Ski Tour or Snowshoe Kendall Knob

The area around Kendall Knob is great for snowshoeing or ski touring. It is particularly nice for ski touring because there are a variety of short tours at varying difficulty and on varying aspects. 

Skiers or those on snowshoe can begin their trip at the PCT trailhead near the Commonwealth Campground. The lot is not plowed in the winter so you should look to park just down the road in the parking lot for The Summit West ski area or along the road. Since this is a popular spot for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, you likely will see tracks leading into the woods right from the road and should feel free to follow these. You likely can find a skin track to follow all the way to the ridge, or you can break your own trail. 

If you plan to venture far from the road, you should have a GPS unit which you are familiar with and knowledge of the current avalanche forecast. You will likely be in the forest for the majority, if not all of your trip, so being able to properly navigate is important. 

It is approximately a 2000 foot climb to the high point on the ridge over a route that can be two to four miles long depending on how steep of a route you pick. From there, skiers are rewarded with the opportunity to take short tours to the south and the north, with the northern routes typically being used as routes back to the road. No matter which way you go, you will be greeted with nice gladed skiing at a variety of different pitches.  Be sure to pay attention to Commonwealth Creek during your descent to the north as you may inadvertently cross it and end up on the wrong side of it once it opens back up further downstream. 

As always, please use extreme caution when traveling in the backcountry during winter. You should always carry the proper equipment and be aware of the avalanche danger.