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

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Preseason Ski Checklist

11/14/2012 5:15:00 PM

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

Tags: skiing, montana, big sky resort, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, bozeman, gopro, big sky sports, c&p grocery

Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Yellowstone | General

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Fun Fall Activites Cont.

10/3/2012 4:48:00 PM

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