Washeshu (Squaw Peak), Emigrant Crag and Granite Chief - probably my last ski tour of the 2013/14 se

Last weekend the Sierra Nevada got about 8 inches of fresh snow and even though the past winter had only way below average snow, I fancied doing another ski tour before the snow definitely melts. As my goals I chose a few peaks in the vicinity of the Squaw Valley Ski Resort (which is closed for the season). The fact that the skiing season here is over should ensure that the crowds wouldn't disturb my nature experience but still leave me with a decent snow pack almost all the way down to the village, where I planned to start my tour. My original goal was to visit Granite Chief via the Squaw Creek Valley and from there head NW to Needle - and Lyon Peak. Due to the lack of snow in the Squaw Creek Valley, I changed my plans and visited Washeshu (Squaw Peak), Emigrant Crag and Granite Chief instead, a perfect tour for the time when the lifts of the Squaw Valley Ski Resort are taking a break.

When I arrive in Squaw Valley I soon have to realize that my original plan to ski up Squaw Creek Valley to the pass southeast of Granite Chief is a little too optimistic, because there is simply no snow in sight there. Even though I have my snowshoes and hiking booths with me I don't really feel like it, because the 'dormant' ski slopes of the Squaw Valley ski resort still have plenty of snow for skiing. Therefore, I quickly consult my map and find a new primary goal: Washeshu (Squaw Peak). Even though there's no ski lift up to the summit itself, there is one which takes the ski crowds close to it's top.

In order to get to the snow where I can put on my skis, I actually have to walk a few hundred yards towards the mountain. From there I basically follow the slope to the bottom of the Headwall Express chair lift and then go pretty much straight up to it's top station (>30 degrees). From there I see Washeshu (Squaw Peak) the first time today. It's north face has some impressive couloirs, which are obviously skied quite often (click!). In order to get to the summit I traverse the north face to the saddle east of the top station of the Siberia Express chairlift and from there get to the highest point via the Washeshu (Squaw Peak) west ridge. The peak offers a nice view to the Tahoe peaks and of course the lake. I don't really understand what all the installations on top of the summit are (now I do -> click).

After Washeshu (Squaw Peak) I ski down westwards past the top station of the Siberia and Gold Coast Express and then head up to the saddle north of Emigrants Crag. From there I ski up to the foot of Emigrants Crag and scramble to it's top from the west side by foot (T4). It is not really clear where the highest point of this funny mountain is and therefore I visit the northernmost and southernmost ends of the top ridge (quite exposed). After the fun little scramble I then ski down to the saddle between the Emigrant and Granite Chief Lift and from there go up the southeast ridge of Granite Chief to it's highest point. I enjoy the view and the sunny day for a while before I ski down again.

First I take the same route as on my way up but from the saddle southeast of Granite Chief I ski down the Attic slope north of Emigrant, put my skins back onto my skis and get to the top of the Shirely Express chairlift and from there ski down the slopes of the ski area to Squaw Valley. The snow is definitely nothing to write home about and feels more like water than snow (no wonder if the temperature is above 20 degree Celsius), but all in all it was a fun ski tour anyway.