Watch the Guided Ski Tour Video
The tour starts like many others on the west side of the
Mt. Baker Ski Area, at the upper parking lot by the X-C skiing trails.
Start the tour heading south along the east bank of Bagley Creek to the Bagley
Lakes. Traverse the base of the north face of Table Mountain at the level
of the lakes until you reach the elbow of Table Mountain (see map of
route). The lower slope is about 45 degrees along this entire face so
climbing in crampons is recommended to save time and energy. Otherwise,
continue with skins and switchback up the steep slopes to the first bench at
5000ft. From there, continue to the SW to the second bench and finally the
saddle (5650 ft) at the crest of the north ridge of table mountain. From
here, look for a passable crossing up over the corniced ridge of the summit
plateau of Table Mountain. Be aware that there is a bergshrund that forms
below the cornices that can be 20 to 30 feet deep, so cross the area with care.
Once on the plateau, head southwest for a clear view of Mt. Baker and the surrounding North Cascades. The descent is straightforward, down the saddle off the cornice(!), then follow your uptrack as you desire. The last 1/2 of the ski down the north face of the mountain down to Bagley Lakes is an excellent 45 degree pitch slope that is usually as smooth as any groomed run you'd find anywhere.
This ski tour is not recommended during the normal ski season due to frequent surface slides down the slopes when fresh snow has fallen. It should only be done when you deem the snow as highly stable or in spring conditions when the deep layers are fully consolidated.
