Ski Season Ends in Big Sky April 15, 2009

Inside the “Powder Bandit” an updgraded school bus made into a mobile ski in/ski out condo. The Powder Bandit: Steal as much powder as you can!

We look over the forest service wall into the run-out of the North Summit on Easter Sunday.

Getting ready to ski back into Moonlight. The Lost Lake Cirque in the background.

 

 

 

 

It’s sad to say, but the 08/09 ski season has come to an end. As I sat in the free skier parking lot Saturday night, huddled around a campfire, surrounded by campers, a white ski bus and tons of fellow skier friends I chatted on camera about the passing season. “Overall it was a great year; it started out strong with snowfall, we experienced a couple deep freezes, spring-like conditions and then charged back into winter full speed at the end. We ended strong with great coverage and undeniably great skiing.” Everybody agreed, this season was yet another magnificent memory in Big Sky, Montana.

The end of ski season brings costumes, parties and events at every ski area. Saturday Big Sky featured its annual pond skim, which was the best yet. Ski legend Glenn Plake even showed up to show off a little of his mastery through the ponds with a clever Lincoln loop. After the pond skim, the crowd retreated to the plaza to hear “The Lobbyists” a popular local Big Sky band.

Closing day was quieter, but even more beautiful than the day before. It was a perfect blue-bird day with warm conditions and ideal spring skiing. Friends, Scott Smith, Amy Knollenberg, Blaine Ballard and I retreated to the Lost (Lone) Lakes Cirque on the back side of Lone Mountain. This area is backcountry and is accessible through a backcountry gate at the peak of Lone Mountain on Moonlight Basin’s property. The cirque is a collection of chutes, many with mandatory air, tight constrictions and exigent lines that make even the most accomplished skiers think twice. We chose one of the less demanding chutes and made first tracks. Once at the bottom, we looked out in amazement at the stunning view set against the deep blue backdrop. We hiked up and over the forest service wall that borders the backcountry and Moonlight Basin’s North Summit Snowfield run-out. After several photos, ooh’s and ahh’s we headed straight to the Timbers for their famous Nachos and $2 beer specials. We sat on the deck in the warm sun and listened to Scott play N.W.A’s classic “Straight Outta Compton” softly on an acoustic guitar while singing the lyrics in a mellow tone. There was no better way to spend Easter Sunday than worshipping the great outdoors in the great sanctuary called Lost Lakes, and listening to fine hymns such as “Straight Outta Compton”.

Although I am greatly saddened to see winter come to an end, as it is my “raison d’être”, I can be comforted by such things as; greatly reduced prices on ski equipment (I have a pair of 183 Volkl Katanas on the way), backcountry skiing (it’s dumping snow as I write this) and vacation time (I haven’t been home to see my family in Michigan for over 2 years). And although I am a dedicated worshipper of Ullr, I do like summer. In a couple of months we will be barbequing on the back deck, hiking, rafting in high water, mountain biking, climbing and camping.

Buck’s is an ideal place to spend the summer and I am lucky enough to work there. Buck’s is ideal for weddings, functions and events. We offer cuisine in our Main Dining Room which is beyond comparison, and the best deal in town on a Wednesday night in our Pub; $10 Steak Night. Buck’s is centrally located for all summer activities including whitewater rafting (Geyser Whitewater in on-site), hiking, golf and mountain biking. I am lucky enough to leave work and still have hours of daylight to enjoy many of the area’s treasures right out our back door here at Buck’s.

I invite all of you to spend some time with us this summer at Buck’s T-4. Buck’s offers affordable lodging. And all room rates include a hot breakfast buffet to get you started for the day. The activities are endless and the views are extraordinary. Buck’s is only 100 yards off the river where “A River Runs Through It” was filmed.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Montana is the last best place on earth. Come see us at Buck’s T-4, we’d love to meet you and show you some of our authentic Montana hospitality.

With love as pure as newly fallen snow (which is currently in progress as we experience a late winter storm here),

Erin

 

 

Keeping me in check!!! March 31, 2009

Erin enjoys some turns in the trees Sunday.

