The Way I Ski It: Big Sky Resort's Blog

Sunshine and Bluebird Skies: A telling sign of golf rounds to come

Kipp Proctor — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:11:00 -0400

THE BEAUTIFUL SPRING weather of recent is a telling sign of summer golf rounds to come and a wait that is almost over.

With the course scheduled to open this Friday May 24th, it’s time to bust out the clubs, give them a good cleaning, and brush up on your swing. But if you’re feeling a little rusty, look no further than Big Sky Resort’s PGA Golf Professional, Mark Wehrman. Coming into his 2nd year with Big Sky, Mark is eager to get things underway and with his expert instruction, he’ll get your swing back on plane.

Don’t go worrying if you’re just visiting though, Mark has got you covered. With a brand new line up of Nike rental clubs you’ll be stroking the ball just like Tiger in the Players Championship (or at least we hope so).

But since the snow has melted, we locals have been left drooling as we hanker for an opportunity to tee off on the plush green carpet that offers one of the most beautiful backdrops in golf: Lone Mountain and the surrounding Spanish Peaks. If the scenic views from the course aren’t enough, the extra carry you receive off the tee at 6,500 ft. will surely have you strutting up to your second shot. But be sure to keep that in mind when stepping up to the ball, I’d hate for you to sail one over the green.

With sunshine and blue bird skies in the forecast, it looks like we’re in store for another phenomenal start to golf season up here in gorgeous Big Sky.

-Kipp Proctor

Womens golf clinic

View from the putting green looking down the 1st tee

Aerial view of the back 9

A Very Big Sky Mother's Day

Kipp Proctor — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:33:00 -0400

PERFECT SPRING WEATHER was welcomed with open arms this past weekend and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time: Mother’s Day. Even though I was well over 1,000 miles from home, I felt the need to take advantage of the warm sunshine after a long phone call Sunday morning wishing my Mom a great day.

With highs in the mid to upper 70s over the weekend, Mother’s Day brought spring with summer closely in tow. Around the area families were out in full force enjoying the sunshine, dry trails and green grass. Even my friend’s Brit and Kelsey (a new mother as of Saturday) were out with their newest addition (puppy) Gus: an adorable 7 week old Brittany Spaniel.

Not about to let a great day pass us by, my friends and I spent Mother’s Day at Big Sky’s community park. We made a day of it using the multi-purpose field to its fullest extent. Tossing around the frisbee, softball and football, we bided our time between sports stretching out and lounging under the blue skies above.

We even found time to session the new bouldering wall (a large concrete boulder) next to the basketball court and new skatepark. Running low on chalk and stamina after a long day, the wall eventually got the best of my hands with a few blisters to prove it. But with multiple faces, pitches and holds, it’s a splendid addition to Big Sky’s already fabulous community park complex. My friends and I will be back.

Making our mom’s proud; we soaked up the warm weather and good company. Exactly how they would have liked.

-Kipp Proctor

Gus had quite the weekend!

3 Reasons Why You Can't Beat a Summer Vacation to Big Sky Resort

Kipp Proctor — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:45:00 -0400

NESTLED IN THE southwest corner of Montana between the city of Bozeman and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park sits Big Sky: a small mountain town with a Montana sized heart. While known as one of the country’s top ski resort destinations, the charming yet lively town blossoms into a summer resort with so many activities at your fingertips, it would be nearly impossible to check them all off in just one visit.

Big Sky is easily accessed via the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and a short 50 minute drive through stunning Gallatin Canyon. The setting for the movie A River Runs Through It, Gallatin Canyon offers a beautiful and scenic setting to take in as you navigate your way down highway 191 along the banks of the Gallatin River.

While the scenic drive alone would sell most on a visit, here are three key reasons why Big Sky needs to be at the top of your list of must do summer vacations.

Basecamp to Yellowstone Park: If you want to make your summer vacation feel more like Family Summer Camp, look no further than Basecamp. Conveniently located in the Resort’s Mountain Village, it serves up an extensive activities menu that ranges on the adventure scale from easy going to full on adrenaline rush for the entire family. With activities geared specifically for little ones, teens, adults or all the above, there’s something for everyone.

