Sasse Peak

Sasse Peak stands at 5,844 feet above the Cle Elum River drainage, offering 10 miles and 3,500 feet of gain from French Cabin Sno-Park. The route crosses the Cle Elum River bridge and follows Howson Creek trail through mixed forest before climbing old logging roads to the ridge. The south-facing bowl below the summit collects consistent snow and opens up 600 feet of sustained turns at angles reaching 35 degrees.

The ridge above treeline catches serious wind, building slabs on lee aspects and cornices along the crest. Dense forest sections on the approach require careful navigation, and the old road switchbacks demand efficient skinning technique on steep grades. Once on the ridge, frosted trees and wind-sculpted snow formations frame views across the surrounding peaks. The ski quality in the south bowl runs from floaty mid-winter powder to spring corn depending on the season.

French Cabin Sno-Park provides straightforward winter access with a Washington State Sno-Park pass required November through April. This area sees occasional snowmobile traffic despite being a voluntary non-motorized zone. The tour works well for intermediate backcountry skiers ready to step up from groomed access tours to real route-finding and wind-loaded terrain assessment.