Our last summer climbs have just wrapped up, and the Sierra has seen the first real snowfall of the season. It’s mother nature giving notice that it’s time to shift our mindset. Late October and early November mark a turning point in the mountains. The trails we’ve been hiking and the routes we’ve been climbing all summer are changing quickly. Snow is beginning to fall, daylight is fading faster, and avalanche conditions are already on the rise. Just this past weekend, there was a skier-triggered avalanche in Colorado. It’s an early reminder that winter hazards don’t wait for December. Here in California, Mount Shasta, Mount Whitney, and the High Sierra are entering that same early-season transition, where familiar terrain can take on a whole new character. For climbers, skiers, and all backcountry travelers, this is the time to start thinking beyond summer ascents and preparing for winter.
This past summer brought plenty of adventure. California had some of the best conditions we’ve seen in a while. We saw minimal wildfire smoke, warm alpine days, and long, clear weather windows across the state. However, as a guide, I know that the mountains don’t stay in summer mode for long. Heavy rains and early snowfall are already reshaping routes that were dry just weeks ago. Ice is forming in shaded gullies, new snow is collecting on north-facing slopes, and loose rock is beginning to freeze in place. While our summer skills matter, stepping into winter requires a higher level of preparation, awareness, and knowledge.
The first storms of the season bring more than just excitement for ski lines; they also bring avalanche risk. Even small accumulations of snow can form weak layers in the snowpack that can persist for weeks or even months. Wind, temperature swings, and sun exposure can all change the structure of the snow and create hard-to-predict conditions. This is why now is the perfect time to shift from a summer mindset into a winter one. Before your skis or splitboard touch snow this season, take a little time to go through your avalanche and winter safety gear to make sure everything is in working order.
Check Your Gear:
- Start with your shovel. Check for any cracks in the welds, make sure the blade secures properly, and confirm that the handle is secure and free of any cracks/breaks.
- Next, deploy your probe and confirm it extends smoothly, the cable isn’t frayed or cracked, the depth markings are still visible, and the locking mechanism works properly.
- Your beacon deserves special attention. Look inside the battery compartment to check for any corrosion on the terminals. While you’re there, replace the batteries with fresh ones and ensure it powers on properly. If it has a firmware update due, now’s the time to get it done.
Don’t forget to give the rest of your winter gear a once-over too:
- Test your avalanche airbag system with a deployment check, making sure to recharge or refill afterwards.
- Inspect or have your ski bindings checked to confirm proper release settings.
- Check that your skins still stick well and that the glue is in good condition.
- Make sure to give your helmet an inspection for cracks or wear.
- Check your boots to make sure nothing is broken and everything is in good shape.
- Make sure you ski poles are collapsing and extending securely.
Doing these checks now means you won’t be scrambling at the first snowfall, and you’ll start your winter season prepared and confident in your gear.
This transition period is also a great time to refresh your skills before the snowpack deepens. Practice self-arrest and crampon techniques on a firm morning slope, review your snow travel protocols, and revisit your avalanche rescue drills. Even a short session can make a big difference when you’re back out on the snow for real. A quick skills tune-up paired with a full gear check sets the tone for a strong start to winter. Attend a Snow and Avalanche Workshop and/or a Know Before You Go presentation, either in person or online. Make sure your ski, splitboard, or snowshoe partners are involved, too.
At SWS Mountain Guides, we spend this time of year doing the same. Our guides are preparing for the winter guiding season, training, and checking equipment—just like you should be. The mountains are changing fast, and with that comes new beauty and new challenges. Now is the time to leave the summer mindset behind, get your gear dialed, refresh your safety skills, and pay attention to the early-season snowpack and weather patterns. Avalanche conditions are already increasing across the West, and preparation is the best way to get ready. Take the time to inspect your shovels, probes, beacons, and all your winter gear before you head out. You’ll move with more confidence and less risk once the snow gets deep and the avalanche hazard becomes real.
If you’re ready to refresh your avalanche knowledge, build your winter skills, or join a guided trip, contact us or visit our website for upcoming dates and details. We’re kicking off our winter programs soon, including Avalanche Courses in Mount Shasta, Bear Valley, and Las Vegas; Winter Mountaineering Courses for both beginners and advanced climbers; and single-day Intro to Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Courses in Mount Shasta and Bear Valley. All of our courses are hands-on and taught by experienced guides and avalanche educators who live and work in these mountains year-round.
Written By: Caleb Burns