Crescent to Pyramid tour in the Swans

This post is a few months late, but I already miss ski season.  With generous help from a close friend, we were able to get out of the house super early on a beautiful, hot May day, intent on getting the tour done in time for day care pick up.

Leah skiing off the summit of Pyramid peak.

We left the car at the Morrell creek bridge around 5:15 am, and made an efficient push up Crescent.  We walked to about 6,500 feet, and from there the snow was firm enough that we were able to walk most of the remaining climb in ski boots. We had packed all manner of tasty treats, and ate like royalty on each summit, which was a nice diversion from an entrenched pattern of endless bars and sesame sticks.  From the summit of Crescent, we skied good corn on the Southwest face to the bottom of the main avalanche path.

Keeping an eye out for Morrells during the approach through the Rice Ridge fire.

Leah topping out on Crescent.

Near the bottom of the Crescent run.

The climb up West Marshall was quick and still relatively cool.  We skied the skier's left of the two main avalanche paths, which was excellent and conveniently deposited us high enough to simplify the next climb.  By this higher route, the push up Pyramid was blissfully easy.  I pushed the last climb a bit and took a cat nap on the summit before rejoining Leah.  We traversed down the west ridge of Pyramid before dropping into the longest, cleanest of the avalanche paths, which had good corn top to bottom.  We ran out of snow shortly after hitting the trail, which made for a relatively long walk out, but it was enjoyable.  We easily made it back in time for day care pick up.

... and back up to West Marshall.

Leah eating tasty snacks on West Marshall.

Good turns heading toward Pyramid.

Good turns heading home.

Such a good day.  It would be nice to add runs in along the way, but I think we pretty much nailed the most logical link up.  I think it is one of the very best outings around Missoula, even with the challenging road access.  7,000 vertical feet, done in about ten hours car to car.