An Experience Like No Other
Be a part of something singularly spectacular: ski the only dedicated haute route (French for "high route") in Montana. For a small group of select guests each season, this is an opportunity to traverse the entire length of the rugged Tobacco Root Range, skiing big lines along the way and using Bell Lake Yurt in the style of full-service European mountains huts. This is truly a trip of a lifetime.
Want to ski everything you see above? You can, with Big Sky Backcountry Guides.
On the exclusive Montana Haute Route, you have the opportunity to ski the entire skyline (above) of the Tobacco Root Range traveling fast and light, carrying just daypacks--no heavy overnight gear. We utilize Bell Lake Yurt as a midway point, pre-stocked with delicious food, spirits, and warm comfort--it's the European big-mountain traverse experience, Montana style. Cover more than 26 miles of wild mountain terrain (grizzlies, wolverine, and lynx call the Tobacco Roots home), ski as many big lines as you can handle, soak in views of more than 13 surrounding mountain ranges, and enjoy all of the comforts of yurt living with Montana Alpine Adventures!
This route has it all: big mountains, big lines, big views, delicious food, and a cozy yurt. And it doesn't hurt that we end up at the Pony Bar!
Day 1:
We begin our adventure with light daypacks at the southern end of the Tobacco Roots, at beautiful South Meadow Lake. After passing the remains of several 19th-century gold mines and gaining the rock-ribbed, 10,000-foot spine of the range, we ski north, taking in expansive views of more than 13 majestic mountains ranges, from the Crazies and Elkhorns to the Pioneers and Tetons. We have the opportunity to tag six named summits, as we make our way 11 miles over some of the wildest terrain in southwest Montana. This memorable day concludes with a sundrenched, 1,800 foot descent directly to the door of Bell Lake Yurt, where delicious food, spirits, and comfort await.
Days 2 & 3:
It's all about enjoying our unique position. Eat, drink, and be merry--and ski the uniquely awesome terrain of Bell Lake Yurt, from the gorgeous couloirs of Branham Peak to the sunny south bowls of Thompson Peak. Take in the views. Rest your legs... or get after it! We're well-stocked and the entire range is your playground.
Day 4:
After a hearty breakfast in the yurt, we ski north once more, following the skyline as the sun rises. Six more named summits await along 15 miles of beautiful country, including epic descents of Long Mountain (10,176 ft.), Lonesome Peak (10,401 Ft.), Granite Peak (10,580 ft.) and a 4,000 vertical-foot final decent of Hollowtop Mountain (10,604 ft.) to the shore of Cataract Lake, where a vehicle waits to whisk us to ice-cold suds at historic Pony Bar. Congratulations! You're one of a small and exclusive club of people who've crossed the Tobacco Roots on skis--with all the comforts of a hut trip.
Details, Details, Details:
The Montana Haute Route is 4 days and 3 nights, with a maximum group size of four traveling with two experienced guides. Two additional guides will be providing outside logisitics: snowmobile shuttles, portering your food and gear, and vehicle transport. Learn more about our guides HERE.
Guiding, yurt accomodations, all meals, and vehicle shuttles are included. Food, gear and supplies are staged at the yurt and we handle transportation to and from the trailheads.
IMPORTANT: This is a serious trip for fit, experienced backcountry travellers and expert skiers/riders only. Guests can expect strenuous days that climb up to 7,000 vertical feet and cover up to 15 miles in expert terrain, at altitudes up to 10,600 feet. This is one of the premier guided adventures in North America! Call 406-581-5754 or email info@belllakeyurt.com for more information.