Post work spring skiing, 2013

The early May heat wave put Snowbowl out of commission, so it is time to start heading deeper in the hills in search of snow.  Same as last year, I plan on using this post as more of a journal, updating it throughout the spring.

Tuesday, May 7
I was unable to wrangle anyone for a post work Snowbowl ski, must have something to do with the warm spring weather.  Instead, I struck out alone to ski the southeast face of Stark mountain.  Stark mountain is kind of a sister to Chapaquan, and sits directly across the Ninemile valley.  The open bowl is clearly visible from I-90, and most of the scenic vistas in Missoula - just look for the lookout on top.  I drove all the way up to the gate at 6,000 feet on the west side, and from there it was a simple 45 minute approach to the peak.  Good road access to skiing near Missoula, who would have guessed?  The ski run was short, mellow, and enjoyable. I was surprised to see a set of bear tracks on the road, and a pair of fresh ski tracks on the peak.  In the throes of a rogue spring cold, I took my time and enjoyed the fine, warm spring day on the climb out and schuss back to the car.  Nice to finally ski this one after staring at it on the drive to work for the past few years.  About 2,000 vertical feet, and done in a little under 2 hours car to car.

Watch for Bears on the road.

This is the lookout you can see from town.

Ready to ski Stark mountain.

Tuesday, May 14
I finally made it out to Ward peak (the one by DeBorgia, not the one by Hamilton).  Parking at 4,000 feet, I jogged about 3 miles of trail through beautiful cedar forests before putting on skis and hammering up to Ward.  Mapless, I popped out on the crest of the range about a mile west of Ward, but was able to easily traverse to the summit.  I skied a fun ramp and couloir on the north face to a tarn, then booted back up to the summit and skied the East face down through the beautiful series of lakes down to Hazel lake.  The skiing was on consolidated spring corn, and was extremely enjoyable.  The evening weather was cool, clear, and calm, and I had a big grin on my face for the entire jog back out to the car.  Along with Illinois, Eagle Cliff and Stevens peak, this is one of the few peaks along the divide that has any semblance of an alpine ambience, so it was nice to see the area.  About 4,000 vertical feet, and done in 2 hour, 55 minutes car to car.

Nice terrain on Ward.

Ready to ski good corn on Ward.

That was fun.  Ward's north face with ski tracks.

Tuesday, May 21

I made an early morning push for Lolo.  I slept at the trailhead, and was jogging just before first light.  I did a simple out and back for time, and had a beautiful morning, slinking into the office at a respectable 9 am.  The snow was frozen when I skied it, but the three parties headed in after me probably found great corn.  In terms of speed, it could go faster, since I have trouble giving a full effort before 6 am. I also had several technical blunders, and was on Broad peaks, not race skis.  In any case, the car to car time was 2 hr 46 min.  Coverage is good, with only 20 minutes of jogging on the trail before donning skis.  For future reference, splits:  (trail junction 12.30; Dropping to Carton lake 1.05; arrive at summit 1.42; back at Carlton ridge 2:14).  

Orange sunrise near the top of Carlton ridge.

Looking up the northeast face of Lolo during the skate around Carton lake.

On top.