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

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 

BY MILE FOUR-AND-A-HALF of the Jim Bridger Trail Run, the already uphill slant of the trail steepens to an angle that more closely resembles a wall than a slope.  In the beating sun, my jog slowed to a hike, then to a halt as soon as I found shade.  I needed water and calories, and as I downed a gu packet in hopes it would stop my dizziness, I wondered if I was finished.

Ten miles, 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and relentless sunshine make the annual Jim Bridger Trail Run outside of Bozeman a test in strength and stamina.  For some it’s a training race for the longer, gnarlier Bridger Ridge Run, a chance to test out racing paces and push limits.  But for me?  I was just trying to finish.

Thankfully, the gu worked it’s magic and I was back climbing the last stretch of a continuous six-mile uphill section.  And as the ridge crested, I remembered why I’d signed up for this race in the first place: a rainbow of wildflowers and expansive views of the Gallatin Valley.  I spread my arms to let the breeze cool me off, and I started to laugh.  After all, everything was downhill from there.

The Trip: Hiking or running the trail section of the Jim Bridger Trail Run, starting at the Sypes Canyon trailhead outside of Bozeman. Take the longer, 10-mile loop, or do a shorter variation.

Getting There:  Just over an hour north of Big Sky in the Bridger Mountains, the trail begins at the Sypes Canyon trailhead off of Springhill Road. 

Why Go:  If you’re not already out of breath at the top of this 2,000-foot climb, the views will take it away from you anyway.  With wildflowers springing up all around, you’ll see the whole Gallatin Valley stretched out before you with snowy peaks floating in the distance.

-Greer

 
The trail gains 2,000 feet of elevation over six miles.


Coming into the home stretch


Big Sky runner Lyndsey Owens, who is training for the Bridger Ridge Run, finished in under two hours...

...I finished in just under three...

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

SPOTTING A BLACK BEAR or a Grizzly can be what makes your trip to Yellowstone Country.  It can also be what breaks it – if you’re not prepared, a surprise run-in can go quickly awry.

Last week, Jim Holstein of Yellowstone Tour Guides came to talk to Big Sky employees about being bear aware.  He shared some pretty heady stories – getting bluff charged by grizzlies, encountering crowds of people just feet away from a mama bear and cubs – and tips on how to keep bear sightings in the realm of wondrous instead of dangerous.  Here’s what we took away:

    1) Always carry bear spray, and keep it readily at hand – bear spray is only as good as your ability to use it
        quickly.
    2) Know how to use that bear spray (just don’t practice on your friend during  a morning trail run)
    3) Follow the Four or More rule – hike with a buddy, or better yet, buddies at all times.  
    4) Be on the lookout for telltale bear signs: poop and prints.  Animal carcasses are also a good indicator that hungry bears may be nearby.    
    5) Make noise as you travel – use a bear bell, talk loudly with your fellow hikers, yell things like “Hey, Bear!” at the top of your lungs.
    6) Cook any meals at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites
    7) Store any food or game carcasses (!), at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites.
    8) Don’t sleep in the same clothes you cook in – stash them with your food for the night.

During my trail adventures around Big Sky, I’ve crossed paths with plenty of wildlife, from almost literally running smack dab into a moose, to taking a pleasant jog with Big Sky’s resident fox.  Bears are no exception, and I’ve encountered the furry beasts on many occasions without incident.  But that doesn’t stop me from wearing a bear bell, running with my iPod on speaker mode, and carrying bear spray in-hand.  I may look a little over-the-top decked out, but no one can say I’m not bear aware.

-  Greer


Don't take it from us - check out what the National Park Service recommends for people to stay bear aware in Yellowstone National Park.  Find more informfrom the Center For Wildlife Information.

Recent bear sightings around Big Sky Resort.  While sightings are common, attacks are not.  Keep it that way by following Bear Aware protocol.

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