The guided Lone Peak Expedition ($79/person) whisks you to the top 11,166 ft. Lone Peak via chairlift, Mountain Safari Truck and Lone Peak Tram. From the top take in the 360 degree views that overlook 3 states, 2 national parks, and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. On your way to the summit, one of Big Sky’s friendly and knowledgeable Basecamp guides will point out different geological features along with specific peaks that begin to emerge on the horizon.

Lone Peak Expedition too mellow? Harness up for the Adventure Zipline Tour ($79/person) to pick up the pace and really get the blood flowing. Coupled with heart pounding speed, multiple spans and gorgeous mountain vistas, it’ll put a whole new spin on the wild wild west. Don’t worry though if the adventure part is a bit intimidating, the Nature Zipline Tour ($59/person) offers an option for those looking for a more scenic and less adrenaline driven option. With height and weight requirements of only 3ft. and 45lbs. respectively, there’s nearly no barrier for a family to part in this fun-filled activity.

For a full list of Big Sky’s Basecamp offerings, visit www.bigskyresort.com/basecamp.

Close vicinity to Yellowstone: With geysers, mud pots, western wildlife, and an awe-inspiring backdrop a short and scenic 45 minute drive away, Big Sky’s closeness to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is no doubt one of the top reasons to visit in the summer.

Known as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone offers more than enough elbow room for you and any in-laws. Spanning an area of 3,468.4 square miles, half of the world’s geothermal features (geysers, mud pots, hot springs, etc.) call YNP home making it one of the most visually stunning parks in the world. A few of the notable attractions that make for a memorable Yellowstone experience include Old Faithful, Yellowstone Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Fountain Paint Mud Pots but only comprise 4 of over 10,000 total geothermal features within the park’s gates.

If the colors and showmanship of the geothermal features aren’t enough, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last remaining large and nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone. Hundreds of species of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles make it their home here including grizzly bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. Following the roads that lead you through the park, it’s easy to view of these animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your car or from a distance at one of the many viewing pullouts along the way.

Think of it as an American Safari from the safety and comfort of your car that’s taken at your own pace. For more park information visit: www.yellowstone.visitmt.gov.

Family Friendly: Remember the good old days when parents allowed their children to roam freely without a worry about their wellbeing? Guess what, at Big Sky they still do.

With a centrally located mountain village, the resort features a layout with every activity, meal, or lodging option only a few steps away. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the inviting mountain plaza that sort of acts as the hub within the resort which offers picnic tables, a free putt-putt course and Lone Peak as the backdrop. From here you can easily access Basecamp, stores in the Mountain Mall, or simply bask in the sunshine while catching up with friends and family.

Adding to the safe, tight knit feeling of the village, the friendly resort staff polishes things off with their warm Montana Hospitality and desire to ensure your stay is the best it can be. So unleash the kids, kick back, and rest assured that as long as they’re not trying to pet the wildlife, they’re probably not getting into trouble.

Whether you’re checking off items on your bucket list, heading out for a quick hike around the base area, or lounging by one of the resort pools, Big Sky has the ingredients for an unforgettable summer vacation. So load up Aunt Edna and the old family Truckster because Lone Peak and the Big Sky state are beckoning.

-Kipp Proctor

A scenic lift ride gets you half way to the top and just above the tree line

Lower Tram Dock and the Mountain Safari truck

The view from the atop 11,166 ft. Lone Peak

One of the many natural hot springs

Bull Elk bedding down in the tall grass

YNP's most common ~~foot~~ hoof traffic

One of the views from the Nature Zipline Tour

The mountain plaza

Smoke Jumper Giant Swing located in the Mountain Village

Buck's T-4: Plating more than a great meal

Kipp Proctor — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:11:00 -0400

Located on the edge of highway 191 sits Buck’s T-4, Big Sky’s first lodging and dining destination. While most pass by without thinking twice, through the front doors is a restaurant rich in history and Montana cuisine.

