Cooke City, Montana: Sled/Kite/Skiing Adventures

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

We had three awesome days of high mountain adventure in the northern Absaroka Mountains above Cooke City last weekend. All three days were spent sledding around, learning the terrain and finding the choicest spots to kite. With a well known and clearly defined Wilderness Area nearby, it was important not to cross the line and ride in the non-motorized area. Kites are o.k. though, right? No matter, with eight inches of fresh snow atop a 100” base it was easy for us to have fun.

We got in some kiting and some skiing and thoroughly explored the boundaries of the sled-friendly, non-Wilderness area north of Daisy and Lulu Passes. Being so close to Yellowstone National Park and the vast Beartooth Mountains, there is so much wild land here that one can easily get screwed if the weather socks in and ruins visibility. A solid knowledge of the lay of the land is critical for safe recreation in these high mountains. While avalanche potential was low last weekend, this is serious terrain. Avalanches here are frequent and every year skiers and sledders are buried. Occasionally someone dies because they did not pay the needed respect for being in this alpine environment.

Among the spectacular peaks of this wild range we found enormous potential for future high-wind excursions. For me, one of the biggest appeals to snowkiting is riding in stunning terrain in the high mountains. This area has that draw. I know I’ll be back.

See ya out there,

Noah

Nak · Sun May 03, 09 9:24 am

Wow. Very cool. Thanks for sharing this!

Bettyboarder · Sun May 03, 09 9:30 am

Looks sick!

Onad · Sun May 03, 09 5:31 pm

Butterrrrrrrr....... Thumb's Up

Onad · Sun May 03, 09 5:33 pm

Butterrrrrrrr....... Thumb's Up