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Republic Spines

Short, but very technical spines

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
336 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
198 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.8 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
45˚
Republic Spines Map

The Spines in Republic Bowl are some beautiful lines. They stare at you from town, sitting just left of the Fin. There are numerous ways through, and you can scope them easily form the East side of the Bowl as you approach. The spines are only about 300 feet long, but you get another 300 feet of run out before it really flattens out. To get to the top of Republic, head South of Cooke City, following the Republic creek trail. Go about a quarter mile past the trailhead sign and take a right. You'll start setting a track up moderately steep, but well spaced trees. After about 1200 feet of climbing, you gain the North-east ridge. Take this to the summit, about a third of a mile away. Head past the summit, continuing your horseshoe around the ridge above the basin. The spines are just before the Fin. There are two options to get back to Cooke. One, set a track back up from the bottom of the bowl to the North-east ridge and ski the east facing trees back down to the trailhead. The other option is to continue down the bowl for a little bit, staying about 300 feet above the main gully. Traverse at this elevation until you come to the top of "Old Man Ray's." OMR's will take you right down to the town of Cooke City.

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between December and May

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Guidebooks in this area