Spanish Peaks

Bear Basin holds numerous, modestly sized couloirs that offer short n' sweet ski lines in an alpine setting. Since each is accessed in a different manner, use the descent descriptions to understand the best method of approach for each line. Get creative and link-up other peaks and lines in the area for a full day.

A very popular summit in the Spanish Peaks Unit, and for good reason, Beehive Peak towers over the Beehive Drainage, with the 4th of July Couloir being the most obvious yet still engaging objective.

The Blaze is well known for holding continuous snow well into late summer and has become a popular mid-summer and fall affair. In the fall, the perennial snow field acts as a great base once new snow falls. The trailhead is gated and not plowed during the winter, making it otherwise unreachable via Spanish Creek as a day trip until the road opens. However, coming from Beehive Basin isn't too much added trouble for wintertime access. Your route decision should be guided purely by whether the Spanish Creek Road is open or not.

Gallatin Peak stands proudly visible from Bozeman, claiming its spot as the tallest peak in the Spanish Peaks Unit. The isolated summit guards a staggering number of quality ski descents, all of which are well worth the walk.

Another popular high point for Big Sky locals. While Middle Peak isn't an officially named USGS peak, at 10,253 ft it offers mellow skiing and excellent views to match.

Dudley Creek holds a lot of great skiing, and Peak 10,209 is no exception. This unnamed peak has two fantastic descents, all of which are only a short walk away, albeit through some dangerous terrain.

Just east of Beehive peak, this unnamed summit hosts a lot of excellent ski terrain. With a shorter-than-average approach, great views and good skiing, this has long been a favorite for many in the Big Sky area.

Dudley Creek is lined with fabulous skiing on both sides of the drainage all the way to Wilson Peak. Just a few miles from the trailhead, the southside of the drainage sports a handful of avalanche paths that are a go to powder venue for many in the Big Sky area. Don't let the easy approach fool you though, the skiing terrain is complex and will have you crossing a maze of starting zones.

When viewed from Big Sky Ski Resort, the south face of Wilson is one of the more enticing ski descents in the area, and its ease of access only adds to its allure. Your approach will vary depending on what you want to ski and your appetite for risk. Ascending via Dudley Creek is safer, while coming from the North Fork trailhead is much quicker but has you skinning up an often wind-loaded slope. However, the North Fork is the only ideal access point if you want to ski 'The Billboard'.