Sticks Pass Backcountry Skiing Guide

⛷️Lake DistrictexpertBest: January to early March
Sticks Pass Backcountry Skiing Guide safety guide

About This Route

Sticks Pass, linking Helvellyn to Glenridding via Keppel Cove, delivers expert-level touring with 500m descents into bowls and chutes. Traverse from Swirls car park, summiting at 730m pass before plunging east-facing lines. Remote and committing, this route suits strong skiers chasing untracked snow away from club crowds. North winds load powder; scout via drone or binos.

Safety Considerations

Full avalanche terrain rating 3; test pits mandatory. Cornices overhang pass; probe edges. BMC-endorsed: carry bothy bag, group check-ins. No coverage; satellite comms essential.

Essential Gear

Shovel/probe/beacon; skis with touring bindings; helmet; sat phone; stove for hot drinks.

Emergency Tips

Essential Gear

  • Avalanche rescue gear
  • Touring bindings
  • Satellite phone
  • Bothy bag
  • Probe and stove

Key Hazards

  • High avalanche rating
  • Remote cornices
  • No signal zones
  • Deep chutes

Emergency Tips

Traverse to Swirls for help; use whistle blasts; Keswick MRT primary response.

Tags

  • Sticks Pass
  • Backcountry Touring
  • Avalanche Terrain
  • Remote Skiing
  • Helvellyn Traverse
Sticks Pass Ski Safety Expert | OutdoorSafety.net