When entering my skepticism quickly vanished with a warm Montana welcome. On a busy winter evening reservations are strongly recommended. Arrive early and take in the original chinked log décor at the bar while you sip on a signature cocktail, local brew or a glass of wine from their expansive list.

At the Bar, the bartenders told me all about the history of this roadside hunting lodge, local intel about the mountain, Yellowstone National Park, or one of the many other activities offered in the area.

I tried a Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned (which may be a new favorite for me). The mixture of apple wood smoked bacon-infused Buck Bourbon, crushed oranges and cherries, pure maple syrup, bitters, and soda cured my bacon craving for the day and with fewer calories. They also serve up a Moscow Mule. A combination of Smirnoff vodka, Cock ‘N Bull ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and served in a chilled Buck’s copper pint mug. The copper mug being the key ingredient, provides (for lack of better words) a smooth copper finish mildly taming the tart lime juice.

In the dining room I noticed the paper place mat; this is however not a telling sign of the food to come. Chef Chuck Schommer, a James Beard award winning chef has carefully designed a menu of culinary flair and local ingredients. Beginning with their Calamari, tossed in a sweet chili sauce and served with a side of lemon aioli that combinded fried crunchy, tangy with a smooth and creamy finish. This was delicious and I couldn’t wait to dive into the rest of the menu.

Being in the flanks of Yellowstone Country, Buck’s is renowned for its wild game entrees. I decided to go with the Bison Tenderloin. A Ranch raised char-grilled 8 oz. tenderloin with onion straws, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Recommended at medium-rare, each bite was one juicy, savory morsel after the next.

Still a wild game option but a less expensive route, there is the Bison Meatloaf Grilled Cheese. Smoked cheddar and Swiss cheese, slabs of hearty meatloaf, homemade smoked tomato catsup, onion straws, thick sliced sourdough, served with hand cut Montana fries. Not for the faint of heart (or appetite), it’s any local’s well-earned go to after a long day on the mountain.

To finish off the meal, the homemade Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with a scoop of locally made Huckleberry Ice Cream was a tasty treat. Made fresh after ordering and served in a hot cast iron skillet, the warm ooey-gooey cookie barely holds its form as it melts in your mouth alongside the cold huckleberry ice cream.

Buck’s is a local and visitors favorite plating more than a great meal from an impressive menu selection it serves up a side of Big Sky history and rustic décor making this stop quintessential Montana.

-Kipp Proctor

Conquering the Wall: Indoor rock climbing

Kipp Proctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:12:00 -0400

When the snow is still piling up, lifts have stopped spinning, and a backcountry mission seems daunting, have no fear, Big Sky has some great indoor options and a new favorite that I was recently introduced to: rock climbing.

On my first visit to Geyser’s indoor wall, I don’t think that I was prepared for how demanding it was actually going to be. Not that I ever doubted that climbing was a strenuous means of exercise but after completing just a handful of routes, I definitely felt it. Not only does it work your upper body; your legs play a key role in climbing, making for a true a full body workout.

My buddies Tucker, Dylan and Kevin joined me on the first visit and it was fun to not only have them there to offer tips and guidance but to also watch. They picked the wall apart like a massive puzzle and it was a huge help seeing them navigate their way up using a combination of different holds. What boosted my confidence the most were their supportive words that rooted me on to the top of each route.

In addition to the main climbing wall, the facility also offers a challenging bouldering wall that consists of a handful of routes that don’t require being on belay. Watching Kevin begin from a sitting start on one (one that didn’t even look possible mind you) he sprang up and around the wall with ease.

Wanting to try my hand at it, I sat down to give it a shot. Slightly embarrassed, I couldn’t even make the first move which required you to hold on to a rock that was not only rounded but also slanted back and to then in one movement spring off the ground with your legs while reaching for the next hold. I still wonder how Kevin did it but know that with time and practice, I’ll come back and get it.

While Geyser offers a great climbing center located here in Big Sky, Spire in Bozeman offers a world class facility that's just down the road. So if you find yourself in Bozeman and can't make it all the way down the canyon, stop into Spire for some great indoor rock climbing.

