The Linkup, December 13

Spire Winter Break Climbing Camps

Not sure how to keep your kids occupied over winter break?  Take them down to Spire, where over 8,000 square feet of roped walls and bouldering problems await them.  The crew at Spire will have them in shape and inspired to become lifelong climbers.  Courses are available for kids aged 5 to 16.  They'll learn the basics of climbing such as knot tying, belaying, rappelling, climbing etiquette, and climbing technique.  These classes are a perfect way to teach your kids strength, confidence, trust, and teamwork all in a supportive atmosphere surrounded by competent instructors.  And it's a blast.  They'll be begging to get outside to climb come spring.  Sure beats video games on the couch.  And it's not just for the kids; Spire has classes for all ages, including their awesome Women's Clinics.  Check out their website for class details and camp descriptions. 

Livingston Teen Tearing up Climbing Comps

Sixteen year old Park County High sophomore and  Bozeman Climbing Team member Frances Taylor has recently made the jump into the adult competitve ranks and is making some noise on the local circuit.  Read the full story over at the Livingston Enterprise. 

Skyrunning Comes to the U.S.

The International Skyrunning Federation has announced a new U.S. series of Ultra, Sky, and Vertical K races in the states for the first time in over ten years.  The biggest news for us is the inclusion of The Rut 50K, 12K, and Vertical K races as the series finale.  Montana ultrarunners Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe debuted the Rut last year and instantly put it on the radar of serious mountain runners.  With it's inclusion in the Skyrunning Series, look for it attract top runners from both the states and Europe.  Skyrunning has stormed the European scene, and is primed to return to America.  Read all about this and any other trail and ultra news over at I Run Far. 

Winter in Paradise Valley

While Bozeman is one of the great winter sports epicenters in the country, sometimes it can be difficult to find winter solitude close to town.  Looking for a quiet getaway?  Head over the hill to Paradise Valley, where winter crowds are virtually nonexistent.   For cross country skiers and snowshoers the options are endless.  Close to Livingston you can find yourself alone just about anytime on the Suce Creek, Big Creek, or Mill Creek trail systems.  On the latter, the only trail traffic will likely be sled dog teams operating out of nearby Chico Hot Springs.  Speaking of Chico, you'll want to end the day with a soak there no matter where you go.  For groomed tracks in a wildlife haven, head further south to the B-Bar Ranch, where 30 km of groomed trails await you.  Located in the remote reaches of Tom Miner Basin, this area is a sanctuary for elk, moose, wolves, bighorn sheep, and more.  For backcountry enthusiasts, the Absarokas provide challenging climbs and untracked powder on Elephanthead, Black Mountain, Mount Cowan, and Emigrant Peak.  The long approaches are more than worth the 3-5K descents you'll likely have all to yourself.   Ice climbers can get their fix on a lifetimes worth of routes in the Pine Creek drainage, which range from easy access climbs like Pine Creek Falls to deep wilderness adventures further up the South Fork.  Pick up Winter Dance by Joe Josephson for detailed route descriptions.  Think Hyalite has all the good ice?  Check this out.


Green Gulley (WI4/WI3 ), Pine Creek Montana from Ty Morrison-Heath on Vimeo.

You Belong Outside Spotlight: Skiing the Blaze

Jeff Lee skiing the Blaze June 9th (c)K. Dean 2012

Blaze Mountain, Spanish Peaks. Long after most people put their skis away for the season a few people won't quite give it up. That is where "the Blaze" comes in; a nice northwest facing snowfield that holds snow into August and most years it holds snow year round. This is a great objective for someone who wants to get another ski run in and is willing to work for it.  It is about a 7 mile approach and its a great way to introduce yourself to the Spanish Peaks.

The Approach following Spanish Creek (c) K. Dean 201

 It is recommended to have a good ski carry system on your backpack. Also wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots for the long approach.  You shouldn't need skins or AT gear but having self arrest gear and avalanche gear are always recommended any time you go backcountry skiing.    The long approach can be done as a single day or an overnight. Mirror Lake and the Spanish Lakes are two excellent camping options but most people will elect to go lighter and make it a long day (6-12 hours for most parties). 

