The Way I Ski It: Big Sky Resort's Blog

THE ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN is not only a final reminder that warm weather is on the way out and winter is right around the corner, but it's also another one of the many reasons Montanans proudly boast that Montana is the “Last Best Place.” In addition to fly fishing, day hikes, and all-around outdoor fun; here are a few other ideas to get you outside enjoying the Big Sky State.

Horseback Riding – Fall is an amazing time of year to saddle up a horse and explore some of Montana’s remote wilderness areas. With miles upon miles of trail to cover there is nearly no limit to the amount of country you can take in. Here in Big Sky there are quite a few quality outfitters and ranches that offer a wide array of trail ride options from short 2 hour rides to longer full day and overnight pack trips. A few notable ones in the area are 320 Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Jakes Horses. Using an outfitter like 320 Ranch is a great way to take advantage of Montana’s beauty since their guided rides take you to secluded destinations like Ramshorn Lake (picture below). Add a few cowboys/cowgirls as your guides and you’re sure to be thoroughly entertained.

Football – While beautiful fall foliage and autumn go hand in hand, autumn for many marks the beginning of football season, tailgating, and cool weather fun. With 2 major in-state rivals just 3 hours apart, you’re sure to find a great game most any Saturday during the fall. The Montana State Bobcats located in beautiful Bozeman, MT (currently ranked #2 in the country in FCS rankings), have the reputation of being ferocious competitors. Further west down I-90, the University of Montana Grizzlies call Missoula home. Touting recent conference titles, the Grizzlies are a perennial powerhouse which always adds a little something extra to the annual in-state rivalry game “Cat/Griz” at the end of every season. This year the Grizzlies are hosting the matchup on November 17th, so watch out if you’re in Missoula that weekend, it can get pretty crazy.

Mountain Biking – The arrival of cooler temps and morning frosts, autumn is a spectacular time of year to get out on your bike and explore some of Montana’s amazing trails. When hitting the trails in the fall you’ll benefit from the cool crisp air and tacky trails on the descent. Don’t worry if the uphill pedaling part is a slight deterrent; Big Sky Resort has you covered with miles of lift accessed downhill mountain biking to keep you occupied for days. But if cross-country riding is your cup of tea, check in with a local shop like Big Sky Sports for tips on what trails are riding well or for an assortment of great maps detailing different rides in the area. And if you’re looking to end your season on a strong note, there are quite a few longer rides in the area to meet your needs. 320 Ranch to Porcupine Creek is an amazing 16 mile shuttle ride that takes you deep into the backcountry and offers not only an amazing destination, Ramshorn Lake (as mentioned above), but over 7 miles of unbelievable downhill single track that will have you planning your return as soon as you finish.

-Kipp Proctor 

MONTANA'S FALL FAVORITES are in full swing with the arrival of autumn and cooler temps. Fly fishing, day hikes, and all-around outdoor fun should be on everyone’s agenda. So here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite fall activities.

Fly Fishing – When the weather cools down and the rivers clear up, there’s no better time to get out on the water and cast a few flies. Fall is arguably the best time of year to head to your local river or embark on a short trip to a nearby river destination, according to many guides in the area. The fish are more active in the cool waters plus you're less likely to bump into other anglers out on the water with the busy tourism months behind us. In addition to the increased likelihood of landing a big hog; the crisp fall air and gorgeous Montana landscape make getting out for a good fly fishing session a guaranteed pleasure.

Day Hike – A favorite activity for most all Montanans and visitors; a scenic day hike on one of our beautiful mountain trails offers the opportunity to take in some of the magnificent fall beauty across the Big Sky state. But the beautiful fall foliage isn’t all there is to take in. Catch a glimpse of a bull moose or a heard of elk as the graze on the mountain side but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bears since they usually don’t begin to hibernate until after the first snow and the temperature really drops. Some notable hikes to check out in the area would be Lava Lake in Gallatin Canyon, Ousel Falls in Big Sky, or summit Lone Peak and take in the view of 3 states along with countless peaks in the greater Big Sky area.

Basecamp to Yellowstone – Don’t get caught thinking that Big Sky Resort only offers world class skiing and an amazing spa to escape to and relax in; because Basecamp to Yellowstone is sure to have an activity to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a fun competitive family outing on the Paintball course, high speed fun on the Zipline canopy tour, or the scenic and exciting Lone Peak Tram Expedition; Basecamp has you covered. Located right at the base of Big Sky Resort, Basecamp offers a full menu of great family fun. With just a few weeks remaining until the resort closes for the summer season, there’s no better time to book an activity. Contact Basecamp at 995-5769 to book a fun adventure or to hear about all they have to offer.

