Skiing Calf Robe a fun challenge

The familiar rime-clad mountains of Marias Pass took turns revealing their snowy summits through a thickening cloud layer.  We began our journey on backcountry skis from the southern end of the Marias Pass area along the southeastern boundary of Glacier National Park  through a fresh foot of new snow.  Crossing the railroad tracks and passing through a fenced gate had us on our way as the next westbound train honked and waved, a welcoming omen.  

Cresting above the forested trail, we began working our way up a series of gullies to reach the lower flanks of Calf Robe Mountain. Its minor cliff band guarding the mountain’s southern flank was all we could see of the great peak, its upper reaches still shrouded in a thick cloud layer.  

As with any day exploring avalanche terrain in Glacier Park, we took a break below the steepening snowfields and began dissecting the snowpack, on the hunt for dangers lurking beneath the surface.  Unstable results observed through several snowpack tests had our minds pivoting from the higher reaches of the mountain in a conservative effort not to test the touchy storm slab layer widespread across the mountain.  

Eyeing up several safer options, we perused the chutes and gullies of the overhead cliff and chose an option that proved just as enjoyable.  Moving up the steepening gully, we eventually found a bench out of harm’s way where we prepared to begin our journey downward.  Pulling skins off the bottom of our skis and switching boots out of walk mode had the group smiling with anticipation.  Traveling one at a time, we took turns enjoying the incredibly light snow, hooting and hollering at the quality of our foreshortened ski line back to the treed glades we arose from hours ago.  

Though the new storm brought over a foot of snow in places, it wasn’t enough to cover the wind-scarred terrain of East Glacier. Rocks, stumps, and occasional tree limbs threatened to snag a rider at every turn.  Gingerly, we descended through areas of better coverage, picking an enjoyable descent back to the flat trail we left hours ago.  The once quiet forest we traveled through that morning now whipped with a forceful wind that dropped chunks of snow from the tree limbs above.

Though short of our original goal, backcountry skiing with good friends in a special place like Glacier Park always produces plentiful smiles, no matter the outcome. 

    Ella Kuzyk enjoys the fresh new foot of new snow while backcountry skiing near Marias Pass. Seth Anderson Photo.
 SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY   

Ella Kuzyk skis back towards Marias Pass during a backcountry ski tour this past weekend.
SETH ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY