Bell Lake

The Tobacco Root Mountains in southwestern Montana have always eluded me. I have spent years staring at them and only ventured into their terrain once since I moved to Montana almost 10 years ago. This streak broke last weekend when I was fortunate enough to join my fellow backcountry ski partners on a trip to Bell Lake; with rumors of huge peaks, endless terrain and 2 feet of fresh snow. My expectations were immensely exceeded when we finished the 6 mile approach into the Bell Lake basin and the site of the yurt, which would be home for the next 3 days.

Photographer maestro Josh Gage had set up a few days prior and welcomed the rest of us with open arms and photos of the terrain he had been skiing the past few days. Unbelievable to say the least. Our excitement and confidence in the snowpack pushed us high up on Branham Peak right away to a couloir called The Contender. 2,000 feet of 50-60 degree slope, a mere 20 feet wide with hundred foot cliffs on both sides. Gazing back up the line we had skied was overly impressive, perhaps one of the most aesthetic things I have ever skied and only to be witnessed by the herd of 8 mountain goats promenading on the ridgelines above.

With 10 people crammed into a 20 foot in diameter tent, needless to say things were quite cozy. We cooked gourmet meals accompanied with plenty of wine that was carried in conditionally, for this was Valentines Day weekend, and we were with 5 women.

Sunday dawned crystal clear skies and fresh snow throughout the Bell Lake basin. 10 strong, we made our way up to the likes of Bell and Branham peaks, skiing untouched snow throughout the day. Glassing across a valley here and there, sights of our elated crew make their own signatures down pristine lines of powder through rocks, cliffs and chutes brought the feeling of individuality in the mountains and brotherhood together.

Another evening spent in this mountainous paradise chopping firewood, drying out gear, and sharing stories from the day, ever growing in intensity as wine and whiskey bottles pass around and around. This is living, I kept saying to myself, this is what it is all about: Friends and Mountains.

After taking a couple early morning runs down the North face of Bell Peak through a striking couloir splitting the 500 foot rock band, we packed up and braved the steep ski down the canyon through dense forest, passing a crew of folks heading up to share in the glory that is the Bell lake yurt. How was it? they asked. We looked at each other with wide eyed grins, and without much conversation, they knew what they were about to enter. Regrouping at the trucks, sharing high fives and eventually a burger at Café 287 in quaint Harrison, I looked back at the peaks of the southern Tobacco Root range as we drove from the Harrison Valley back towards Bozeman and bid farewell, but not for long.