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

WHILE THE REST of the country prayed for snow this season, Big Sky was rolling in the powder. But awesome snow was just part of what made the '11/'12 winter season at Big Sky so rad.  Check out what season highlights made our top ten:

10) Spring Powder and Corn Snow.  Intermixed with several epic pow days, warm temperatures in March and April made for the best spring corn snow in years.

3) Bikini Babes go Spring Skiing.  Sun’s out, guns out for Big Sky locals.

2) April 7 Surprise Powder Day – Chest deep on the North Summit and Liberty Bowl.  Can you say face shots?

-  Greer

POND SKIMS HAVE become a spring staple at many winter resorts – skiers and riders try their luck gliding down a ski slope and then across an icy pond.
 
But at Big Sky Resort, the annual Pond Skim is a ritual in creativity and daring, pushing the boundaries of a ski culture classic.  Last weekend, Big Sky pulled it off again, with these key ingredients for the perfect Pond Skim.

Power Ponds:
Big Sky’s pond is never just a pond.  Every year the shape and approach are a surprise - participants tackle double ponds,  giant kicker entries, and s-curves.  2012 brought the most elaborate pond yet: a tetris-piece shaped pond with two separate entry points, a jump, and endless skimming path combinations.  

Crazy Costumes:
Ballerina, banana, giant ape, beach babe – skimmers don’t skimp on wild attire.  And neither does the crowd. 

Skim Strategy:
Rules are, there are no rules - Big Sky encourages the unexpected.  Daffys, 360s, ski and water ballet moves are all fair game. 

Sheer Volume:
Over 100 skiers and riders skimmed to the tune of thousands of cheering spectators this year.  And every spring it gets bigger and crazier.  There’s just something about standing in a sea of neon onesies that makes you feel like you're part of something bigger.

-  Greer

Photo courtesy of Barb Rooney

Photo by Michel Tallichet

Photo by Michel Tallichet

Photo by Michel Tallichet 

Photo by Miche Tallichet

Photo courtesy of Milton Menasco and the Big Fiasco (on stage)

IT'S BACK.

For the third year running, Big Sky’s early season pass sale is discounting Adult Unlimited Gold Passes by 40%.

And Juniors ages 11-17 can save up to 60% when their 2012/13 pass is bought in conjunction with an Adult Gold Pass.

Prices include a $799 Adult Gold Pass, a $599 College Gold Pass, and a $299 Junior Gold Pass.

At the Biggest Skiing in America, that’s a screamin’ deal. Broken down, adults pay about 20 cents per skiable acre (there are 3,832 at Big Sky alone), around $5 per day if you ski every day of the season, and the break-even point for buying a pass is just 10 ski days.  For Juniors, the breakdown is even better.

The sale only goes through April 30th, but buying now gets you free skiing for the last two weeks of April 2012 as well.  That includes skiing during spring events like the annual Pond Skim on April 14th.

-  Greer

Sun and warmer temperatures?  Spring skiing is here.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG at Big Sky, and spring skiing is in full swing.  With warmer days and breezes hitting the mountain mid last week, you’ll need to be in-the-know to find the best snow pockets.

If you’re looking for powder, stay up top for the best conditions – the heart of The Dictators and The Gullies are smooth and carvy.  The go-to stash in Rice Bowl is also skiing nicely, with deep pockets throughout.

While the forecast is calling for snow all this weekend and next week, temperatures are staying warm.  That means grab your all-mountain skis and hit the Tram for colder temps and drier snow. 

-Greer

Get the skinny on all things snow with the weekly Ski Skinny on The Way I Ski It.  It’s a special conditions report with intel on snow quality, where to head on the hill, and expert advice on what to pull from your quiver to get the most out of your day on the slopes.  Fatty pow skis or groomer go-tos?  Get the skinny here.

Chamberlin Rail Jam 2012 at Big Sky Resort from Big Sky Resort on Vimeo.

ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS usually dominate Big Sky’s live music scene, and venues like Whiskey Jack’s are known for killer bluegrass (the Big Sky Big Grass festival has hosted Grammy winners Peter Rowan and Sam Bush), and solid Montana country and rock.

But last weekend, Big Sky went electronic and hip hop when The Crystal Method and Atmosphere rocked two packed outdoor shows at The Chamberlin Rail Jam. 

Skiers and riders caught big air on a custom built terrain park, then hit the concerts while Ullr delivered fresh powder for hitting the slopes.  Check out the video to see a whole new side of Big Sky.

-  Greer

 
Lone Peak opens for skiing this Thursday - Thanksgiving Day.

THE BEGINNING of the Holiday season has two meanings in Big Sky, and while others may be scouring the pantry for  their family pumpkin pie recipe and dusting off packed-away Christmas lights, Big Sky skiers are rooting through their garages (read: gear sheds) for their helmets and beacons.  In Big Sky, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of ski season, a holiday worth celebrating all on its own. 

And so it is that Big Sky Resort prepares for our big holiday – not only are the halls decked with holly, but the slopes are lined with snowmakers, the peak is packed with avalanche-managing explosives, and Swifty 2.0 terrain park is chock full of park features - 13 to be exact.

With a guaranteed 60 acres of terrain off Explorer and Ramcharger lifts set to open on Thursday, and Swift Current, the Triple, and Challenger ready to roll at the drop of a snowflake, we’re excited to give thanks for the start of another Big Sky ski season.  After all, ‘tis the season for shredding.

-  Greer

Check out videos on early season snow, snow making, and Swifty 2.0 terrain park to see how things are shaping up for yourself.  Lift tickets for opening day and weekend will be $49.

Below: How Big Sky prepares for the Holidays...