Since I don't have a job right now and have been getting out skiing in the mountains in Montanas Flathead and Glacier Park areas, I figure why not start doing some blogging to kill some time and show off the new terrain we have been exploring.
Its been a week since the remaining skier boyz and snowboarder girl went back to the Wasatch. That left Gae and I feeling pretty lonesome in a new town where the only people we know are each other and our roommate, Lisa. On Gaelens first day off, we went touring with each other. It didn't take long for us to realize that we have just made a great move and are incredibly lucky to be living in such a beautiful area. The mountains surrounding us in Glacier National Park are breath taking and the options where to go are endless.
I had been out on a handful of tours, seeing jaw dropping lines on gigantic mountains, but a summit had been eluding me. I had skinned thousands of vertical feet feeling satisfied with our efforts and decisions, but I wanted to stand on top. This finally happened last week! I went out with my new buddy and solid skier Dan Koestler and we went for Sheep Mt (8569 ft) in the southern part of Glacier Park.
Dan enjoying the sunrise and the mellow skinning |
Soldier Mt. in the Background |
High winds on summit ridge |
When we got above the trees, around 7500 feet, the winds we trying to rip right through our gore tex, but the summit was in sight. We added some layers, put on our helmets and goggles and pushed forward. I had to stop before reaching the summit because the wind was piercing through my gapper gap and I got a alpine ice cream headache.
Dan descending the west ridge with St. Nick and Stimson in the background It felt like skiing off the summit of Mt Hood |
Looking back up at our ascent (right ridge) and descent route (west ridge) |
Dan Skiing through the lower cliff section
good exposure here
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We found a way through the lower section of cliffs The adventure of skiing into the unknown |
I guess I will get used to seeing this sight when touring in the Park |
Gaelens first time ice climbing Lake Koocanusa |