😊

[@BinyaminHikes]

Awesome video as usual, I don’t understand how you make solo vlogs look easy. Thumbnail is 🔥

[@richardbraxton3340]

Solid work!! For sleeping in the Subaru, it looks like you got an Outback. An Exped MegaMat will be just as comfortable as an actual bed and it fits me at 5'10" with room to spare. If you keep the headrest on the back seat when folding it down you should be able to move the mat up and even stretch out a bit.

[@nobodyisbest]

Well done!

[@denali9643]

You look so strong on the up with this one!

[@brianharder7714]

Man, what more could you want? What a day. I've been up there once on foot. Froze my ass off waiting for my partner. Long slog. The ski route looked far superior and the surface conditions looked pretty damn sweet. Lucky boy.

[@krisztian007]

LoFive song while skiing the upper Couloir is so good. Another epic day Danny if even without the buddies. I have a family, I have a job, I have a family aaaand a job…

[@VillelaHN]

Amazing!

[@SNOWBOARDZ]

Made that look like a breeze. Killer day!

[@MakoBlitz]

sooooo epic! keep it up mate this is so inspiring :)))

[@reallydutch2]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelb1761]

You are a beast, climbing that so quickly and then skiing down the top chute. I bet Mt Shasta would have been better for skiing, though, either Avalanche Gulch or the Clear Creek route.

[@karsh7443]

Great video! I feel sorry for those poor ski's though. That decent on them down the bottom part of the trail had to make some scratches.

[@maxscriptguru]

Amazing. But that first part at the top of the snow chute was nuts!

[@SwiftAnthony]

Great stuff!

[@jackanderson6563]

damn bro ive been waiting for this 😭

[@gleneverett9728]

Outstanding

[@aarondgallegos]

The flow is cut! Must feel real nice with the cool air.

[@martinvanburensleftsidebur5329]

Reading your description makes it sound like Rainier is the 2nd highest mountain in the lower 48. Don't forget about the Big 3 in Colorado!

[@gregknipe8772]

one thing I like is that you are not showcasing a 120,000 sprinter. just some climbing and some skiing. refreshing. not pimping anything other than swet and some calculated risks.

[@normiewoo787]

You are amazing.

[@EfficientRVer]

"If you can, ski it". Ummm, being 65, I don't think I'm willing to find out if I can, because I suspect the answer is no. I skied down Tuckerman Ravine on Mt Washington exactly one time, and figured that being 1 for 1 there without falling or hitting any rocks, was not a bad lifetime record to hang onto. I do have fond memories of Mt Whitney when I was 35, one eventful November. Got lost a little on the way up, and fixed that problem by free soloing a crack straight up to the railings. Non-technical hiker reinvents jamming body parts in a crack. Maybe I'm not afraid of heights enough, but it was fun going between securely climbing one little move at a time, and looking down at what a spot I was in. Looking in my immediate vicinity, I was perfectly safe and secure, not a chance in a million that I'd fall. Looking down proved that any slip was certain death. Was very slow to the summit, so stayed a half hour on the summit to photograph sunset as long as I was hiking down at night anyway. Hiked down at night in the snow, got badly lost when the trail entered an area of rock maybe 50 or 100 yards in diameter with no footprints or trail to follow. I figured no problem. I marked where I had arrived to it, and did a lap of the perimeter hoping there would be footprints in only one other direction, aka the way down. There were footprints in 29 directions. Really, that was the number. I did a few more laps, marking the more promising ones, and exploring a short distance on each. Why did none turn into a well-trampled path to prove it was the trail? Baffling. Feeble headlamp before LEDs, but enough batteries for all night. Getting colder and colder. Toes hurting from cold. Tough decision whether to just hike up and down on the rocky area all night to stay warm, versus descending. Hallucinating convinced me to descend. Toes stopped hurting, uh-oh. OK I have frostbite with toes freezing, reading Denali accident reports had taught me that. I smartly had brought a spare pair of socks and a trash bag. Extracted my feet from being frozen to my boots by melting the ice with my warm fingers. Wearing super warm gloves had been smart. Dried my feet, put on dry socks, then trash bag, then sem-wet socks after smashing the ice out of them, and wringing them out. Can't do more, wasn't going to look again, various toes were frozen solid halfway up the toenail already. Various minor dramas and mistakes, but none big enough to kill me, even after reaching certain points where one serious mistake would be fatal. Eventually I made it to a "solar composting toilet" aka portapotty at the lower camp at 5am and slept in it for a couple hours until hikers coming up arrived. Being out of the wind more than made up for the smell. Falling asleep outside would have been death by hypothermia. Fallins asleep inside was just sleep and relief. Then I hiked out and flew home. What doesn't kill you makes you smarter and stronger. The toes didn't get infected, so I got to keep them. Very lucky. Even a harrowing experience can be enjoyed at the time, and treasured as a fond memory rather than as traumatic.

[@200sx16v]

On on of those summit needles they should install a hovering viewing plattform with an outhouse attached to it

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

200% agree about the descent and would add on that Mountaineer's without snow is NOT a fun time. Hit that line with snow or not at all.

[@jerrymcsendy]

Please come to New England!! Not as high elevation but plenty of vert and intense terrain!

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

It's nice to feel good climbing solo.

[@astroyam2]

Yowsah, I can attest the top section is spicy. We downclimbed that because it was covered in huge suncups and is muy steep. But overall this is one of the best ski lines around IMO.

[@tommartinez2665]

Great to see new video plus at one of my favorite location the Sierras, Just wish you would suffer a little! Make everything look easy!

[@shawnwalden2669]

getting closer to 100k subs!

[@Paramedic772]

Another great one! Thanks Danny! Coming to the Tetons this summer?

[@SetForAdventures]

Epic 🏔️🤠

[@thelateknights]

This is literally the only channel I watch at 1x speed.

[@kevinpusey4902]

Nice job! Congrats. I fell into one of those cascade waterfalls while spring skiing in the Tetons. Super 😨

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Yikes. How'd you get out? Was it serious?

[@kevinpusey4902]

@@farbeyonddriven8173 2 friends pulled me out. Scary.

[@ConquerYou]

I’d like to raise an issue with YT. Danny needs a Silver Play Button, immediately!!

[@ConquerYou]

And if they just quickly follow it with the Gold Play Button. Appreciate it YT!!

[@zacharyadams3772]

You should do the Mummy Kill Route In RMNP. It’s 5 13ers in a 15mi day, mostly off trail, some medium spice.

[@danieljakowski7799]

Brilliant! I totally dig these late spring/early summer ski days. Got two questions: How much water do you carry for such a day, and how do you like the Marker Alpinists and their low delta? Thanks and best regards from Austria! Daniel

[@gabrielmarias972]

Great mountain! Great summit! How you feel scarpas XT Vs LT? Better feel-foot lock-progresive flex-extra lean angle? Worth the weight penalty? Will be great a review One more thing, in uphill position, the cuff lever (down to tue velcro powestrap) can be in "open" position to have better freedom skining but without loose the position in the grooves of the mechanim you will use in downhill mode to quick close it and go down? Thanks a lot for the feedback

[@shanemckenna9915]

So sick, Bravo. Wondering how acclimation went for you given that you slept down in Lone Pine/Alabama Hills & not the trailhead. Were you struggling?

[@offpiste312]

Excited to see what’s “higher” than Whitney…., Denali? The Great One?