As I sit here on this Monday in March and I try to recount all the highlights of last week only one thing comes to my mind. Powder. I almost feel guilty spending another Monday evening at my desk unfolding the days filled with first tram rides, epic powder days, face-shot turns and a the oodles of fun we had on the mountain all week. The 4^th Annual Headwaters Spring Run-off Big Mountain competition at Moonlight was nothing less than extraordinary to watch. It snowed all week and every day brought legendary skiing. But I hesitate because eventually reading about this subject must become boring for some of you. So I sit debating on what to speak about when the past week has been one of the best skiing weeks all year, and Sunday must have been the deepest day of the year yet!

But just so I don’t make all of you flat-landers sneer in jealousy, non-belief or contempt; let me tell you a story about the trials and tribulations of a powder day.

Saturday night I dragged myself into bed and set my alarm knowing that it was going to be a big powder day Sunday, and that meant and early morning for me with aspirations of catching first chair at Big Sky. Let me preface this by saying, I have never been a morning person. I greatly admire all you early morning risers, who enjoy several cups of coffee, the newspaper and a healthy breakfast before work. I marvel at those who enjoy the sunrise. It is one of the most awe-inspiring sights, because I rarely ever see it. Even as a child my mother would sometimes have to drop cold water on me to invoke consciousness (generally around noon). My mornings usually consist of a painful awakening by my alarm just before 9 a.m., I fight myself rabidly applying every logical argument to rise, and my body fights back with extreme lethargy. Once risen, there are no showers (those are reserved for the night prior), there is also no breakfast, not even coffee. There is definitely no time for reading a newspaper. Instead I fumble through the clean clothes (or gently used pile) and find an outfit that I hope matches. But quite frankly at the un-godly hour of 10:00 a.m., who cares?

But when the snow falls my unadulterated excitement wakes me before the alarm which wakes me at 6:55 a.m. I leaped from my bed, dressed in my ski clothes and hurried out the door and caught the same friendly ski shop manager on his way to work. Once again I hitched a ride on his tailgate and was in line at 7:35 a.m. Goodness gracious I do love the early morning! Once I secured my place in line next to the other two early morning “regulars”. We chatted for the next hour and half until there was seventy people lined up behind us. We were deep into a discussion on Michael Jackson as the second hand moved steadily towards nine o’clock. I watched the lift operator like a hawk as he picked up the phone and spoke to somebody (presumably ski patrol) at the top of the lift. I could hear my own heartbeat. Slowly he lowered the phone to the receiver and looked slowly up to me. Eye contact was made. He blinked slowly and barely moved his head an inch. There was my sign! I dashed forward just as the chair came around and it blocked the other three men who were still debating the great artworks and bizarre atrocities of Michael Jackson. I looked back at their puzzled expressions and the lift operator chuckled at them. Yes, first chair on the biggest powder day of the year, had just been snaked from them by a girl. The quad scooped me up, and I had a leisurely ride up solo with three empty spaces. I laughed evilly to myself. “Whooo ha ha ha ha ha.”

Needless to say I won the race from the top of the Swift Current lift to the triple. I was very pleased with myself. I reveled quietly in my gratification. I gave myself several mental high-fives.

We loaded the triple a short while later, but this time I had the same two men with me that had met me at 7:35 a.m. As we unloaded we dashed in a tuck towards the tram. (Now, you must understand, there is no reason for me to even hurry at this point, I know I will be in first tram.) But the greed got to me. Suddenly a normally dormant streak of competitiveness rose in my blood as I stared at the back of my friend Ted. “I must get there first” I thought. My nose crinkled and my eyes became little slits of intensity. I lowered into a smaller tuck and gained speed, I started to pass him on his right side and just as I thought I was almost around him….

….I struck a thick, dense pile of snow and double ejected out of my skis into momentous forward somersaults. All the speed I had gained took me farther and farther away from my skis, which were still sitting uphill from me. I jumped off the ground and ran towards my skis; I grabbed the first one and then dug out the second. I set them in the snow and fumbled trying to put them on. The snow was too deep. My foot refused to click into the binding. Finally I realized I had to reset the binding. I vigorously picked up the ski as several other skiers passed. One after another, the tram line was filling and I was stupidly standing in the snow trying to fix my binding. I heard one skier yell as he passed “That is at least a one tram penalty.” It was actually a 2 tram penalty. When I finally entered the line the crowd cheered, partially because I had finally made it, and partially to revel in my defeat after being the only person on first chair that morning.

