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Press Release

Big Sky Resort Opens Avalanche Transceiver Training Park

BIG SKY, Mont. -Big Sky Resort in a partnership with Moonlight Basin and Back Country Access (BCA) has opened a new avalanche transceiver-training park.  The park is located on shared terrain off of Blue Moon at the junction between the Iron Horse Chair under the "Beacon Training Park" banner.  The facility is free and open to the public during the slopes regular business hours.

 The joint-effort beacon training park, was added to provide education and training to people wishing to venture into the backcountry and explore runs like the Big Couloir, the A to Z chutes and the North Summit Snowfields.

 BCA Beacon Training Parks are training systems created to make it easier for recreationists and pros to practice with their transceivers. The Big Sky Resort/Moonlight park features 8 permanently buried transmitters wired to a central control panel. To change the scenario, just flick the on/off switches on the control panel.  Instead of digging holes and reburying beacons all day, you spend your valuable time actually practicing with your transceiver. It's especially useful for practicing multiple and deep burials, which usually require the most work.

 Patrons will have to turn on the main controller and then using their transceivers search for buried beacons.  Upon locating them, then using an avalanche probe can probe the snow until the come in contact with a buried indicator. The patrol is asking users not to dig in the park as this will destroy the beacons.  There will be an obvious difference between the snow depths when the indicators are found.After finding a beacon the user can return to the control panel turn off the found beacon and turn on another for more practice. Ski Patrol is also asking for help in turning off the controller when finished training.

 In an effort to make backcountry skiing and riding ever safer the Big Sky and Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol are always available to help and educate users.  Stop by the Challenger Lift Patrol Hut or Moonlights Patrol Headquarters and an available patroller can walk the patrons through the process and answer questions.  "In order to become proficient and safe in the backcountry practice is the key," says Snow Safety Assistant Director Nick Armitage.  "Remember the best bet is to know the stability and snow conditions before you ever venture out."

 Check out www.bigskyresort.com,  www.mtavalanche.com  for current avalanche condtions  or contact the Big Sky or Moonlight Patrol for more information.