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Gash Point

Wonderful tour into alpine terrain with a multitude of descent options.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
6.2 km
Ascent
1.2 km
Descent
5 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
25˚
Gash Point Map

This classic tour takes you through a perfectly spaced sub-alpine forest on low angle slopes and ends at a true Bitterroot summit. From the summit, options seem endless with ski descents possible on almost all sides of the mountain, into various drainages, and of wide ranging challenge.

Description

To the southwest lies the North Fork of Bear Creek, with the monarch Sky Pilot beckoning to its beautiful north face.

To the east (along your ascent track) is 4000' of fine low angle tree skiing, which all but avoids avalanche risks (except as you traverse from the summit, watch out for wind slabs).

The north face can be skied from the true summit, although safer entry is found a few hundred feet below to skiers right, navigating between steep cliffs. Once on the face, 3000' of wonderful fall line skiing takes you into the seldom visited, but awe inspiring drainage of Sweathouse Creek. From here, options abound with both south and north facing couloirs in plain view. To return, tour down drainage until you can climb the low saddle back to your skin track in Gash Creek. The climb is short but steep and riddled with complex terrain features so be vigilant of avalanche risks.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Bowl
  • Face
  • Alpine
  • Cliffs
  • Couloir
  • Ski Safari
  • Tree Skiing
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons