Wildlife

Driving to Big Sky, Montana from Bozeman Montana you travel HWY 191 for about 25 miles. During this extremely scenic drive it isn't uncommon to see wildlife, rafters, fisherman, rock climbers, campers, hikers, and photographers. This photo was taken just after you turn right off of HWY 191 to HWY 64 heading up to Big Sky. It's always a good idea to drive a little slow after you turn on HWY 64 for about a mile as that is where these guys like to hang out. Merry Christmas tomorrow!

First Day Snowboarding Big Sky 2009-2010 Season

Tuesday was my first day riding Big Sky this season and what a great way to start the year! There was about 2,000 acres open but the tram and triple chair were on wind hold for most of the day. I ended up mostly riding up Swifty, Ramcharger, and Thunderwolf. Pinnacle restaurant opened Tuesday and I look forward to chillin' next to the outdoor fireplace drinking a cold one later this week. See you on the slopes!

Thursday Night Basketball

Every Thursday night from 7:00-9:00pm throughout the 2009-2010 school year the gymnasium at Ophir school is open to the community for a free evening of recreational basketball. A few of us went last night and played 21 for about an hour. The school provided the basketballs, the court, and has water fountains (as well as drink vending machines). We found this to be a fun way to spend the evening and I'm sure it will help us get in shape for skiing. Ophir school offers several other community classes, games, and events in the evenings which some are free and others require a reasonable fee. For a complete list of events go to http://sites.google.com/a/ophirschool.org/ophir-school/Home/adult-education.

Yoga

Every Wednesday night from 6:00-7:15 there is a Yoga class in the art barn near Southfork. The cost is only $10 and last night I was talked into attending my first ever Yoga experience. The class was small, intimate, and intense. No pictures were taken but use your imagination as I tried stances and positions I didn't think my body would ever attempt. I am a bit (okay, VERY) sore today but enjoyed my first Yoga experience and will likely attend a few classes throughout the winter season.

Sunday Snowshoe

After watching the Cincinnati Bengals win today moving their record to 8-3, my wife and I went for a snowshoe up Stoney Creek. This is a great snowshoe that lasts about 45 minutes. It starts off with a pretty big climb (don't be intimidated) then levels off to an area with nice views before dropping back down and winding through the forest. This too is a great one if you are at The Club at Spanish Peaks as it is on the boarder of Spring Creek Reserve only a few miles from the Clubhouse. My photos didn't turn out very well but you get the idea. Nice way to spend an hour before watching the evening football game on Sunday. If anyone needs directions just let me know or who knows, maybe we will see you on the trail!

Let it snow...

After waking up to 12 more inches of fresh powder today I find myself excited about the ski season that is almost upon us. Big Sky reported they have as much snow on the mountain this early in the year as they can ever remember. There has even been a whisper of opening the tram and Liberty Bowl on Turkey Day this year! See you on the slopes.

Hunting Season 2009

I continue to be amazed by the elk species, their wit and ability to vanish into thin air. Many hours of hiking this season resulted in only a few elk spotted and no shots fired. Several gorgeous miles of terrain hiked with several breath taking sunrises and sunsets. The kind that make you truly appreciate the vastness and tranquility of Montana. Numerous hours of laughing with my hunting buddies, telling stories, and sharing future plans. Even though our freezers won’t be full of meat this winter we still had great times and I am already looking forward to next years hunt.

Cinnamon Look Out Hike

View from top of Cinnamon Look Out

Two weeks ago my wife and I filled our camel backs and hiked up to Cinnamon Look Out. It took us around 3 hours to reach the look out tower, we had lunch, then headed down. Near the top we ran into several waist high snow drifts and an elk carcass. We didn't see any bears this time and overall I think it took us around 5 hours from the time we left our truck to the time we returned. This is a good hike if you have half a day to enjoy the outdoors and is only a few miles south of Big Sky.

2008-2009 Ski Season

This year my wife and I branched out with a few friends (Sigourney and Comiso) and carved up the A-Z chutes. If you have not experienced these chutes I highly recommend doing so next year. To access these chutes you ride up the Challenger "two seater" lift then hike up the spine to the west. The first chute is easy, wide open, and pretty forgiving. For those who are a bit more adventurous keep hiking further up the spine. At some points you are literally walking what feels like a tight rope with serious consequences on each side. Just pray that a gust of wind doesn't decide to sweep thru. We adventured on this quest after a big spring storm which left a perfect blanket of knee deep snow for us to ride on....and did I mention it was a blue bird day. I had many exhilarating days on the hill this past season and I already find myself dreaming of next winters cold smoke....

Big Sky Bragging Rights:
Bigger than Vail. Bigger than Aspen's Ajax, Buttermilk, Highlands and Snowmass combined. More vertical than Jackson Hole. And all one private lift away. The snow is deep. The powder pure. And the lift lines not long enough to catch your breath. Winter cloaks Lone Peak with an average 400-inch snowfall on an astounding 6,000 acres. With 23 lifts, 220 runs, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop, Big Sky is skiing the way this sport was meant to be enjoyed-uncrowded, with fun and challenge around every turn.