{"id":21,"date":"2026-01-21T02:31:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T02:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/?p=21"},"modified":"2026-02-20T02:00:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T02:00:59","slug":"montucky-clear-cut-trip-january-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/?p=21","title":{"rendered":"Montucky Clear Cut trip \u2014 January\/February 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

January 23 \u2013 February 14, 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Montucky Clearcut (MCC) was originally the anchor for this trip \u2014 a carving-focused event at Turner Mountain. When the event was canceled, the plan shifted. Instead of one destination, it became a northbound arc through Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta: ride what\u2019s good, adjust when needed, and let the road fill in the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What followed was 23 days of snow, wind, prairie miles, border crossings, community mountains, questionable signage, excellent grooming, terrible grooming, forest hikes, laundromats, and a lot of windshield time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

January 23\u201325<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colorado \u2192 Wyoming \u2192 Targhee Positioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Departed Watkins just after noon on January 23. First night was Curt Gowdy State Park \u2014 reliable, winter-open, electric hookup, predictable reset stop. Fuel at Buc-ee\u2019s in Johnstown came in cheaper than Costco that day, which was worth noting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

January 24 took the scenic route along WY-210 (Happy Jack Road), logging future camping access points: Pole Mountain, Telephone Road, Pilot Hill, Vedauwoo north access, and more. Overnighted near the New Fork River \u2014 quiet, spaced out, and worth revisiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On January 25, instead of searching for dispersed camping, I staged directly at Grand Targhee and paid for three nights in the Targhee lot. Simple, efficient, and zero guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

