3/10/2013 6:53:00 PM
SUNSHINE, GREAT COMPANY, wildlife and an endless trail system seem to highlight the Nordic skiing around Yellowstone National Park (YNP). With numerous options for places to ski from Rendezvous to the trail systems in and around the park, you have miles (kilometers if you’re true Nordic skier) of trail to keep you and your friends busy for days and days or as quick way to take in some of the other activies offered around the resort.
Even with a late start leaving Big Sky, my girlfriend Kari and I set out for our adventure to YNP. Enjoying the scenic drive through the park boundaries, wildlife and mountain ranges seem to be a given no matter the day. Catching a glimpse of a Coyote, heard of Elk, and a few Big Horn sheep, the drive alone made the trip worthwhile.
Arriving at Freeheel and Wheel around 1pm, we still had plenty of daylight to rent a pair of classic skis for myself and venture out to the Riverside Trail. Skiing along with the entire groomed trail to ourselves, we had plenty of time to take in all our surroundings.
First stopping at a quick pull off by the river, Kari and I took the time to sit and chat while taking in the breathtaking views. With the Taylor Hilgards in the background and the relaxing sounds of the river trickling past us, we quietly rested and soaked it all in. Just before we left, we spotted a small red fox that seemed to be checking us out, wondering why we were hanging out at his special spot.
Venturing further down river to a second and nearly equally as scenic pullout, we once again took the opportunity to rest and enjoy each other’s company. Spotting animal tracks along the other side of the river that resembled Elk tracks, we figured we must have just missed him/her so we set our sights for the trailhead and eventually Freeheel and Wheel.
The beautiful scenery and an opportunity to experience a few of Montana’s many wonders made for an outstanding day.
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: montana, nordic skiing, yellowstone national park, ynp, yellowstone, big sky, fox, elk, big horn sheep, freeheel and wheel, west yellowstone,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Yellowstone | General
3/6/2013 10:07:00 PM
WHEN IT COMES to conquering mountains, Lone Peak is one hell of a monster to take on. Whether you’re tackling on the steeps of Challenger or the high alpine exposed terrain from atop Lone Mountain’s 11,166 ft. summit, Big Sky is sure to challenge. So when my friend Johnny who was visiting said he was up to task, I gladly agreed to show him the ins and outs of what makes Big Sky BIG.
Day 1: Having never skied off the summit we first tackled Liberty Bowl. While the peak was socked in, we navigated our way through the snow fences and straight to the gut. I informed him to follow the green dots down and to use them as a point of reference. The powder was deep and after reconvening at the bottom, I knew Johnny was thrilled by his trademark large grin. We ventured on to the base and finished our day poking around the lower mountain in the trees chasing powder.
Day 2: Having had a taste of what Lone Peak offered, Johnny wanted more. Since he had already checked off Marx with another friend of ours the day before, we decided the best next step would be to take on Lenin. While offering the same southern aspect as Marx, Lenin is steeper with a bit more of a pinch than what most vacationing skiers are used to, but that didn’t stop Johnny. He confidently took it on as if we were skiing Mr. K and once again show up at the bottom (maybe a bit more out of breath than other Mr. K) with another huge grin.
Final Day: Still wanting more, Johnny requested that we seek the peak once again in hopes of checking off one more steep, technical run. After having seen the Dictators while skiing Lenin a few days prior, we set our sights on D1. With a storm quickly moving in, we headed straight for the tram. Traversing from the top of Lenin we made our way to the top D1. Looking down the rock walled run we pointed our tips downhill and went for it. Johnny precisely navigated his way down and we met up just above the traverse to Lenin. Pole taps/high fives were a given and of course Johnny’s smile accompanied them.
We next ventured to Challenger to check off the final steeps that Johnny hadn’t skied yet. Once again Johnny killed and we headed for the base. Sending Johnny on his way wishing him safe travels back to LA, we exchanged hugs, a few fist bumps, and of course the plan to take on the rest of the peak next year.
Interested in checking out some of these great spots? Look into the mountain guide program offered through Mountain Sports School.
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, powder, liberty bowl, face-shots, dictators, marx, lenin, conquering steeps, challenger, challenging skiing,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Snowsports
3/3/2013 2:48:00 PM
Skier: Dan Herby Photo: Freeride Media
CONSISTENT SNOWFALL, FREE refills and good friends have made for an amazing few weeks here at Big Sky Resort. Whether it’s a fresh 6 inches overnight or a bluebird day with knee deep recirculated powder, the mountain has been skiing great.
While entertaining Freeride Media earlier this week, we were treated to soft snow off the peak and a bluebird day to remember. Joined by skiing legends and a stellar film crew that not only can shoot but also rip, we roamed the mountain in search of the perfect shots. Finding excellent steeps through the Dictators off the Tram and fantastic gladed shots in Dude Park off the Shedhorn lift, we compiled a ton of footage that’s sure to please.
Interested in checking out some of these great spots? Look into the mountain guide program offered through Mountain Sports School. Or if you want to see more of these great photos here are 2 albums from their visit: Day 1, Day 2.
-Kipp Proctor
Skier: Desiree' Leipham Photo: Freeride Media
Skier: Scott Evans Photo: Freeride Media
Skiers: Dan Herby and Dan Egan Photo: Freeride Media
Skier: Tommy Frey Photo: Freeride Media
Skier: Kipp Proctor Photo: Freeride Media
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, lone peak tram, shedhorn, dictators, skiing legends, freeride media, consistent snowfall, dan egan, dan herby, powder, fresh snow, bluebird,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
2/27/2013 6:02:00 PM
Ski trips can be rather daunting; between the travel time, lesson sign up and gear gathering, honestly, I cannot understand how people have the energy to ski. As a ski instructor at Big Sky, one of the main pieces of equipment commonly over looked is ski boots. People get rental gear, not quite certain on how boots should fit and head out on to the hill. Here are a few tips on picking boots and what to look for.
