3/15/2013 9:52:00 AM
EVERYONE LOOKS FORWARD to the joys of spring skiing. When tackling the Biggest Skiing in America there are multiple faces and aspects to deal with. Think about finding the good snow early and chasing the sun is key to having a great experience. While the weekend forecast is calling for more snow and cooler temps, the last few days of spring like weather encourage a quick overview of how to follow the sun around our giant Peak.
First thing in the morning (9-10:30am) seek out fresh groomers, head for either Southern Comfort or Mr. K and Upper and Lower Morning Star. These fresh groomed runs will offer a great opportunity to get your legs under you before heading elsewhere. The sun will be shining almost directly on the runs and the snow will still be fast, enjoy.
Mid-morning (10:30am-noon) start heading for more groomed runs down either Elk Park Ridge (off Ramcharger/Thunderwolf) or venturing into the Bowl/other off-piste areas around the Triple Chair. By this time, the sun have softened the snow up enough to be playful and carvable and is the ideal spot to get your legs going just a bit more before venturing up the Tram.
Early afternoon (noon-2:30pm) is a great time of day to head for the The Lone Peak Tram or tackle some of the gladed/back bowls in the Shedhorn and Dakota areas. When the weather permits, the southern facing aspects off the tram will “corn up” and provide an unmatched soft snow experience with over 1,500 vertical feet of above tree line skiing.
Late afternoon (2:30-4 or on a Saturday, 5pm) head back to the lower mountain to finish the day off playing around once again on Andesite and Swift Current. Be sure to head for Andesite on Saturdays when you can ski Ramcharger until 5pm and celebrate the extra hour of daylight.
While spring kindly poked its head in to say hello, winter weather is once again in the forecast so pack some layers because she’s coming back for an encore. See you on the hill!
-Kipp Proctor
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, lone peak, snow, biggest skiing in america, southern comfort, spring skiing, andesite, the bowl, shedhorn, tram, dakota, sunshine, sun,
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
3/12/2013 5:29:00 PM
The Shedhorn Grill was the place to be for lunch last Saturday as the sun kept everybody on the deck nice and warm
Last weekend I had the opportunity to show three former college roommates around Big Sky Resort for an awesome day of skiing and sunshine. The four of us have a long history of skiing together, mostly on the East Coast where we went to school. While I am used to tram laps and hiking to find the powder stashes, my buddies are for the most part intermediate skiers, and I was looking forward to giving them the full mountain tour.
We started our day at the Moonlight Lodge where they purchased Biggest Skiing in America tickets. After a few cruisers at Moonlight, we made our way to the Mountain Village base area just as the sun really started to shine. After a quick run down Calamity Jane, we headed up Andesite to chase the sun. We started with the wide open feel of Ponderosa down to the Southern Comfort lift, then enjoyed the perfect corduroy down Bighorn and Elk Park Ridge. Feeling hungry, we ripped down Tippy’s to the base area, up Swiftcurrent and then down Cow Flats over to the bottom of Shedhorn.
With the peak looming above, we enjoyed a leisurely and delicious lunch in the sun at the Shedhorn Grill, then I tested their skills down Larkspur and Jock Strap. We did two laps in the Sunlight Bowl—easily the best turns of the day in the soft, springy snow—before taking the Duck Walk all the way over to the Triple Chair. We did two quick laps in the Bowl and Upper Morning Star, before finishing the day with some fun turns down Lower Morning Star and Mr. K.
After getting in nearly 24,000 vertical feet, the East Coast boys were beat, but not too tired to enjoy some well-deserved beers on the deck at the Carabiner to end the day. The next day they were on a plane back home, and I was relishing in the fact that I am able to live in this amazing place we call Big Sky.
-Brian Hurlbut
Brian Hurlbut is the author of the Insider’s Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (Globe-Pequot Press) and Montana: Skiing the Last Best Place (Great Wide Open Press). In addition to previous positions as the Managing Editor for the Big Sky Sun and the Arts and Entertainment Editor for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, his writing has appeared in the Oregonian, Montana Quarterly, Montana Magazine, Luxury Living, Big Sky Journal, Yellowstone-Teton Country, Big Sky Magazine, Western Art and Architecture, Outside Bozeman and more. He lives in Big Sky, Montana.
Kevin Bailey enjoys the soft snow down Sunlight with Lone Peak looking above
Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, powder, skiing, tram, shedhorn, biggest skiing in america, moonlight
Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | General
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