For more ideas on fun fall activities around Big Sky, check back next week for another quick list and a few more ideas to check off your fall lists. There’s always something fun to do around Big Sky Resort and we’ve got you covered. Happy fall frolicking!

-Kipp Proctor 

YESTERDAY I WENT on an expedition to the top of an 11,166-foot peak.  Lone Peak, to be specific, on the inaugural Lone Peak Expedition: Tram to the Top.  It’s the first time the tram has run in the summertime, and while, granted, you don’t get to ski down, the trip up might just be (gasp!) an even cooler experience than riding in winter.

We started at 9am under clear blue skies in the Mountain Village.  A lift, safari vehicle, and tram ride later, we were peering all the way over to the Tetons.  We even spotted a fox, a deer, and a family of mountain goats along the way.  But don’t take my word for how beautiful and rugged it was – all you have to do it check out the photos.

-  Greer

A PRIMAL SCREAM resounded through the Mountain Village – a high pitched, deafening noise that could only have come from the deepest place within the gut of a truly terrified beast.

Oh my gosh – was that… me?!  Shocked, I realized the sound had escaped from my own throat without my permission.  But as soon as it came out, the scream transitioned into a whoop of joy and a wild laugh –I had just leapt from a 25-foot high platform, but instead of hitting the ground, I was swinging 60 feet out over Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village. 

It was one of the inaugural rides on the opening day of Big Sky Resort’s new Giant Swing.  Strapped into a harness and helmet, I climbed up to a tall platform with fellow Big Sky daredevils Katie Grice and Margo Humphries, joking about being nervous as we went.

But as each of us took our turn sitting on the platform ledge before our swing, the jokes didn’t seem so funny, and the nervousness turned startlingly real.  Margo screamed several times in anticipation of the swing, and Katie yelled “Oh my gosh – this is scary!  I’m not sure I want to do this anymore!”  I clung to our guide’s leg, afraid I would get pulled off the ledge prematurely. 

And then it was time for take-off.  Suddenly I was launching off the platform, falling through the air, and screaming at the top of my lungs before catching, flying through the air, and laughing and hollering.   Soaring through the air, my fear turned into exhilaration at my daring, delight in the afterglow of an adrenaline surge.

Stepping  back onto solid ground minutes later, I was still shaking from the rush.  Shaking, but smiling. We all were.

-  Greer

 
Has your expression ever been captured in a moment of pure emotion? Margo, Greer, and Katie the moment after the launch.


At $12 a pop, guests on the Giant Swing soar 60 feet over the Mountain Village.

The Trip:  Lava Lake trail, a popular day hike for people traveling from Big Sky and Bozeman.  Covering three miles over a 2,000-foot ascent, the Lava Lake trail takes you through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in Gallatin National Forest.  Feeling ambitious? Choose to hike up and over Table Mountain to Asbestos trailhead or Deer Creek. 

Getting There:  Head north from Big Sky on highway 191.  After 11 miles you’ll round the sharp corner at the “35 miles an hour bridge” and continue ¼ mile to a turn-around (look for big blue sign on right).  You’ll need to turn around and head back south ¼ mile to the gravel road on your right.  Continue .2 miles and park at the trailhead.  Horse and bike traffic are not allowed on the Lava Lake trail, but on a nice weekend day expect to see many people and dogs- parking at the large trailhead may be limited. 

Why Go:  This beautiful wooded hike leads you to a beautiful alpine lake.

THIS PAST SATURDAY I made my yearly pilgrimage to Lava, as we locals like to call it.  Dusting off the hiking boots, I went through the checklist:  raincoat, extra layers, sunscreen, water, snacks (plural), wildflower book, map, bear spray, post hike refreshments, and flip flops…check, check and check. 

On the journey winding up through the tall stands of Lodge Pole Pines, I was on the lookout for early season wildflowers.  This year I was a little early to see some of the usual flowers  like lupine, larkspur, virgin bowers vine and columbine, but I spotted a Calypso bulbosa of the orchid family - also known as Fairy Slipper or Venus’s Slipper.  These small delicate flowers can be spotted in sheltered areas near down logs.

The Lava Lake trail is also known to host berries later in the summer - wild strawberry, thimbleberry, raspberry and huckleberry can be yours for the picking. 

We were a little early for berries too, but as I hiked along, breathing in the fragrant forest air and stopping to admire the playfulness of Cascade Creek, I started to really feel a connection with nature.  Summer is upon us.  Inspired, I couldn’t stop thinking about the long season spanning before us:  which of my favorite places in the high country to visit next and what new places to explore under the Big Sky. 


-  Lyndsey Owens