First, ski boots should fit snug, not to the point the foot falls asleep or cuts off the circulation, but so the foot does not move around inside the boot, this can affect performance. The boot should feel snug around the foot conforming to the heel, arch and toes. There should be absolutely no lateral movement in the foot and the cuff should be tight around the lower shin allowing for limited range of motion in the ankle.
Finding good rental boots can be challenging. Obviously, rental boots are made to fit a wide variety of people. If you ski two or three days in a year, rental boots are the way to go; but if you come out and ski a least a week every year purchasing boots can be beneficial to both fit and skiing performance. It is the constant in your ski trip and familiar. It can also help streamline a trip if you just need skis and poles.
Bottom line, ski boots are the most important piece of ski equipment so whether you are renting or buying take the information above into consideration . Use the resources at the resort and if taking a lesson, instructors will more than likely take a look at your foot wear. If they don’t, ask for their advice.
I am Brenna Kelleher and that’s the way I ski it!
-Brenna Kelleher
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, bootfitting, boot fitting, ski instructing, bootfitter, big sky sports, good fitting boots,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Snowsports | General
2/23/2013 6:23:00 PM
BEATING EARLY UPS is a hard thing to do; especially on a powder day. Saturday, luck was in my favor when I was invited along by extreme skiing legend Dan Egan and his Steep Camp for the special opportunity to get first tracks through the Big Couloir with a few eager and fearless first timers.
Put on by the resort’s First Tracks program, we skied the lower mountain off Andesite until 8:45 before heading for the Tram. The fresh snow from overnight was super fluffy and provided a great opportunity to warm up and get our legs under us.
Once warmed up we set sail on Swifty and headed to the Peak. After checking in with Ski Patrol Director Jimbo Humphries and a quick safety talk with Ryan Ayers, we clipped into our skis and ventured around the back of the peak to the entrance of the Big. From the top, we sent groups of 2 down the resort’s most illustrious run. The deep snow that had filled in the Big from the previous few days was unbelievable and was an experience that the group participants (Leslie, Mike, and Scott) were stoked to check off.
After skiing the technical top section, I veered out of the Big Couloir proper and headed for the Secret. Thigh deep fluff awaited me as I dove into my first turn, and every turn thereafter until just above the Cue Ball. Reconvening with our group just above the Triple, we exchanged high fives and pole taps after giving everyone a BIG congratulations.
Live big, play hard: BIG SKY.
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, dan egan, powder, early ups, first tracks, big couloir, ski clinics,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Snowsports
2/19/2013 2:55:00 PM
Big Sky base area vs. Vail
WHEN I GO SKIING I want to ski. Busy trails and endless lift lines seem to always come to mind when planning a trip over a holiday weekend; unless you’re skiing Big Sky Resort. We’re not kidding when we boast about our nonexistent lift lines and the 3,832 acres of nearly private skiing.
Whether you’re a long time local or guest, it’s hard to complain when you take into account what other resorts in the Rockies experience (Vail for example) during high traffic periods. Even with one of our busiest years to date, lift lines at the base area have remained sub 10 minutes and are more often than not walk-on/ski-on. They’re also an added blessing when they fall on weekends (like this last one) that deliver over 16 inches of fresh snow and all you want is get back up top to make another lap. I'd gladly pass on fighting Vail's crowds and helplessly watching my favorite line getting poached.
Short waits and long laps; Big Sky is the ticket.
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, short lift lines, long laps, lift lines, vail, busy resorts,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
2/12/2013 6:01:00 PM
MAGICAL LONE PEAK was at it again over this past weekend picking up more than just a few additional sneaky inches that were reported at the base. That’s right, Big Sky’s angry inch was at it again and those who sought out the peak were generously rewarded.
While it stormed all day and the visibility was somewhat poor, the snow was great. Despite the fact we correctly reported 7-8 inches around the base and mid-mountain, Lone Peak was once again a different world. My first tram lap down the dictators at 11:30 was one of the deepest runs of the day at thigh deep. Nearly every turn through D2 buried me under a cloud of fresh Montana cold smoke. Lone Peak wasn't the only exception with great turns to be had across the mountain. Dakota/Shedhorn in particular provided their usual private skiing experience with fresh tracks to be had still at 3:00pm.
Good friends, deep powder, and magical Lone Peak once again made for another epic ski day.
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, powder,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
2/8/2013 8:20:00 PM
Photo Credit: Vladimir Barabanov
SURE, EVERYBODY LOVES a powder day but the real skiing that locals at Big Sky secretly fiend for and is difficult to explain, is the wind buffed conditions found on our high alpine, above tree line slopes. The creamy, hero snow found on the Peak after a good dose of wind grooming produces an experience like no other resort around.
Ask any long time local what’s possibly better than a powder day and the unanimous answer will always be a beautiful wind buffed day off the Tram. The hero conditions make any avid skier fall in love all over. Being able to rip a wide open run such as Lenin or Marx as if it were a groomer off Southern Comfort is like nothing else. Any skeptic will be convinced once they dive into their skis, feel their edge sink deep and are reward with the confidence that they can arc a turn at any angle they wish.
So seek the Peak and arc some epic turns!
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, technical terrain, tram, lone peak, wind buffed,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
