For those interested in a leisurely ride down the slopes, back country skiing is out of the question. Often involving hours of hiking and minutes of actual riding, back country skiing is not for the faint of heart. For the SHS Outdoor Adventure Club however, this challenge was met with excitement.

Thanks to a donation by SOLE, a local outdoor leadership program, SHS Outdoor Adventure Club was able to experience two days of back country skiing in the Bitterroot Mountains. Located near Hamilton, Mountain, a snowmobile ride up a few miles of road was required to get to the terrain the group wanted to ski. While they spent most of the time on the snow, the nearby Downing Mountain Lodge provided a place to sleep and relax. Complete with a full size kitchen, three bedrooms and a hot tub, the dozen club members were more than comfortable.

Each morning, the group was greeted by the smell of sizzling bacon and a view of the town of Hamilton. After breakfast, the fire would be stacked with logs and club members would gear up for a day of skiing. Unfortunately, a two hour hike was required before any turns could be made. Following a skin track in the snow made by the previous occupants, they made their way up the mountain.

As for the skiing, many were blown away by their first back country experience. Both days brought blue skies and pristine snow. Before their arrival, the area had received nearly a foot of snow on top of the already untouched accumulation. The avalanche conditions were also very safe and stable, giving the group access to steeper, more exposed terrain. Despite these stable conditions, the group practiced avalanche awareness by conducting regular beacon checks and stayed off of slopes that were wind-loaded or dangerous.

By the end of their stay, the group had completed six runs and skied a total of 8000 vertical feet (equivalent to roughly four top to bottom runs down Schweitzer).

Outdoor Adventure Club plans to return in the summer to cut firewood and assist with other winter preparations in exchange for a chance to relive their fun times next winter.