Ward Mountain- Bitterroots

Date: December 21, 2021

Participants: Candy Hartman, Megan Apple, Jordan Martin, Forest Dean

Four of us headed down the Bitterroot on this Tuesday morning to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a ski up and down Ward Mountain (9119’).  We got started at 9:15 from the Ward Mtn trailhead up Roaring Lion Creek.  We were able to skin on thin coverage right from the parking lot (4300’).  Snow gradually increased in depth as we ascended under partly sunny skies.  Measured 60cm at 6000’ and 75cm at 7300’.  Fairly warm down low, but good powder above 6500’.  Had to break trail all the way as no sign of any prior parties up there in the last few days.  We topped out on the cold, windy summit between 2:00 and 2:30.  Transitioned and began the descent at about 2:45.  Really (and unexpectedly!) good skiing down to about 6000’.  We were actually able to ski almost all the way back to trailhead- only hiking the last half mile.  We arrived back at the trailhead about 4:45.

Really fun day on this shortest (daylight) of the year!  Thanks to this crew for making it so!

Trip stats:  9.3 miles round trip and about 4900’ elevation gain. 

Forest Dean