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