September 10, 2017, Flett/Russell conditions

Didn't ski, opting instead to show a non-skier friend new vantages on the mountain, rewarding in its own way.

Photo shows the lowest elevation at which snow exists on the main Flett line. The creekbed snow finger that normally descends deep into Spray Park is long gone.

Extended skiing is possible on the Russell, but requires the comfort and experience necessary for glacial travel, as it is more open than I've ever seen it. Skier's left Flett routes are starting to break up, too. First time I've seen that happen.

Snow surface began to corn on northerly aspects at about 3pm. Microspikes worked great on our way up and down the refrozen snow. Choose slope angle/aspect carefully -- it's not worth trading the winter to come for a few extra turns on last year's leftovers.

We returned via Knapsack Pass, a loop I hadn't before linked. The easy ride for a skier is along the Spray Park trail, not over the pass.