run, snowshoe, run Mt Helena Ridge

[mtwarden]

Helena Ridge out and back is one of my favorite long training runs- it has plenty of ascent/descent, but for the most part stays very close to the ridge line offering up some nice views. This time of year, once you get past 2-3 miles you pretty much have the trail to yourself, today was no exception. Running conditions were very challenging- first couple of miles snow packed and icy which with microspikes isn't a problem. The problems came when I got to the top of the ridge line; first problem was we had a major wind storm yesterday gusts to 60 mph (sustained winds in the 30-40 mph range) and anywhere the trail got too close to the ridge top it blew in a lot of snow-I was often postholing in over my knees. The distances of these snowdrifts were short enough it wasn't worth strapping on snowshoes, but taxing nonetheless. Second problem was the elk are all over this ridge and left the trail with deep holes (when it was thawing) now frozen- this was also very taxing.

Microspikes rule ice and snowpack.

This is where you first hit the ridge proper, 6 miles to go to the turnaround

My Osprey Rev 6 pack w/ Atlas running snowshoes, stopped for a little break here as I saw a 1/2 dozen elk below the trail- they wouldn't cooperate for a photo though

Looking into the Helena valley

after this short downhill, the snow got deep enough I had to switch to snowshoes

end of the ridge and turnaround spot

all in all, a great training run/snowshoe/run

thanks for reading

 

[jmh33]

NICE pics!!! Gotta sneak up on those elk!! Thanks for posting!! John :thumbup:

 

[fishiker]

I picked up a pair of snowshoes several years ago. After one hike I had a new found respect for the people who wear them out of necessity not for sport. I get to use them a few times each winter if I'm lucky and it doesn't take many uphill minutes to start to feel the burn in my legs. Great pics, thanks for sharing.

 

[mtwarden]

thanks gents!

^snowshoeing will most certainly burn a calorie or two