January 26\u201328<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grand Targhee (3 Days)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Targhee once again delivered the best overall snow and grooming of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Consistent surface quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Predictable corduroy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Excellent carving confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • No survival riding required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It set the bar early and never really got beaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    January 29\u201331<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Showdown, Montana (2 Days Riding)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A travel day north on the 29th set up two days at Showdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Showdown continues to be one of the most honest mountains around. Grooming quality was strong \u2014 likely second or third best of the trip \u2014 though their late grooming schedule tends to produce softer snow instead of firm, grippy cord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The vibe here is pure Montana:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • No flash<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • No ego<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Just functional terrain and people who like sliding on snow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      February 1\u20133<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Whitefish (2 Days Riding)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      After a travel day on February 1, Whitefish delivered the toughest conditions of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Freeze-thaw cycles combined with inconsistent grooming made Monday survival mode. Tuesday improved slightly but still felt like work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I rode with Dave Redmond, Paolo Celle, Mellen Jay, John Gibson, Carver Bolby, and a number of others from the MCC event who had diverted there after the cancellation. It was simply fun to hang out with those guys and get some laps in together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      February 4\u20136<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Eureka \u2192 Canada \u2192 Nakiska (2 Days Riding)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Spent the night before crossing in a park in Eureka. It was a bit of a gray-area situation \u2014 signage allowed tent camping but prohibited motorhome camping. No one bothered me. It was quiet, uneventful, and worked just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Crossed the border at Roosville on February 4 and drove to Nakiska, staying at Kid Mountain RV Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Nakiska was a fascinating contrast to Whitefish. The snow was similarly affected by freeze\u2013thaw cycles, but the grooming was outstanding. Surfaces were deliberate, consistent, and technical. It was demanding riding \u2014 but in a productive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      February 7\u20138<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Castle Mountain (2 Days Riding)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Castle might have been the most compelling mountain of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Community-owned. Shareholders living at the base. Dirt roads. Modest infrastructure. Color-coded lifts instead of named ones. Families everywhere. Dogs everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It felt like stepping back in time \u2014 like skiing in an era before corporate consolidation took over the industry. It reminded me of riding when I was much younger, when mountains felt independent and local and authentic. It was just awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Grooming quality was excellent. Lower elevations reflected freeze\u2013thaw conditions, but the upper mountain held up well. One groomed run on the second day hit absolute perfection \u2014 timed just right and easily one of the best single runs of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After riding the second day, I drove to Crowsnest Pass that evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      February 8\u20139<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Crowsnest Pass Reset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Two nights in Crowsnest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Morning hike into the surrounding mountains, exploring old coal mining terrain and letting the dogs roam forest trails. It was a quiet, grounding pause between bigger pushes north and south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      February 10\u201311<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Southbound Transition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Left Crowsnest and headed south, stopping at the Helena Walmart for the night \u2014 my first Walmart overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Positioned along 191 for Big Sky, and this is where the tone shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Gallatin corridor is entirely National Forest, yet there are \u201cNo Camping\u201d signs posted all over the place. It feels very much like the town or resort is trying to discourage overnight van use, even though it\u2019s public land. Meanwhile, there were plenty of vans camped along the river pullouts, in ski area lots, and in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There\u2019s a large parking lot behind Tips Up where a local told me it was perfectly legal to stay overnight. And there were absolutely tons of van-lifers and ski bums parked at the ski area itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The contrast with Castle couldn\u2019t have been sharper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Castle felt open and welcoming \u2014 like \u201ccome ride, stay if you want.\u201d
      Big Sky felt corporate \u2014 \u201cwe want your money, but we don\u2019t want to see you staying here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It\u2019s hard not to notice that difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      February 12\u201313<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Big Sky (2 Days Riding)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Big Sky is massive and rewards exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      One of the most interesting observations: Ambush lift (lower light exposure) held better snow and fewer crowds than the flashier front-facing lifts with longer lines. Sometimes the best snow hides in plain sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Rode February 12 and 13. Finished the second day, then drove roughly six hours south that evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      February 14<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Return to Watkins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Completed the final leg home on February 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Trip closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Trip Metrics<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      Total Trip Duration:<\/strong> 23 Days
      Total Ride Days:<\/strong> 14
      Travel \/ Reset Days:<\/strong> 9
      States Visited:<\/strong> Colorado, Wyoming, Montana
      Province Visited:<\/strong> Alberta
      Border Crossings:<\/strong> 1
      First-Ever Walmart Overnight:<\/strong> Helena, MT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Resort Performance Summary<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
      Resort<\/th>Days<\/th>Grooming<\/th>Snow<\/th>Terrain<\/th>Overall Impression<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Grand Targhee<\/td>3<\/td>A+<\/td>Best overall<\/td>Flowing, consistent<\/td>Benchmark mountain<\/td><\/tr>
      Showdown<\/td>2<\/td>A-<\/td>Good<\/td>Modest but fun<\/td>Honest Montana riding<\/td><\/tr>
      Whitefish<\/td>2<\/td>D<\/td>Tough<\/td>Interesting<\/td>Grooming limited experience<\/td><\/tr>
      Nakiska<\/td>2<\/td>A+<\/td>Challenging<\/td>Technical<\/td>Exceptional mountain management<\/td><\/tr>
      Castle Mountain<\/td>2<\/td>A<\/td>Mixed but strong up high<\/td>Big potential<\/td>Community mountain, old-school feel<\/td><\/tr>
      Big Sky<\/td>2<\/td>B+<\/td>Variable<\/td>Massive & complex<\/td>Strategic lift choice matters<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lessons Learned<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      Fully Refill the Water Heater After Winterizing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If I winterize by blowing out the lines, I need to fully refill and purge the water heater before I hit freezing temperatures. I ran into trouble early on because I assumed the system was fine after refilling the tank. It wasn\u2019t. Air in the lines and a partially filled heater created avoidable stress. That\u2019s now a checklist item, not an afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Ask Humans, Not Just Signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Big Sky reinforced something I keep relearning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Signage is not the full story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When a place looks unfriendly to camping, I need to ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Lift employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Locals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • People inside businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Other van campers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        The answers tell you what\u2019s tolerated, what\u2019s enforced, and what the culture actually is. They also tell you which towns and businesses I\u2019d want to return to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Castle felt open and welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Big Sky felt like it wanted my lift ticket but not my van in view \u2014 even though the land along 191 is National Forest. The contrast was striking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Down Days Matter More Than I Think<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        On the December trip, I built in more stationary days. This time, I mostly rotated between driving and riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The only real down days came at Crowsnest Pass \u2014 and those ended up being some of the best days of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hiking. Dogs running. No lift lines. No logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        That rhythm shift made everything feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        On longer trips, I need to intentionally schedule decompression days. They\u2019re not wasted time \u2014 they\u2019re part of the trip working properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Grooming Quality Can Override Snow Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        This trip made that lesson very clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Whitefish had difficult snow and poor grooming.
        Nakiska had difficult snow and excellent grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The difference in experience was massive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Snow matters. But mountain management matters just as much. I\u2019ve started evaluating resorts less by snowfall totals and more by how they manage what they have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Efficiency Is Sometimes the Right Call<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        I paid to stay in the Targhee lot instead of chasing dispersed camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I stayed at a Walmart instead of hunting for something prettier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I went back to the same laundromat in Great Falls multiple times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Not every night needs to be romantic. Sometimes the right move is the one that makes tomorrow easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Border Crossings Require More Than I Think<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The crossings themselves were smooth \u2014 I knew what to expect from December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But returning to the U.S., there\u2019s now an additional CDC dog import form requirement beyond just vaccine records. It wasn\u2019t requested this time, but it could have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        That\u2019s another checklist item going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        The Dogs Are the Trip Barometer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        When the dogs get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Forest time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • River access<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Off-leash movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Social time with other dogs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          The trip feels better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When it\u2019s drive \u2192 ride \u2192 drive \u2192 ride without much roam time, the energy tightens up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Their behavior reflects the rhythm of the trip better than anything else.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          January 23 \u2013 February 14, 2026 Montucky Clearcut (MCC) was originally the anchor for this trip \u2014 a carving-focused event at Turner Mountain. When the event was canceled, the plan shifted. Instead of one destination, it became a northbound arc through Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta: ride what\u2019s good, adjust when needed, and let the road […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-log"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21\/revisions\/57"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}