Stats:

Elevation Gain: 2935 Start: 6766       Summit: 9701 Area:    Smoky Mountains Difficulty Rating: Moderate Estimated tour time: 3-5 hours Map: Easely Hot Springs USGS 7.5 Summary: Butterfield is a great introductory ski tour for new back country skiers and for those days when avalanche hazards are high. Due to the low angle and tree skiing this is a good option for a safe route. Always check with the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for the latest report before heading out.

The Tour :

Drive on Hwy 75 north of Ketchum 15 miles until you see a cabin off to the right, before Prairie Creek This is called Russian John on the map and is a Forest Service cabin, make a U-turn and park in the turn out on the west side of the road (check our Backcountry Skiing Trailhead Locator).

Butterfield is the obvious mountain due west. At this point this is where you begin skinning up a very gradual incline through an open meadow until one gains the obvious ridge on your right. Follow the ridge to a large flat bench. From here one can either ski back down open glade skiing skiers right from the up-track or continue to the summit. There are great views of the Boulders across the valley!