Paradise Glacier

The Paradise Glacier descent gives a quieter alternative to the standard Muir Snowfield ski-out. The route shares the climb to Camp Muir from Paradise — about four hours up the Pan Point face for fit parties — but turns east at the top and descends the Paradise Glacier rather than reversing the snowfield. The result is smoother, whiter, less-tracked skiing back to the lower meadows above Paradise.

Compared to the Muir Snowfield's wind-scoured sastrugi and rock exposures, the Paradise Glacier presents a smoother surface — though still a glacier, with crevasses that require attention as the season opens up. Best snow quality is mid-spring, when corn cycles soften the surface without fully exposing the underlying ice. Earlier in the season the upper sections can be windboard or refrozen crust.

This is a worthwhile alternative for parties already comfortable with the Muir climb who want different skiing on the descent. Climbing time and approach effort are the same as the standard Muir Snowfield; navigation back to Paradise demands attention since the descent line lands east of the standard route. National Park Pass at the gate.