A few years back, there appeared to be no universally accepted concept for what was an unsupported crossing of Antarctica. Hard to believe. But in the topsy turvy world of “firsts” and adventuring, it all makes sense now, because…World Records are at stake. We try to find some clarity about what we once thought of as pure wilderness exploration—ski traverses in Antarctica.
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On episode 6 of The High Route Podcast we speak with some fine folks about their experiences on the Redline Traverse in California’s Sierras. IFMGA guide Jed Porter completed the Redline in 2017, primarily solo. Spencer Dillon, a law student at the University of Utah, and his partner Matt Skorina maximized the gift of a deep Sierra snowpack to complete their iteration of the Redline in the spring of 2023.
As far as high Sierra ski traverses go, the Redline is mythical. The route was first completed in the early 80s by Allan Bard, Tom Carter, and Chris Cox. Several others assisted the endeavor along the way, but Bard, Carter, and Cox had the vision and the moxy to see it through. Traversing south to north, the Redline begins near Whitney Portal outside Lone Pine, California, and terminates at Mammoth. The intent was to stay as high as possible and ski excellent lines. But all this was in the 80s—a time when even military use of GPS was a decade off.
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Part III of Planning for a Traverse focuses on food, fuel, water, and the specific gear. The aim is to bring just enough in each category, with a slight buffer to make it an extra day. Even in spring, it’s wise to expect winter.
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In Part 1 of Planning a Traverse, we mentioned some key skill-building aspects to make for a more successful traverse. Most, if not all, of what we noted in Part 1 applies to Part II. You should consider slope aspect and what time of day you expect to be on exposed slopes, understand water availability, and be primed fitness-wise. Assuming all went well on your first full-day traverse, set your sights on a multiday traverse that will push your physical limits and technical skills.
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The Planning a Traverse series is a resource to help you plan a traverse. We don’t take traverses lightly. The title here, including the term “first steps,” has some intent; it’s a multi-part process. Part planning. Many parts planning. And part doing. And part learning for the next traverse.
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