Educational Events

Know Before You Go is a free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize. In 1 hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches.

The high energy videos and the jaw-dropping slide show, along with the Q&A chat with an avalanche professional, takes the breath away from adults, children, and everyone in between. 

The KBYG program has 3 parts, an 18 minute video, a slide show, and a Q&A session, all led by a local avalanche professional. The images are eye-catching and pack a punch. Viewers see the destructive power of avalanches, how people get in trouble, and the basics of how to avoid them, all through the eyes of avalanche professionals, pro athletes, accident victims and rescuers, and their peers. We don't preach and we don't tell skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers to stay home - we encourage them to get some education to get out and have fun safely.

This is an in-person Know Before You Go avalanche awareness presentation at Redding Sports LTD.

Know Before You Go is a free avalanche awareness program. Not too much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, and no formulas to memorize. In a little over an hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen and, most importantly, how you can safely have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches.

The high energy videos and the jaw-dropping slide show, along with the Q&A chat with an avalanche professional, takes the breath away from adults, children, and everyone in between. Viewers see the destructive power of avalanches, how people get in trouble, ande basics of how to avoid them, all through the eyes of avalanche professionals, pro athletes, accident victims and rescuers, and their peers. We don't preach and we certainly don't tell skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers to stay home - rather we encourage them to get some education to get out and have fun safely.

Registration is open! Head over to THIS LINK to get registered. This year's theme is "Psychedelic", so bust out your grooviest gear and get on down here to race uphill with all your friends!

The Friends of the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center and the Mount Shasta Ski Park present the 11th annual Shasta Ascension backcountry ski and splitboard race. 

Just a heads-up, we've added a Heavy Metal category! Bust out the leather pants and hairspray, 'cause it's your time to shine.

The race follows a traditional ski-mo (ski mountaineering) format of a timed event that follows an established trail through challenging winter alpine terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints. Racers climb and descend under their own power using backcountry skiing equipment and techniques.

Randonee, telemark, and split boards are welcome. Racers should be comfortable climbing and descending advanced terrain. New last year and baqck again, we've added categories for the groms! Got a youngster at home that charges harder than you do, (no shame, they all do) get 'em signed up for the Shasta Ascension Junior Course!

Other Activities

The Fifth Season will be sponsoring a backcountry ski demo day. Leading companies representing backcountry ski gear are invited to attend. Demo the very best in ski mountaineering/randonee gear available on the market today for no charge (valid driver’s license and credit card required).

The Snow Ball will be happening at the City Park. This year's musical guest is TBD, but we're close! Tickets will be available at The Fifth Season prior to the event, or at the Ascension Race itself.

Additionally, back by popular demand, the Silent Auction will be virtual! Bid on items in the Silent Auction ranging from fly-fishing trips to backcountry gear, and just about everything in-between. Items will be added nearly every week from now until the start of the Silent Auction. Take a look and make sure you've got your plan to maximize your bids and help support the Avalanche Center. Open from January 19th through January 25th. If you're at the Snow Ball, you can take your winning items home with you!

Who wants to win some free MSAC gear? We're launching an observation contest this season becasue we want to hear more from YOU about what you're seeing out there. Follow the guidelines in the photo to enter. Each observation you submit on our website puts your name in the hat for the monthly drawing. Check our Instagram for addtional information. P.S. you don't have to give up your favorite powder stash or spend the day in a snow pit to share. 

Observation Tips

1) TALK TO US LIKE YOU TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS

-We speak snow slang.

-Describe current conditions to us like you would to your travel partners

2) AVALANCHE OBSERVATIONS ARE CRITICAL

-There is no greater sign of unstable snow than recent avalanche observations

3) PHOTOS HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU SAW

-Show us what you’re describing

-Allow us to join you on your day in the mountains

4) PERTINENT NEGATIVES

-Even if you don’t see any red flags, let us know. This information is important and helpful to our staff.

5) YOU DON’T HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR POWDER STASH

-You can still share valuable information from the field without revealing your secret spots.

-Aspect, elevation, and mountain range is what we’re looking for.