Gunsight Ridge: Above the clouds in Glacier National Park

The familiar headlamp-lit curves of the Sperry Trail passed by in a dreamlike state as the swishing of our ski skins were the only sound in the quiet valley. Meeting a December daybreak we broke the clouded inversion and quickened our pace as the rime-riddled summit of Gunsight Mountain and Sperry Chalet came into view.  

Leaving our skis below a prominent face guarding the ridge, Adam Clark and I donned our crampons and began our way up the west ridge of Gunsight Mountain in Glacier National Park.  

Deep trail breaking greeted us as we worked through a short step of mixed snow and rock to the base of a stemming chimney where our 40-meter alpine rope would make its first appearance. Moderate, but enjoyable movement through the steepening feature deposited us at a ledge followed by a short bulge pull to reach the final snow slopes leading to the ridge crest.   

The bluebird skies and inversion-capped valley fell farther and farther to the wayside as the steep snow and rock steps had us moving quickly along the winding ridgeline. Closing our distance to the summit seemed to intensify the weather and climbing difficulty as the once clear skies now blanketed the upper reaches of Gunsight in a thickening cloud. Weaving through rime features to reach an exposed gendarme-laden ridgeline prompted the decision to begin retracing our steps back to our skis.  

Retreating, we dropped below the clouded summit ridge as the skies exploded with remarkable hues of orange and pink until we reached the ridge crest. However, the day was far from over. Before reaching our skis we had to manage a stuck rope during our rappel in the dwindling light. We finally reached our skis much past nightfall.   

Though completely dark, the skiing proved remarkable as the snow got better and better down to the chalet.  The engaging trail-skiing from here was anything but simple through the continuous downed trees. Adding to the concern was fresh bear tracks walking over our morning skin tracks, which kept our attention all the way down to the car. 

Though short of the summit, the engaging climbing and quality partnership made this alpine climb yet another great day out in Glacier.

    Adam Clark scrambles a short mixed step above the Sperry Chalet to access the West Ridge of Gunsight. Seth Anderson Photo.
 SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY   

    Adam Clark reaches the ridge crest on Gunsight Mountain. Seth Anderson Photography.
 SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY   

    Adam Clark ascends a rime chimney while attempting the West Ridge of Gunsight Mountain. Seth Anderson Photo.
 SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY   

Adam Clark and Edwards Mountain during an attempt on the West Ridge of Gunsight Mountain. Seth Anderson Photo.
SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY