Over Winter Break 11 AO staff members spent four days on the flanks of Mt. Shasta embracing El Nino and sharpening our winter skills. Over the duration of the trip, the crew saw nearly two feet of snowfall but was also lucky enough to experience some bluebird skies. The team created a posh winter campsite featuring 4-season tents, snow kitchen, snow walls, and a privacy cave for when nature calls. When we weren't busy digging our tents out from the snow we learned the basics of avalanche avoidance and rescue, how to travel in winter conditions, and even a bit of how to travel as a rope team.