August 2010 conditions (c)Jeff Lee

 Getting there: Getting there is pretty simple, head south on 191 from 4 corners and once you enter the canyon take the Spanish Creek Road on the right about half a mile from the entrance to the canyon. Follow the road through private land several miles until you reach the Spanish Creek trail head.  Watch out for Buffalo on your drive especially if you are headed out early in the morning.

The Approach:Take the Spanish Creek trail (not to be confused with the Hellroaring trail head) along Spanish Creek, there are several forks in this trail but you should follow the signs for Spanish Lakes.  Blaze Mountain is about 6 miles up the trail with about a mile of bushwhacking to get to the top of the snowfield.  Typically you can see the Blaze from the trail and finding a route up to it is relatively straightforward.  The Blaze is the obvious snow line on the Northwest face and will run anywhere from 800 to 1800 vertical feet.  Hike up the scree on either side of the snow to the top.

The Blaze in the middle of June (c) K.Dean 2012

The Descent:  From the top you have great views of the rest of the Spanish Peaks, the summit of Blaze mountain is a short scramble away.  The descent is straightforward, stay on the snow and get in some turns.  The difficulty varies depending on the snow pack, when it is full the Blaze will ski like a moderate but later in the summer it can become more difficult. Typically the top stays in good condition but the lower you get the skinnier the line gets. 1500 vertical feet is nice but it is pretty easy to lap the Blaze and get several runs in if the weather is clear.

Crossing the stream on the way out.

The Beartooth Publishing map Big Sky Area shows the trails and mountains and is the recommended map if you are headed into the Spanish Peaks area.  Depending on the time of year you need to be wary of the weather and snow conditions.  It is a good idea to always travel with a partner and to let someone know where you are going.  For more info on local outdoor areas check out the Our Backyard section of our website.  Your comments and critiques are welcome as we spotlight areas of Southwest Montana we know and love.  Email Kevin with any thoughts, corrections, or suggestions.

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You Belong Outside Spotlight: Middle Basin Spring Skiing

Middle Basin, located between Beehive and Bear Basin in the Spanish Peaks is a great place to go for a spring tour.  It offers a wide variety of terrain from rocky steeps to wide open mellow slopes.  A popular line known as the Buttcrack chute is one of the best options.  Located on the far end of the basin if you skin in from Beehive it is a worthy objective for a good moderate day tour.  The top of the basin is a great place to check out the views of the Spanish Peaks, Lone Peak, and the Southern Madison Range.  In addition keep an eye out for Mountain Goats.

The Line:  Buttcrack Chute, Middle Basin

The Approach: Start at the Upper Beehive Basin Trail head and follow the trail into Beehive Basin, after about a mile of moderate skinning the trail will split with tracks continuing to head north into Beehive Basin and other tracks going east to the top of the ridge between Beehive and Bear Basin.  Take the skin track going east and climb to the top of the ridge.  Once at the top you will have a great view of both Bear Basin and Beehive, looking North you will see where Bear Basin and Middle Basin split (Middle Basin being the western of the two.  From here you want to follow the ridge line North until you find a good spot to ski down into Middle.

Head North in Middle Basin to the obvious highpoint.  The easiest approach is lookers right of the large rocks.  From this highpoint you can see countless lines to ski with the more conservative lines heading back into Middle Basin and several steeper lines heading into upper Bear Basin.  Be aware of snow and avalanche conditions before you head out and make an assessment once you are there.  A great line is the "Butt Crack" Chute shown in red on the picture below...

From the bottom of the line you have the option to swing back to your skin track for another lap or head back to Beehive and ski to the car.  See below for the video and some more pictures of the area.

The Video

The View of Beehive Peak in the distance and some intriguing lines into Bear Basin.

Gallatin Peak and Upper Bear Basin.

Lone Peak with the Southern Madison Range.

The You Belong Outside Spotlight is a new blog update brought to you by Northern Lights Trading Company.  It will spotlight different areas and activities in an effort to show why Bozeman is such a great place to recreate!  Also check out the Our Backyard section of our website.  The information given here is just a start. Make sure you are well prepared and let someone know where you are going before you head out into the backcountry.  Weather and snow conditions can change very quickly. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared with the correct safety gear and the knowledge of how to use it.  Your comments and critiques are welcome as we try to show off some areas of Southwest Montana that we know and love.

Skiing Near Hyalite Peak

Check out our ski near Hyalite Peak this weekend! Shot with a GoPro 2 HD.