North Gallatins

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Total Zones
5

Publisher

Beacon Guidebooks

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North Gallatins Overview

The northern front of the Gallatin Mountains make up the southern boundary of the Gallatin Valley, making them the closest place to earn your turns as a Bozeman local. The majority of ridgelines and summits are 8,500 ft and under making them more susceptible to warming events and shallow snowpacks. This area is best treated as a mid-winter zone, as they will often not fill in until late December and will be well melted out by mid-spring. This fits the terrain well, as many of the features covered have lower angle options and solid tree skiing. There are still plenty of serious avalanche features to ski, and the dedicated user should have little problem find periods during the winter while they are safe to ski. However, in off snow years, some of these approaches and exits will never really fill in to one's satisfaction, given that all of the trailheads are under 6,000 ft.

Zones Covered

Bear Canyon
Routes
3
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
N,NW
In some form or another the Bear Canyon Ski Area has seen skiers on its slopes since the early 1900's. During its mid-century golden era it was a central part of Bozeman's winter community; hosting night skiing, races and a weekly editorial in the Chronicle detailing the all the happenings and gossip. In 1959, Mt. Ellis Academy took over the ski area and in 1988 installed the iconic green T-bar that currently occupies the slope. Today, the ski area is mostly used by locals looking to get in a quick tour or workout given its proximity to town.
Routes
  • Bear Canyon Alternate Approach
  • Bear Canyon Approach
  • T-Bar
Plan Your Trip
Chestnut Mountain/Goose Creek
Routes
0
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NE,E
Goose Creek is an excellent choice when the avalanche danger is elevated. Its low angle meadows are a popular spot to score quick, forgiving turns. For the skier seeking out a full day and big slopes, this area will likely be underwhelming.
Routes
Plan Your Trip
Garnet Mountain
Routes
3
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S
Garnet hosts two long, intimidating avalanche paths. Their northern aspect and sheltered topography means they hold onto good snow longer than you might expect, but are plagued by the generally thin snowpack that exists along the 191 corridor.
Routes
  • Garnet Mountain Approach
  • Gully One
  • Gully Two
Plan Your Trip
Mount Ellis
Routes
5
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,NE
The quickest bet for longer fall-line skiing close to Bozeman. The same problems that plague many of the popular Northern Gallatin venues exist here. Relatively low-elevation terrain and unfavorable aspects keep good snow conditions elusive outside of the core winter months. It's important not to mix Ellis' easy access with safe terrain. The skiing takes you through large avalanche paths with nasty terrain traps in the run-outs of each feature.
Routes
  • Northeast Main
  • Ellis Exit
  • Northeast Gullies
  • Northeast Gullies
  • Ellis Approach
Plan Your Trip
Wheeler Mountain
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,SE
In some regards Wheeler is one of the best 'town' skiing spots for Bozemanites, in others it can be frustrating. Wheeler has an amazing variety of terrain to pick from, and some of the longer consistent fall line skiing located close to town. However, its aspect and low elevation ensure surface conditions are frequently less than ideal. Time your outing right and it'll prove well worth the effort.
Routes
  • East Gully 2
  • East Gully 3
  • Meadow Shot
  • Southeast Bowl
  • Wheeler Approach
  • East Gully 1
Plan Your Trip