The elusive, sometimes ruthless and certainly infamous Old Man Winter has been sighted spending his days in Big Sky, Montana. Old Man Winter has been known to blow some wind around the beautiful and immense Lone Mountain. “The winds tend to vary quite a bit from one area of the mountain to another”, reports Ski Bunny, a regular local skier at Big Sky. “Over all the skiing is magnificent, but I recommend a neck gator or face mask” she adds. Luckily for skiers, cold weather brings in light and fluffy snow ideal for powder skiing, which Big Sky and Moonlight skiers have been doing a lot of so far this year. “Montana Cold Smoke is what we call that light powder snow” Ski Bunny explains.
Temperatures have begun to rise, but skiers are still experiencing cold days. “There is no doubt that Old Man Winter is here!” exclaimed skiers as they bundled up for the day. Old Man Winter is certainly being blamed for such unrelenting low temperatures. The general sentiment in Big Sky is that they love winter, but wish that Old Man Winter would lighten up on the wind and freezing cold weather. On the contrary Frosty the Snowman raves about Old Man Winter’s visit to Big Sky. “I am his biggest fan! I hope he never leaves, melting is such a drag” says Frosty.
The weather has created high avalanche danger. Be very careful if you decide to venture beyond controlled areas. The skiers at both Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin are very lucky to have a well trained, experienced and a meticulous ski patrol staff making the mountain safe for all skiers. “Patrol has been painstakingly thorough making sure every aspect of this mountain is secure, I have seen them digging multiple pits and the bombing has been plentiful” says Ski Bunny.
“Despite the wintry weather, I have had a great time skiing in Big Sky this year. Overall I have to say these are some of the best ski conditions I have seen during Christmas in years” says Joe Skier, who has been visiting Big Sky for over 19 years.
When Old Man Winter was approached with questions about the extreme temperatures and profuse winds, he woefully explained that his job is much harder than most people realize, and making the weather ideal for all is an intricate balance with many uncontrollable factors. “I am doing the best I can, but with global warming and Mother Nature on my back all the time I can only do so much. I am only one mythical man!” he stammered. ”Has anybody thought to blame Jack Frost?” Old Man Winter asks.
Jack Frost has been alleged to be skiing Moonlight Basin and Big Sky. Rumors of his presence have not been confirmed.
Overall skiers are happy to be out on the Mountain and with the right gear and generous layers, everybody seems to be having a great time. M.R. Hummers is full of chilly skiers warming up. “Just the other day I saw Old Man Winter himself enjoying a Hummer shot and an Irish Coffee” says Ski Bunny. Seems as if even Old Man Winter enjoys a break from the cold.
Stay warm,
Erin
