G Spot is one of the most popular backcountry ski zones in the Lolo Pass area (which means you might see at most a few other parties). It's very straightforward, and while there isn't too much steep terrain, there are a ton of great pillows for getting air. It's also easy to do quick 500' laps. If you're a Missoula-area skier, this is a go-to run for a casual day out.
A disclaimer on this description and included GPX track - this line was skied on a single day with certain snow and avalanche conditions. The track described is a reasonable way to move through this terrain, and the description below mentions some of the hazards found during the trip. However, conditions may be significantly different when you visit this area. The advice in this trip report is not meant to be followed perfectly - you will need to adapt the route for the conditions you find and for your party’s abilities.
The Basics
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Seasonality/Snow: Depending on the snowpack, G Spot can be skied from December to April, though the lower slopes will get pretty melted out by April.
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Snow Stability: This tour travels through avalanche terrain so be sure to check Missoula Avalanche Center (our local avalanche center) before heading out. In addition, take the time to assess stability along your route - does your assessment line up with the forecast?
The Equipment
Depending on when you’re going and what the snow is like, you’ll need some equipment to keep having fun. There are the obvious ones, including your backcountry ski/splitboarding setup, personal safety gear (helmets, goggles, medkit, etc.), and appropriate layers to keep yourself warm and dry. And there’s the additional gear:
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Traction: The lower ridge is pretty steep, if you've got ski crampons you'll probably be thankful for them, especially if it's icy at all.
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Radios: Radios are becoming more and more common in the backcountry skiing world, as they dramatically improve communication and safety.
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GPS/Navigation: This route is pretty obvious, but having a GPS loaded with your route is always a good idea.
The Trip
The Approach
Park at the pullout on the left (as you're driving from Missoula toward Lolo Pass) and cross the road, then head 700' over to the fire road. Just before the road curves left, head up to the ridgeline - there's almost always a skin track here. If it's late season, you may need to follow the road to 4,750' before heading up the north slopes to the ridge.
Once on the broad ridge, head southwest up the steep skin track. At 5,000', you'll reach a fire road, where the skin track becomes lower angle. Continue up broader slopes up through trees to 6,200'.
The Skiing
There are several different options. For a more adventurous tour, you can continue along the ridgeline toward Crystal Amphitheatre, but most people will ski the bowls to the east or south. It's easy to lap the top 500'.
Once you're ready to return to your car, head down, keeping track of the fire roads (you don't want to descend too far). In midwinter, enjoy the lower slopes down to the lower fire road (at around 4800') to the start of the ridgeline. If there's less snow, you'll want to head skiers right along the higher road (at around 5100') to the ridgeline, then descend the alongside the skin track back down to Highway 12!
Participate in your backcountry community!
Please consider submitting an observation to Missoula Avalanche after your trip, describing the travel conditions and snow stability you found! Submitting snow observations and writing trip reports on forums are great ways to contribute to the community and improve avalanche forecasts. It's also incredibly valuable to read the local observations and trip reports written by others, as they'll help keep you updated on what the mountains are doing on a day-to-day basis. This will help determine whether you have a fun time next time you get out!
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