Climb on!

-Kipp Proctor

Spire's climbing center

A view from above at Spire's climbing center

The Tram Star: Big Sky's Guiding Light

Kipp Proctor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:24:00 -0400

The Tram Star is the light that shines from the top of the Lone Peak Tram at 11,166 ft. above sea level and towers in presence over Big Sky Resort at its base and the surrounding community beyond.

If it’s not there, the clouds have ascended the peak, and perhaps a storm is brewing. If it’s crystal clear, the Tram Star outshines its fellow celestial lights as if to say, “Hey guys, this is my town.” Tram operators know there’s a light switch they can never mess with – they’d be sure to hear about it if they did.

Towns and cities across the globe have similar multi-purpose markings. For example, I went to college in Washington, DC, where the Washington Monument not only was designed as a dominating geographical reference point from throughout the city, but a thriving rumor even exists that a law prohibits architectural design within the District that would dwarf it. According to welovedc.com that law does not exist, but regardless, the monument remains the tallest structure in Washington at a height of 555 ft. There were many times during my years in DC where I might have been lost without the ability to look up to the sky and find the red beacon at its top to orient me.

The two are similar in that they both represent something bigger, our Tram Star represents the human spirit’s ever yearning quest to stand on top of the world and the Washington Monument represents our founding father’s vision for freedom, justice and liberty.

Where did the season go?

Kipp Proctor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:05:00 -0400

Great coverage to finish the year and a new shield to proudly wear

WHERE DID THE season go? It seems like just yesterday I was writing my first blog of the winter and getting pumped for another great season. But I guess the saying holds true; time does fly when you’re having fun.

From opening day turns and turkey to goggle tans and spring bump runs, it’s definitely been another season to remember. Lone Peak delivered as it always does and dished out its consistent cold smoke, long and smooth wind buffed runs, and gladly allowed us to bounce around its massive playground.

Powder days were plentiful with one of the snowiest Februarys that I can remember. No matter the day it seemed like the skiing was going to be great. Even starry nights were met by bluebird mornings, and sometimes to our amazement, a bountiful blanket of 18 inches of fresh for us powder hounds to enjoy. It was truly a winter of plentiful smiles, high fives and pole taps.

To top off the great snow, Big Sky had you covered with entertainment. Events and festivals like Way Alt West Fest kicked off the New Year and old favorites like Big Sky Big Grass, Dummy Jump and Pond Skim continued their reputations as guest favorites.

Then to really place a cherry on top, our guests (you) shared your exceptional experiences with OnTheSnow. The result: OnTheSnow honored us for the 2nd time in 5 years with their Visitors’ Choice Overall Best Resort in North America. Thank you for your support, it means a great deal to us to be your favorite and thank you OnTheSnow for this wonderful award, we’ll wear our badge proudly.

While our 39th winter season is sadly coming to an end, we have our 40th Anniversary to look forward to and if it’s half as good as this year it’ll surely be another to remember.

-Kipp Proctor

Lone Peak looking great on opening day

Marx opens for the first time November 29th

Katie and Margo from the Sales and Marketing team out having fun on the hill

Logan snacking on some powder

Consistent snow kept the resort looking fresh

Multimedia Coordinator - Chris Kamman shredding powder on the other side of the lens

Terrain Park Crew raised the bar with their offerings and care of the features

The Smash Life Banked Slalom continued to grow and brought in pro riders from around the country...and the attention of our local goats

Gorgeous sunrises...

and breathtaking sunsets

Smooth wind buff on the Peak

Andy Thorn, Drew Emmitt and Bill Nershi on stage at Big Sky Big Grass

Wet and wild time at 10th Annual Pond Skim

Another great season at Big Sky Resort

Sink or Skim: The Essential Guide to Pond Skim

Kipp Proctor — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:29:00 -0400

Rule #2: Keep your tips (or nose) up

COMING INTO ITS 10th year, Big Sky’s Annual Pond Skim is known for its creative pond designs, upbeat atmosphere, and of course, spectacular acts of skimming and sinking.

