High Sierra Topix

Looking back on the snow camping I've done in the past, you can get by with a three season tent, unless there is a ton of wind, but that's a problem in the summer too. The nice thing about having snow there is you can build a windbreak wall to protect your tent. As long as your tent is a quality three season one, snow shouldn't be too much of an issue, just dust it off now and then and make sure the upper and lower ventilation remains open. We made it through a trip one time where we got 18" of snow in 1.5 days. The better option is digging a snow cave or making an igloo, both a lot of work, but worth it for the warmth and the protection from wind and snow. The extra weight from clothes, fuel, heavier sleeping bags, shovels, snow saws, etc. is OK, because it is easy to find solitude in the winter. Hike in a mile or two and you will often not see anyone, even in areas that are swarming with people in the summer.