Old Ski Hill
Peak · 4,816 ft · North Sierra corridor
Old Ski Hill is a 4,816-foot peak in California's North Sierra corridor. Spring conditions are moderate; expect wind gusts and variable snow coverage through late spring.
Wind averages 8 mph but gusts to 19 mph in the afternoon; morning calm is marked. Temperature hovers around 38 degrees. Snow lingers at this elevation but becomes patchy by mid-spring. Afternoon wind sharpens rapidly after 1 p.m.
Over the last 30 days, the average NoGo Score has held at 35, with wind averaging 8 mph and temperature at 38 degrees. The coming week will track consistent spring patterns: morning windows remain stable and wind typically builds by afternoon. Watch the trend chart for rapid score swings tied to wind gusts and temperature swings.
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About Old Ski Hill
Old Ski Hill sits at 4,816 feet in the North Sierra, a high-elevation peak accessible from Highway 89 corridors and regional trailheads in the Chester/Lake Almanor basin. The peak commands views across the upper drainages of the North Fork Feather and Pit River systems. Access typically runs 45 to 90 minutes from gateway towns like Chester or Susanville. The road to nearby staging areas is passable year-round, though winter snow may require chains or high-clearance vehicles. Winter and spring conditions demand avalanche awareness; the peak sits in terrain with potential slides on steeper northeast and southwest aspects.
Spring at Old Ski Hill is transitional. The 30-day average temperature of 38 degrees masks daily swings from freezing mornings to mild afternoons; the 365-day record ranges 25 to 56 degrees. Wind is the defining constraint: 8 mph average with gusts to 19 mph mean calm mornings give way to blustery afternoons. Snow coverage retreats rapidly from late April onward, leaving a mix of snow patches, mud, and exposed volcanic rock by mid-May. Crowding averages 5 out of 10, lower than nearby lakes or passes, but increases sharply the first sunny weekends after Highway 89 fully opens.
Old Ski Hill suits hikers and peak-baggers seeking high-elevation views without extreme altitude or technical exposure. The peak is popular with spring mountaineers testing snow-travel skills and with photographers timing light and cloud. Avoid afternoon visits if you are sensitive to wind; head early. Winter and early-spring visitors must carry avalanche rescue gear and understand snowpack conditions via the Sacramento Avalanche Center forecast. Parking at trailheads fills by 9 a.m. on weekends; arrive before 7 a.m. or plan a weekday trip.
Old Ski Hill anchors the northern reaches of the North Sierra corridor, sitting roughly equidistant from Lassen Volcanic National Park to the east and the Feather River watershed to the south. Visitors often combine the peak with nearby lower-elevation lakes or passes for a multi-day trip. The peak's exposure and accessibility make it a logical training ground for those planning higher Sierra snow travel. Spring conditions here precede better weather at higher passes by 1 to 2 weeks, making it a reliable early-season gauge for corridor conditions.