Having participated every year except for the 2008 Skim (had broken my back the week before); I’ve learned a great deal from my many skimming experiences. Here are a few tricks of the trade:

1. Have FUN: Dress up in an outrageous costume, act wacky, but most importantly, put on your best smile, you’re on camera.

2. Keep your tips up: The one sure way to sink is to dip your tips so keep them up.

3. Speed is your friend: There’s no such thing as too much when it comes to skimming unless you’re looking to get wet.

4. Use your powder boards: The wider the better and rocker is your friend. Think about it, what would you like to be on if waterskiing?

5. Don’t fly high: Airing it out into the pond is difficult and you’re likely going to go for a swim if you do. Instead of going big, absorb as much of the jump (if one is present) as much as possible to carry your forward momentum into the pond.

6. Watch out for sharks: As if skimming wasn’t hard enough, pond attendants add to the challenge with inflatable swim toys that will trip you up if encountered. So plan your route when entering the pond, you might just need to do some on water dodging.

Remember; have FUN and keep those tips up, you’ve got the warm cheers and support of the crowd behind you. Happy skimming!

-Kipp Proctor

Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man

When pigs skim...

Dear Big Sky Social Media Fans

Kipp Proctor — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:48:00 -0400

2 upcoming rippers. Watch out ski world, these boys mean business. (Noah left, Isaac right)

Dear Big Sky Social Media Fans,

I have checked out your Facebook page on numerous occasions and being a full time blogger for Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah, I found it humorous that your blogger seems to be completely incognito (I, on the other hand...am not). Really, unless you happen to be privy to your mountain’s inner workings, you might never know who is posting information about your mega resort on it’s FB page and elsewhere. Well, lucky me, I found out. He (yes, it’s a he and not a she) could very well be one of the best things at Big Sky...behind the skiing, scenery and of course, the Euro-looking Lone Mountain that looms over the valley like an extreme snowy playground just daring you to show up with your A game.

Although, some of you reading this may already be friendly with so-called blogger, I promise I am not going to expose his desire for anonymity but only share with you what he shared with a (I’ll admit it) self-absorbed skier/blogger from Utah and my crew of little men who found a new stomping ground deep in the southwest corner of Montana.

Over the past few weeks I have been continually asked why I decided to take my family to Montana for spring break to ski when I live in a state which is overrun with out-of-towner’s during March, who specifically come to Utah for world class skiing. I love Utah. I love skiing, living, and playing in the Beehive State but, every once in awhile I need the unknown, something unfamiliar and different. I need to go somewhere that gets my blood rushing and I need to ultimately step out of the Utah bubble for just a moment. Generally, this desire sends me packing to Wyoming and the steeps of the Hole but, I have begun to know that mountain like I know the Cottonwood’s and it was time for something completely foreign.

Although, flying into Bozeman was an option, the drive from Salt Lake City to Big Sky was a breeze. Five hours to West Yellowstone and another forty minutes through some of the most spectacular country in America. I wouldn’t have traded that drive for a quick flight any day. I may have traded out my two boys though...

Who knew Big Sky was so close and so accessible? I sure didn’t. I guess that is why it has taken so long for this Utah transplant to discover what you guys reading this have known about forever. Thanks to your ambiguous blogger who happens to be a little higher up the totem pole than social networker, my family and I were able to crash at the best Big Sky has to offer (although, I believe a dorm room at the hostel would have been satisfactory to have been able to ski three days at your mountain).

I know, I know, I am a bit jealous of myself even as I sit in my house looking out at the snow capped Wasatch writing this. I was just thinking this morning that I wish my boys, Noah (10) and Isaac (7), could eat at the Summit’s breakfast buffet every morning. It would save so much time and energy (for myself). That buffet killed it! It was hard to ski afterwards but, trust me...we did! In fact, most of the food we had in Big Sky was fantastical.

