November Ski Trip – Montana Style
After skiing 10 months in a row I never thought November would be one of the harder months. It’s northern Montana in late November and we only have a foot snow on the high peaks. This means its harder to reach those remote backcountry snowfields. I’m still trying to do this endless winter dream within 75 miles of my house at different locations, besides my local resort Whitefish Mountain Resort where most of my resort runs from December to April. As soon as backcountry stuff is filled in more I will be heading out searching for more powder and new lines.
November found me trying to balance free time with hunting vs. skiing. I figured to combine the two for a trip into the west side of Clayton Lake in the Jewel Basin. We headed up knowing there was some snow, but not how much. We were able to skin from the trail head up to near the lake. It wasn’t deep snow but it was covering most dangers on the wide trail. We were able to connect some turns on a few wider sections coasting over the snow and grass.
I wonder how long until Camo and Blaze Orange come into style with skiers? Made for interesting photos. Enjoy.
Skis and rifle ready to go up.
Glassing the hillside for mule deer.
Red and camo so nice together.
Crossing Clayton Creek.
Some tele turns with a rifle. Montana style.
Crossing back over the creek heading back to the car.
