Off-Trail Exploring
The Black Mountain Nordic snow trails are the best groomed trails around. Did you realize that they can also access excellent off-trail skiing? Off-trail exploration can provide enjoyable flat trekking along with the opportunity to cut some exciting downhill curves while you discover new places.
Some of the best off-trail and backcountry snow comes later in the season with a good, deep, firm snow base. April and even into May can bring some great skiing with the arrival of cold fronts and snowstorms dumping nice powder on the Bighorns.
Some of the best off-trail and backcountry snow comes later in the season with a good deep, firm snow base.
Early in the season, and in winters with below-average snow depth like this one, skiers need to watch for off-trail obstacles like downed trees, rocks, and hidden debris. With a good, deep base laid down, most of these obstacles can be avoided. Always be watchful and cautious in choosing your off-trail routes. Skiing with a partner increases safety and makes it more fun!
Depending on snow conditions and skier ability, gear can be as simple as a traditional trail ski or a good snowshoe. If you want to get more aggressive on boards, move up to wider skis designed for off-trail, backcountry, or telemarking. Start with short diversions from the groomed trail and get a feel for it.
Mind your directional bearings when off-trail. There are no installed markers, just natural landmarks you should locate before setting out. Having a compass or dependable orienteering app on your device can be very helpful, especially if you get carried away by the peaceful off-trail experience. You can usually follow your tracks back out, but high winds and heavy snows can come up unexpectedly, filling those tracks. Being weather-aware is always smart.
Backcountry travelers should always be observant of avalanche activity. Thirty-degree-plus slopes and unstable snow layers can signal danger for backcountry travelers. However, at the Cutler Hill and Sibley Lake areas these hazards are much less a threat than in other areas of the Bighorn outback (Snow Bowl across from AB, Salt Creek drainage, Clouds Peak Wilderness, etc.).
Off-trail and backcountry skiing can offer great wildlife-viewing opportunities for critters small and large, furred and feathered. Snowshoe hares, winter birds, squirrels, weasels, coyotes, and the occasional bobcat are all local residents. Blue grouse may explode from their cozy snow burrows, or a moose may cross your path during your winter trekking. It’s helpful to have a reference book for animal tracks (Peterson Field Guide, Animal Tracks, by Olaus Murie is a good one).
Off-trail trekking, whether on skis or snowshoes, adds another dimension to outdoor winter fun and the excellent groomed trails offered by Black Mountain Nordic. As the days grow longer, get out there and give it a try!
– Ol’ 3 Pin