From here on out, I am going to refer to your completely rad blogger who ended up not only being the person behind the e-mails and text messages but who ended up being a guide, friend and even (whether he liked it or not) Isaac’s favorite play thing, as K. Bottom line is, K hooked us up (maybe not with some certain nachos) but he made our trip. Generally, I run into a small mountain office on these writing gigs of mine, say hello, shake a hand, grab some tickets, promise to send finished copies of articles written and that is that. Peace out. K became part of our experience. It was unexpected but in a perfectly good way.

I am sure I could have picked up another cute guy to show the fam around or someone else to lead my 10 year old into the Dictator Chutes or someone to race down the widest, most perfect cruisers I have ever seen, but no one would have been more successful than K. Even when K wasn’t around, he sent us off with good directions and recommendations. My husband was also impressed. Okay, this blog just got boring...he’s taken ladies. My husband and K, they are both taken. A few years and you might get lucky enough with Noah or Isaac. Keep your fingers crossed. Anyways, the bottom line is that your locals, especially K, know and love your mountain and are happy to share it with outsiders.

Some things that I learned about your neck-of-the-woods is that the town of Big Sky is MUCH smaller than I expected. This is not entirely bad as Bozeman is bigger than I anticipated and a short drive away. K says he can drive back from shopping in Bozeman and his ice cream is still frozen. I don’t necessarily buy that one. Certainly, the liquor laws are a far cry from Utah’s...I swear the beer runs freely from the taps here. I learned that although alcohol is a primary food group at Big Sky, the locals don’t seem to notice or mind the dizzying amount of white crosses that dot the roadsides. I came to Big Sky to ski BIG terrain but, bring a shovel, beacon and probe as they won’t let you into the serious stuff without it...dang (sort of). I learned that the big in Big Sky really means BIG! Who knew that there are two other skiable mountains within steps of Big Sky? Moonlight Basin and The Yellowstone Club (Although, unless your Bill Gate’s illegitimate child, you are probably not skiing the club any day soon) make this skiable playground the largest in America! Your mountain is huge in a million ways. I was also blown away by all the beginner and intermediate terrain that your mountain has to offer. Shocked...completely shocked! This mountain should be on any diverse families hit list! I learned that I couldn’t possibly ski or come to know your mountain in a measly 3 days of skiing...it is that BIG!

When it comes time to be putting the seriousness into my articles for Big Sky, I will look back and remember the fun to be had in Montana because of K.

Thank you for letting us come and explore the mountain that you love so much. We all need an entire season to really understand and explore the steeps and deeps as well as the expansive gentleness of Big Sky’s wide open spaces so, don’t be surprised to see us again someday soon.

Sincerely, Rachael Hodson

P.S. Thanks K for crushing me and putting me back in my rightful place....all that vertical....ahhhh

Noah arcing turns and laying trenches down Dictator 1

The Bowl in all it's unbumped spring wonder

Isaac and I (K) goofing around at the base

K skiing Chicken Bowl

An Easter Sunrise Service to Remember

Kipp Proctor — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:16:00 -0400

FEW PEOPLE HAVE the opportunity to experience an Easter Sunday Sunrise Service as spectacular as our now annual one here at Big Sky Resort. Just before the crack of dawn at 6:30am Swift Current begins spinning, transporting attendees up the mountain. At an elevation of 9,147 ft., everyone gathers for the breathtaking Sunrise Service.

Led by local Chaplin, Brad Lartigue, the service begins at 7am. The warm rays of morning sunlight fall upon you as everyone joins together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. At the end of the service, attendees are given the opportunity to either ride back down Swift Current or clip into their skis and make their way down Mr. K and back to the base.

Once back at the base, the Huntley Dining Room offers a delicious Sunday Brunch with freshly sliced ham, an amazing omelet bar, and an endless array of delectable treats and offerings.

After grazing on the Huntley Dining Room’s delicious spread and reflecting on the service, head to the fire pit next Andiamo and Basecamp for the Resort’s Easter Egg Hunt. Beginning at 9am for the little ones (6 and under), it’s always a family favorite.

The gorgeous sunrise, beautiful setting, and great company make for a truly memorable Easter.

-Kipp Proctor