Glacier Life

Firebrand Pass ski tour

I got an email from Greg Fortin owner of Glacier Adventure Guides asking if I wanted to go explore the Firebrand Pass area on the east side of Glacier National Park. I was eager to see this side of the park in winter and with a clear weather window. We planned to leave first thing Monday morning in the -22 F weather. Sure it was cold but it was worth it for the bluebird day. We parked along highway 2 on Marias Pass skinned in a couple miles on flat before climbing up. We were able to ski a few pitches and explored this cool area. Now I want to go back and do an over night trip to ski some other aspects. Good times.

Greg skinning through the flat area at sunrise.

Greg cursing up and away.

The basin we were playing around in, pretty cool area.

Greg passing some twisted trees. The grain twist from the wind.

Self portrait by Craig.

Greg digging a snow pit.

Greg going up.

Greg skinning up.

Greg passing through a wind effected area.

Greg making a nice turn on the first aspect we skied.

Greg freeing it down the pitch with a nice background.

Greg scouting his next line.

Up, up and away Greg goes.

Greg starting off with some nice side light.

Greg freeing it.

Get after it Greg.

Away he goes.

Greg and I made it this far back to check out the area. Next time maybe ski that couloir….?

Greg looking across the basin at the other aspects.

Some good lines to be had back here.

Greg looking around.

Greg coming out of the bottom of the basin after we dropped down the pitch in the back left of this frame.