Hi there folks,
I finally got up on the mountain last week and it was a sort of trial and error time for me since I had a summer off from skiing. After the longer summers we have here in southern Montana I find myself severely lacking in the fitness department, a little more than usual this year so I have to play a massive game of catch-up. Those wonderful first runs of the year are a very nice wake-up call to ones soul and spirit. I have waited so long to get here and begin the winter experience of a lifetime again. Being on the hill is a very inspiring time to live! With all the beautiful scenery, the wonderful fresh air and no office in sight anywhere this is the time to recharge those dreary spirits and souls leftover from last summer’s heat and stress!
This is now next week and I have counted the days till I can get up here again. I find myself at a sort of quandary in which runs are first, so after some thought and pondering I decided to ride the Swiftcurrent lift with access to Lone Peak for a starting run down of all places but Calamity Jane The snow there was just grand and very even and smooth but it begged for some very quick and fast turns so I just followed to the first flat from the lift and felt the speed increase as the two inches of light cold smoke just flew behind me. The first headwall was a breeze and was covered in a very well groomed underbelly of perfect corduroy. There was a light veil of snow falling and mist floating around as I went down the next series of flats taking time to see all the skiers on the lift or lack, there of. I found the snow on the lower mountain to be very well placed and packed by previous skiers. From there we went to the lodge to rest the legs and get some water.
I raced back up the Swiftcurrent for another run on Mr. K. a very nice and easy cruiser just right for breaking in ones sore muscles between the more advanced runs there. The top had very nice snow coverage and now we had full sun all over the place making all the trees and mountains just shine. With the mix of clouds and snow they seem like a dream! Mr. K is a very easy long run down to the historic Huntley Lodge and Mountian Mall area. I have skied this run many times and this day was something really nice. I like this run because you can practice all types of turns there and see how they look after you are done. I like this one because it is such a social run with families and kids there just sort of, hanging around, having fun.
I then headed for the Ramcharger lift for a few runs on Andesite Mountain. I chose Tippy’s for a very good test of my turns and centering ability as it has one of the nicest long headwalls at Big Sky. I started to see the trees fly by and felt the snow just get better on the way down. My old Heli Guides just flew through the small piles of crud there effortless. The mist was very dense and making for one magical run till I got under the clouds again and saw the hotels and parking lots. I started thinking about the next run . . . Which one? There are so many and the legs were getting tired so I went on a quick run down Ambush to connect with Swiftcurrent again for another run down the upper part of Stump Farm and on down to the lodge area for the Skyline for a lift home.
It's great to get out here on Lone Peak and Andesite for many great runs and wonderful turns. I am already looking forward to my next time I can get up there to ski it again. I have to see the top from the Lone Peak Tram and try a run on Liberty Bowl on the south side next time. I had a blast up there and will be writing you more soon.
Thank you folks and have fun and hope to see you on the slopes!!!
Robert Waldeisen - aka Re-Bob
