Loving Life: Big Sky Country

People are not exaggerating when they call Montana "Big Sky Country." With more open sky than we who live in ski towns are used to, protruding mountains in every direction and an "old west" type vibe still lingering in the air, Montana is, and always will be one of the last great frontiers.

The resort itself is very appropriately named, neighboring Moonlight Basin, and the Yellowstone Club, Big Sky has some of the best terrain accessible directly off the tram. With big couloirs, some very technical shoots, and big open bowls, this is truly an aggressive skier (or riders) paradise. Unlike, Colorado, Utah, and Tahoe area, Montana is far enough North that you find far less of the general "fair weather" skiers, and a lot of genuinely excited shredders. Standing in the tram line was one of my favorite experiences while riding Big Sky. This may sound like a funny statement because nobody likes standing in line, but when the energy levels are high and you have an amazing view to pick your line as well as watch others shred down the face, you can help but hoot and holler amongst all the other excited people in your immediate surroundings.

We were treated to 3 days of skiing, one of which was a guided day with our wonderful contact, and guide for Big Sky, Kipp Proctor. Thanks for showing us around Kipp! Although I grew up in Montana, Big Sky has so much terrain to offer I had almost forgotten where all the good stuff to ride was. We were very fortunate to have Kipp showing us around and helping us setup a plan for what would be good to shoot on.

It had snowed a few days prior to our arrival, and we were lucky to find some powder stashes off the tram, Sledhorn, and Dakota lifts. I can't reiterate enough how amazing the terrain inbounds is; I haven't done that technical of riding in what felt like years, and it was great to get out of the park and test my limits on some steep chutes, rock cliffs, and big, big, bowls. After a great day of scoping the terrain we were excited to get out on our own for the next couple of days.

What we found is that its much harder to shoot big mountain stuff than it is to shoot park. However I am pleased with what we came out with considering I had hurt my knee in Sun Valley a couple days prior to this trip, and my tailbone is still broken. It was wonderful to be back in Montana where I learned how to snowboard, and get back in touch with why I started snowboarding. The Rocky Mountains are a truly majestic place to learn, live, and ensure a solid foundation of snowboarding or skiing if you prefer. I highly recommend a trip to Big Sky if you can make it up there, it is definitely worth your while, and I guarantee it will continue to bring you back year after year.