Bitterroot Range ski routes - Montana
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Canyon Creek
With an arduous approach and limited skiing, Canyon Creek isn't my favorite drainage, but the canyon sits just high enough to make the approach more reasonable in meager snow years, and the upper drainage harbors extensive quality skiing.
Driving Directions and Access: The Canyon Creek road takes off from the Blodgett road, about two miles before the trailhead. The Canyon Creek road is hit or miss for driving in winter. The road is plowed for about a mile past the Blodgett turnoff. From there, one can normally drive to at least the first switchback. Take note that the trailhead has a poor turnaround and is shaded. If in doubt, consider parking at one of the large turnouts on the road where it turns west about a quarter mile before the trailhead. The trail undulates for the entirety of its torturous duration, so bring some extra morale. Plan three hours minimum to get to Canyon Lake
Skiing: During average to high snow years, Downing peak proper can be accessed via a boulder field just past the Wilderness Boundary. Further up canyon, one can nose through a low band of cliffs, climb to Romney creek, and ski one of several runs North toward Blodgett creek off of points 8,002 or 8,685. There is a lot of excellent skiing on the moderate slopes above Canyon and Wyatt lakes. The South face of Canyon peak is a Bitterroot classic. It drops directly from near the summit all the way down to Sawtooth Creek. It is also a major avalanche performer. Although the South face is in the Sawtooth Creek drainage, the recommended access is up Canyon Creek. From Wyatt lake, climb to the obvious col on the Canyon/Sawtooth divide, which is often guarded by a massive cornice. From the col, rip skins and traverse to the South face. Climb as high as you dare, ski as far as you like, and reverse the route to exit.
 | | The South face of Canyon peak from near the base of the ski run. |
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