Contributed trip Leader Mark Waters.  Photos by Cathy Biber

Our trip up to the top of Vista Butte followed the beginners loop trail from Swampy Sno Park up to the Ridge Loop trail junction then to the top. Conditions were excellent with the deposit of several inches of new snow even beyond the snow conditions I found skiing the same route on Wednesday.
Seven Nordic club members participated on this trip consisting of 6.3 miles and just shy of 1000 feet elevation gain. All took a short lunch break on the top and a couple skiers took to skiing a quick run down the east open bowl off the top.
One skier (new to the Nordic club) didn’t notice the equipment requirement of ski minimum of 68mm width with metal edges and a substantial boot/biding combo and brought a very light touring setup. This person was able to complete the tour without serious incidence but did struggle even with their extensive alpine skiing background. The moral is please read the equipment requirements for posted trip.