Black Beauty

noah · Since 19 Oct 2006 173 Posts Bozeman, Montana Stoked

It is a long way to even get a glimpse of her monolithic rock walls. Thirty miles from the nearest paved road, Black Butte Mountain is an iconic plug of volcanic rock that rises dramatically from the rolling alpine meadows of Montana’s Gravelly Range. However, even though Black Butte dominates the surrounding hills, catching a glimpse of her dark basalt walls is rare. She is isolated and remote. Until one comes right to her flanks, she is elusive.

We have kited in the Gravelly Range many times. We have scouted suitable kite spots during the summer and autumn. We have spent a lot of time in these hills. However, we have never made the trek to Black Butte’s windward west side. Given the lay of the land and the prevailing wind, the west side of Black Butte seemed like an awesome snowkite spot and so, we had to go!

My friend Archer, an always ready kite partner, and I loaded our snowmobiles with kites and skis and set off from the highway in search of fresh powder and clean wind on the flanks of Black Butte. Thirty miles of snowmobiling took us from the banks of the Madison River and upwards 4000 feet to where we hoped to launch our kites and rip deep powder. Right away we knew it would be an epic day as there was fresh snow everywhere on our route in. Tracks of elk and moose lined the road and we were even treated with a close-up view of a big bull moose on our ride in that morning. Moose are always exciting!

Upon arriving at the crest of the Gravellys we got our day’s first view of Black Butte. Rimed with wind-driven snow, her dark walls seemed even more cold and forbidding. We talked ahead of time about the avalanche hazard and the technical route in to the kite spot. This year our snowpack is as fragile as it gets and the avy hazard is considerable. Natural and skier caused avalanches have been plaguing the region. We had to be careful. Using maps and GPS we left the main route and followed likely landmarks towards our goal. We had a couple false leads but good visibility made sled ride in mostly uneventful. I only got stuck a couple times. Snowmobiling, like kiting, is a team sport and it is imperative to have a partner with a strong back.

Our arrival on the west side of Black Butte was thrilling. Once there we did a little exploring on the sleds, ripped up some deep powder in the trees, ate a little food, and then, the moment we had come for: We kited! The west slopes of Black Butte had decent snow cover and moderate wind. Our 12m Mantas provided the power we needed to range from the lower tree line (where the snow was very deep) to the Black Butte’s uppermost flanks (where the snow was thin and rocky).

Everywhere we kited we had an immense view of the nearby Snowcrest Range and the looming rock of Black Butte above. We found the best wind was directly along the northwest ridge of the Butte and that was where we spent most of our time. We kited until sunset and rode our sleds out in the dark of night. We were content with the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from a day spent kiting in high mountains.

The solitude and expansive slopes offered by the Gravelly Mountains make for perfect backcountry terrain for snowkiting. One can find easy meadows and steep mountainous terrain at numerous locations within the Gravellys. It is a unique and special place to us and for any kiters that come after us, have fun, be safe, thanks for reading and see ya out there.

Noah

Onad · Wed Dec 23, 09 2:05 pm

Chooch · Wed Dec 23, 09 2:30 pm

Amazing!

Thanks for posting Noah Cool

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

Glorius.

kuips · Since 19 Mar 2009 95 Posts white salmon Â

I want some of that.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Very cool

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

Wow. Wish I could hit that. Instead, I'll have to settle for aa black butte porter.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

I'd hit it.