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

AT 9AM ON THE DOT, Swift Current (Swifty) began loading its first passengers of the year yesterday, marking the start of another great season at Big Sky Resort.  After receiving a few extra inches of snow from a winter storm that rolled through late Wednesday, we were treated to a fresh blanket of powder down the top of Mr. K. Hoots, hollers, and poll taps rang out as skiers and boarders arrived back at the base.  The high-fives continued all day especially after patrol opened Crazy Horse giving my 1 and 2 plank associates another fresh run of track out.

Having lived in Montana for over 9 years now, Thanksgiving has become more than just a day of football and Turkey; it now marks the start of my favorite season: SKI SEASON.  Like my fellow skiers and riders, I proudly sport a big grin as I load the lift for my first lap of the season.  That grin continues to grow as I approach the top and my skis finally touchdown.  Flashbacks of winters past begin to roll through my head as I skate/ski around the corner on the J-Walk to the top of Mr. K making sure to peer over the edge as I check out old favorites like the shortcut to the triple.  Once at the top of Mr. K it’s time to point the tips downhill and hold on.  It takes a few turns to shake some of the dust off but by the time I’ve reached the first rollover, things have come together.  After reaching the bottom, I reconvene with my buddies as we exchange pole taps and pounds then eagerly turn towards the lift to catch a ride up for lap #2.

After spinning a few laps, it’s time to call it quits as my stomach begins to growl letting me know it’s time to head in for my well-deserved Thanksgiving feast. Once I’ve pulled off my ski boots, I recline back in my office chair, take a deep breath and allow the day to soak in; ski season is here. J

-Kipp Proctor

 
AS WINTER NEARS, the familiar butterflies return citing that eagerness to get out on the mountain.  If you live in a ski town, you can access the backcountry which will scratch that ski-itch but if mountains aren’t in your backyard, don’t ignore the itch; go through your preseason checklist like I do:

1. Dust off the Sticks – That’s right, if you haven’t pulled them out yet, now is the time.  If they’ve collected a little dirt give them a good wipe down with some warm well-diluted soapy water.  After wiping them down, bring them to your local ski tech for a pre-season tune and binding calibration.  Save your knees, get your bindings tested every year to ensure they’re releasing correctly.  My go to tuning wizard is Brit at the Big Sky Repair Shop.  With over a decade of tuning under his belt he delivers one mean tune. 

2. Avy Gear – If you’re venturing into the backcountry, avalanche safety gear is a must.  Be sure you’re not missing your shovel handle, probe deploys, first aid kit is fully stocked, and don’t be a cheapskate, replace your year old beacon batteries; no use getting yourself or buddy killed over a $3 buy from C&P Grocery.

3. Ski Wear and Accessories – Pullout the outerwear and baselayers, it’s ski season!  Suiting up is one of the final checks to ensure nothing’s missing since your last ski adventure.  And trust me things get lost. I’ve wound up with mismatched gloves, missing poles, to broken goggle lens and none of them were fun realizations and the last thing you want is to pull up to the mountain and figure it out there. Have no fear though, picking up new gear is exciting and Big Sky Sports has you covered; everything from clean socks to GoPro cameras and accessories.

4. Brain Bucket – Always check your helmet for dents or cracks not only at the beginning of the season but throughout. It’s good practice since the majority of helmets out there are only rated for 1 impact.  So if you knocked your noggin last winter, pick up a new one, it could save your life.

5. Ski Pass Photo – Show off your creative side or wear what your Mom would have never dressed you in for picture day.  I once pointed out a black eye that my best friend gave me just so I could remind him every time we were out riding.  It’s your photo so take it how you want it to be taken; great pass photos are true keepsakes.

Following this list will assist in making a stress free and fun first day on the mountain.  And if you’re proudly wearing a smile, I’ll know it all worked out.  See you out there. 

-Kipp Proctor
 

Bluegrass music.  For many, it brings to mind notions of the Beverly Hillbillies and southern backwoods, moonshine-induced, foot-stomping calls of “YEEE HAWW!”  For others it is indistinguishable from pop country a la Taylor Swift or Tim McGraw.  Still others associate it with free-loving “Festies” or the new generation of Woodstockers.

In reality, all of these nuances are correct in some way.  Bluegrass music today remains highly influenced by its “Father,” legendary Bill Monroe, but is often eclectically mixed with more modern elements and styles.  And while the geographical heart of bluegrass still undoubtedly lies south of the Mason-Dixon, the Rocky Mountains of Montana are becoming prime country to find some of the finest bluegrass picking around. 

Just this past week I took the time to jump on tour with the Grammy-nominated Infamous Stringdusters during their sold out, two-night, Halloween-themed stint in Big Sky Country.  The band donned neon sunglasses to a costumed bunch at Bozeman’s Emerson ballroom, only to be followed 24 hours later with a wild crowd (and head to toe lycra on each band member) at Missoula’s Top Hat. 

The energy each night was, hands down, incredible.  The music – well, it just couldn’t get any better.  The band’s fiddle player and famed vocalist Jeremy Garrett perhaps said it best on his Facebook page after the Bozeman show:  “I had one of the most fun music times I have ever had in my life... I don't know if you really know what that means, but it is true. I love you Montana. I really really love you. Can't wait till tomorrow.”

Garrett elaborates more on the band’s website: “The type of people who listen to the music that we play, and are coming to the shows, are also people who go on epic hikes, or ski, or ride mountain bikes, or get out and experience life from all angles.  The new song on our latest record called ‘Night On The River’ has been going out to a lot of people.  Rafters come up after the show to talk about it…The music sort of sets up the background for your life.”

And perhaps the ultimate intersection of bluegrass and Montana life can be found mid-February at Big Sky Resort.  Big Sky Big Grass, gearing up for its 7th annual festival in 2013 has become a can’t-miss event for Bluegrass lovers, skiers and just about everyone in between.  Unlike its larger, summertime counterparts such as Telluride, BSBG Festival-goers ski and ride powder at the Biggest Skiing in America by day and stomp their heels to some of the industry’s finest by night.  This year’s lineup includes The Sam Bush Band, The Del McCoury Band, The Emmitt-Nershi Band and The Special Consensus, just to name a few.  Past acts will tell you there truly is something special about the unique mountain setting paired with the onstage (and offstage) picking.

No, it isn’t Nashville here in Montana.  But then again, we like it that way.

Online Ticket sales for Big Sky Big Grass begin on November 15th.  Stay tuned to www.bigskybiggrass.com and be sure to “like” Big Sky Big Grass on Facebook for the latest updates.

- Margo Humphries

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