Mount Shasta

Words and Photography by Connor Mitchell

We’ve all seen the photos, been told the tales, and heard someone say that they want to go “Shasta” style with their next project bus. We thought it was time to get a first-hand account from someone who’s actually participated in this legendary VW adventure, so when Connor Mitchell gave us a shout saying he’d got some photos for us to look at, we of course jumped at the chance to hear his story.

For those of you wondering what the Shasta Snow Trip is all about, let’s start with the location. Mount Shasta is a landmark that 19th-century explorers once called “a very high hill … entirely covered with snow”. Today this potentially active stratovolcano in Northern California is more than a geological icon – it has become the backdrop for an unlikely winter ritual. Each year, an informal convoy of vintage VW buses makes the journey to the mountain, their aging Splits tackling fire roads, icy back-country tracks, and the kind of conditions that test every bolt, nerve and driver. Known simply as the Shasta Snow Trip, this underground, community-driven rally has gained near-mythic status among enthusiasts. Stories of river crossings, improvised roadside repairs, and the thrill of coaxing a decades-old van through sub-zero terrain circulate through forums and fan communities, keeping the legend alive. We should probably add here that this is not an official event; it’s more an exercise in bravery, foolishness, and devotion to the machines that make it possible, with many Type2 projects being built solely for the purpose of participating. 

So here we have it, Connor Mitchell’s first-hand account.

I’ve been reading the Shasta Snow Trip forums on TheSamba since I was in elementary school and I always knew I had to be a part of it in some way, shape or form. Some years later I’m now 25 and working a freelance photo gig. I was bored out of my mind one lunchtime, watching the rest of the world having fun through social media, and Shasta made its way back into my mind. I just couldn’t shake the idea of going on this adventure. Unfortunately my bus is slammed so not suitable for the conditions and I’m also a whopping 2500 miles away and running on a shoestring budget. … But, if there’s a will there’s a way.

Through the power of social media I found myself in talks with AJ Salazar out of Mentone, California. After a little back and forth and some friends from the VW community vouching for me, my golden ticket to Shasta had been finally granted! So I bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, with one bag and a camera draped around my neck. The plan was simple to me, crazy to most: go with the flow, turn wrenches, and take photos.

I met up with AJ and his crew, the (Beater Bus Club) at OCTO, a community-driven VW gathering in Long Beach, California, dedicated to pre-1967 Volkswagen buses. After a few hours at the show we headed back to his place; there was a lot of work to do! Four months ago his bus was still sitting in a field in Montana. Now we’re busy covering rust holes with foil tape from the bottom up, torching the shocks off for replacements, rigging up a snorkel for river crossings, fine tuning, and gathering spare parts for the next two days. Simultaneously prepped and packed is his partner Aurora’s Single Cab for the journey, so no room for breakdowns or excuses. 

Before I knew it we were headed north on the I5. AJ and I are in the lead. Aurora and her passenger Alyssa followed behind, Shasta bound – for me, it was a long time coming.

It was smooth sailing heading up for the most part, although breakdowns are to be expected in these old rigs. Somewhere along the way we blew a rear main oil seal. Luckily we were able to limp to Damon Dayton’s shop in Stockton, California. In no time the engine was out of the bus and on the lift. I went about replacing the rear main seal while AJ welded a mid-mount in preparation for some heavy thrashing on the underside of this bus. At this point Ahmad and Trey from Mentone caught up with us and we all set up camp together at Damon’s.

Next morning came and within a couple hours we had coordinates to the “rampage spot”. This is the location where all the Shasta buses were to meet this year. Our three-bus convoy turned into a seven-bus convoy by the time we got closer to the meeting point. The hills began to grow larger and the speed became faster and further from the driving style of any other Volkswagen event I’d ever been a part of. Deep in the hills of the Snow Mountain Wilderness, 30+ buses gathered at the camp. The Shasta Snow Trip was only hours away, with maps on the table, routes debated, and a lot of shit talked. The ground rules for the journey were laid out and taken with a grain of salt: “If you’re going slow, stay the fuck out of my way”; “This is Shasta. If you’re gonna be a pussy stay home!”; “If you’re not awake and ready to go by 7am, you will be left behind”; “if you need gas go get it now!”, etc. …

Once again morning was upon us and it was time to get rowdy! More than 30 buses headed straight into a heavy blizzard on Mendocino Pass. As we climbed the mountain, snow fell harder and harder. Within just an hour, the dirt roads disappeared in snow. Reality set in for some, especially those with smaller engined buses. The storm had gotten gnarly, and the realisation that we needed to get off that mountain became apparent in no time at all. One bus after another became stuck. “Put your fucking phones down and push; we need all hands on deck! …”. It was time to turn around and head for the next trail. Day one of Shasta put many participants though the ringer and even sent a few guys home. Freezing cold, soaking wet and exhausted, I slept on the front seat of AJ’s bus. Even though it was just a seat to call my bed, I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

The days that followed were all that were left of the Shasta Snow Trip – rough, rowdy and definitely not for the faint of heart. The nitty gritty details are left for your imagination and for those who experienced it at first hand. 

The line between life and death was navigated by most drivers who participated in this event. 

It’s impossible to put experiences like this into writing. There’s a euphoric feeling looking back at this journey through photographs and what’s burned into my mind. I’ll forever be grateful to AJ and the rest of the Shasta crew who welcomed me on this trip. It was my first but will not be my last. Get it while you still can. Drive your bus. Enjoy!

Cheers, 

Connor Mitchell