Simon, Mike, Kent, Peter and Darren were out last weekend and caught some incredible blue-bird skies after the insane dumpage (+/- 4′+) that has blessed the T.Roots the past few weeks. Finally, some good turns off the superb north facing chutes of Branham Pk. Looks like skiing will hold up for a long, healthy corn harvest well into the spring season…
All Photos: Simon Peterson - Outside Bozeman
We skipped the pond skim and headed out to the yurt last weekend, expecting low vis and variable conditions. Instead, we woke Sunday morning to bluebird skies, cool temps, and calm winds. Stoked, we busted a move into the basin to shred the gnar. Working the East Wall, we ascended the massive Branham Peaks ridge and put in some amazing turns on a dreamy surface of blown-in pow on the northeast face of the Bell Lake Basin. While most aspects pinwheeled in the blazing sun, we got face shots. The Tobacco Roots are tall, tight, and steep, making perfect shelter for cold smoke even when it’s 60 in Bozeman. Pure magic.
FYI:
On 3/30/09, the USDA NRCS Albro Lake Snotel, just north of Bell Lake, read a snow depth of 95.2 inches. On this same day, the Sacajawea NRCS Snotel in the Bridgers read 53.0 and the Lone Mountain NRCS Snotel read 73.0 inches.
Gotta love Miracle March!
Myself (Andy) and homies who grew up together in Missoula, taking our annual ski trip almost 10 years running, made it to the Bell Lake Yurt last weekend where we lucked out with a crazy storm. It dumped almost the entire time and mostly stuck to skiing the trees, but had good turns in Sugar Bowl and on the low-angle pitches above the lake. 12 mini-boxes of wine, 1 silver Patrone, and some sort of whisky (oh and some Mondavi wine somebody left behind - thanks) along with rounds of cards kept it entertaining in the down time. For most of the group being married with kids, or kids on the way, we’re not getting out 100 days/winter anymore, so this was a great taste of good old Montana backcountry that left everybody craving more despite the sore legs. Nice work: Hans, Ryan, ET, Byron, Lars, & Andy
Hans - Boosting Large
Slipper friendly route to the Long Drop Latrine is a bonus
Taking full advantage of the Propane Grill with BBQ Bison Short-Ribs