Jeff Schmerker
Hitting the Pillow Line
The Crystal Theater is one of the most popular backcountry destinations for skiers in west-central Montana. Crystal Theater is a compact drainage just north of Lolo Pass and on the west side of U.S. 12. (The main trailhead is the plow lot on the west side of the road at the sign stating ‘Visitors Center 1 mile’.) From the trailhead, a short climb through thinned timber leads to a semi-open slope which gives an overview of the terrain. To the further west is the Pillow Line, while directly to the north is Cock Rock. Smaller and somewhat steeper runs can be found further up the drainage, mostly on the south and east faces.
Read more