Bike Ride Through Yellowstone National Park

Since it was such a nice day yesterday we decided to pack up our bikes and head to Yellowstone National Park. Every year they open the park a few weeks early to non-motorized traffic. We rode about 14 miles and saw the usual elk, bison, geese, etc. while riding (no grizzlies or wolves this time). I must say that seeing a 900 pound bison 15 yards away on a bicycle is a different experience than seeing one from the front seat of a pick up truck!

Spring Skiing at Big Sky Resort

You can ask anyone living in Big Sky, Montana and they will tell you spring skiing has arrived earlier than usual this year. Instead of worrying about the snow I decided to enjoy the warm weather. On Tuesday a few of us did the Bonecrusher hike/run at Big Sky Resort. Without a cloud in the sky I found myself hiking without gloves, helmet, and outer shell (jacket) on. Once we reached the top we took a minute to soak in the views then took a few great spring skiing turns headed to the base for a Yetti hot dog and a cold one. They are forecasting snow later in the week but until then bring on the sunshine!

Cross Country Skiing Forest Service Adventure

One of my presents for Christmas was an overnight adventure up Spanish Creek to stay in a Forest Service Cabin. On Saturday my wife and I loaded up our packs and cross country skied uphill 4 miles to the above cabin in the Gallatin Canyon. The weather was close to perfect and it got down to just below zero at night. Luckily an enormous wood burning stove was there to greet us as we found ourselves in shorts and a t-shirt after a few hours of burning wood. On our way down we saw a moose out in one of the many snow fields we passed through. One undiscovered treasure in this valley in my opinion are these Forest Service Cabins scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. If you are looking for a little adventure I highly recommend experiencing this type of expedition.

Super Bowl Sunday

A good friend of ours drove down last night for dinner and stayed the night so we could get up early and do some back country snowboarding. We woke up, had a big breakfast, then drove to Beehive Basin to begin our expedition. After hiking for about an hour or so in we found a nice un-touched face to hike up and ride down. We made two trips to the top and had fresh tracks all the way down the powder filled mountain side. As you can see from the pictures (taken on my phone) it was a beautiful blue bird day. After snowboarding out I had lunch, took a nap, then headed over to some friends house for the Super Bowl. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday! Congratulations to the New Orlean Saints!

Epic Day on the Slopes at Big Sky Resort

Yesterday Big Sky Resort "reported" 14 inches of new snow overnight. My wife and I woke up at 7am, fixed a big breakfast, and almost caught first chair. We immediately headed to Shedhorn lift for a few turns then went to Dakota. The storm came in from the south and blew feet of snow from the south bowl into the Dakota trees. It was some of the best and deepest tree turns I have ever experienced and it didn't stop snowing ALL DAY. This is why I live in a ski resort town. What an epic day on the slopes.

New On-Mountain Dining Option

The other day I was skiing and discovered the newest on mountain lunch spot at Big Sky Resort. The yurt is located near the Shedhorn (sheddy) lift on the south side of the mountain. Great place to grab a burger and some sunshine mid-slope.

Got Snow?

This was the scene after brushing off my wife's car this morning. We were hit with 14" of light powder in the past 24 hours which made for a great day of skiing. If you know the good spots there should be powder for another day or two. Cold and clear tonight......great evening for a big fire.