Catch a Fire

No way around the fact that Glacier Peak is one of the rowdiest mountains for steep skiing. There are a ton of cutting edge skiing routes on it. The narrowest and tightest couloir with huge overhanging walls is named “Catch a Fire”. It doesn’t run off the summit, or anywhere near it, it tops out in a tiny col, but doesn’t diminish this line at all. The turns off the top are legit 50 degrees and did I mention it’s narrow also? It widens enough to make for easier and easier going as it continues gouging itself down the mountain. The lower section is just nice 40 degree skiing with more room to operate.

This is a long one! It’s best to use a snowmobile or pay to get a bump out there, some of the local guide services offer this up. From the town of Cooke City head west on 212 for a few miles then hang a left on the well used sawmill road out to Goose Lake where the wilderness boundary begins and it’s time to ditch the machines and strap on the skins. Cross Goose Lake and head for the pass north of Iceberg Peak. From here you’ll get a great view of the west face of Glacier Peak, trend towards it and down canyon, you’re aiming for the valley to the north. Wrap around and up into this cool drainage, this is a great spot to camp and get to work on your steep skiing.

Long approach, snowmobiles required

This would be a huge single day push, it’s best to spend a night or two and since you’re in the neighborhood you might as well ski The Patriarch and the Chouinard Couloir.