Mount Blackmore - North Ridge

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Park at Hyalite reservoir and make your way into the woods to follow the Mount Blackmore trail. Climb up and over the first ridge, then descend toward Blackmore Lake (no need to take off skins nor for splitboards to transition).

From the lake continue along the trail that follows Blackmore Creek as it steepens towards its headwaters. Climb uphill through trees until you come to the first plateau in the drainage. If you need water, there is a seep in this clearing immediate skiers-right of the trail.

Climb the remaining headwall to come to the wide open ski and snowboard wonderland that is Mount Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. Two up routes exist but this write-up is for the skiers-right access to the low shoulder that makes up the North Ridge of Mount Blackmore. Switchback through the trees located skiers-right of the obvious open powder fields to gain the ridge.

Once on the ridge powder hounds can opt to drop in immediately and lap the intermediate powder fields or continue upward to the summit proper. The summit can sometimes be gained by skinning, but conditions sometimes warrant a bootpack. Take in the views, maybe enjoy a cheeseburger, then gather your gear, check your partner and drop in.