I re-learned a very important lesson; don’t get too greedy. This morning, I caught first chair for a great powder day, but I allowed the rest of the boys to come with me, I raced (and fell) but humbly and still made third triple chair and first tram…

I hope that you got some enjoyment out of this story, I promise not to gloat too much about the incredible skiing we experience here at Big Sky and Moonlight. You must promise to visit us out here, and experience it yourself. Looks like this upcoming week will be another great opportunity, check out the weather forecast below!

Respectfully yours,

Erin

Events for 3/31 – 4/6

Tuesday 3/31 – $3 bottled beers and $3 cocktails at Buck’s T-4.

Wednesday 4/1 – $10 Steak Night at Buck’s T-4. Don’t miss this weekly event; it is the best deal in town. 8 0z. Sirloin steak cooked to order, salad, steamed vegetables and a baked potato for only $10!

Saturday 4/4 – Ramcharger lift at Big Sky stays open until 5 p.m.

Saturday 4/4 & Sunday 4/5 – Military Appreciation and Educators Appreciation week at Big Sky Resort. Call (406) 995-5000 for details.

Monday 4/6 – The FREE ski week for Big Sky Frequent Sky card holders, mid-week pass holders and 15X pass holders begins!

Weather

Tues 3/31: Snow. (high 30)

Wed 4/1: Snow. (high 29)

Thurs 4/2: Snow. (high 35)

Fri 4/3: Snow. (high 29)

Sat 4/4: Snow. (high 31)

Sun 4/5: Partly Cloudy. (high 31)

Mon 4/6: Partly Cloudy. (high 37)

Living the Dream February 25, 2009

To the Men At Work tune “Land down under”:

“I come from the Land of Powder

Snow does fall by the hour.

Can you ski, can you ski the powder?

Better run, better take another…

tram lap.”

-Terry Stebbins (Musician and song-writer, and the best après ski entertainer in the world.)

 

The lyrics could not have been more fitting for Wednesday last week. I woke up to a snow filled wonderland. “Our mountain is a giant etch-a-sketch, and it’s just been shaken and ready for new lines to be drawn.” exclaimed my ski buddy Jaymie. Pow day.

I entered the Big Sky base area at a quarter to nine Wednesday morning. I took a look at the faces in the Swift Current line. ‘Not too many regulars’ I thought to myself. It meant that although I was a bit late, I still had a good chance at getting first tram that morning. I slid into line and after the nervous shift at about five minutes to the hour; I was firmly positioned for third chair. Why bother getting up early and racing crazed locals for a spot in the first tram? “Because I can’t afford heli-skiing” I always tell people. There is nothing greater than standing at the peak of a mountain at over 11,000 feet looking down at a steep wide open, completely untouched piece of mountain real estate and knowing for that moment it’s all your for the taking. That is what helicopter skiing must be like, but I didn’t have to pay thousands of dollars for it. I get those turns just for a lift ticket and for a season pass I get them all winter. I can honestly say there is nothing that compares to making first tracks in the high alpine through fresh snow.

The morning was cloudy, and the peak was not visible, perfect powder day conditions. Because of limited visibility it discouraged many “scenic tram riders” to wait for another day. Each lap the snow blew into different sections of the mountain and although each run didn’t compare to the first, the skiing was undeniably exquisite. My buddy Jaymie and I rode the tram all day exploring every aspect of the peak. Lenin was my first run of the day, pristine pow all the way. The Dictator Chutes were kind to me and the Wave Wall was deep. At the end of the day I took a line down Liberty Bowl, still making fresh track and with the snow flying over my head. “Bell to bell, that’s how it should be on a powder day.” said Jaymie. He was commenting on the fact that we skied all day while the lifts were open, no breaks 9a.m. – 4p.m.

Needless to say we were exhausted after the day, we retreated to (an un-named) lodge in Big Sky for some hot tubbing. We reminisced about the day, recalling our favorite skiing moments. Before we knew it the whole hot tub was full of locals soaking over-worked and already sore muscles. As a lodge employee approached I could hear him say “Nice guys, ski bum soup at the guest lodge.” Then he jumped in with us.

The next day I was lucky enough to catch first tram again. The wind had re-deposited the snow all over the mountain and smoothed out the peak, so that it looked un-touched again. I recalled Jamyie’s comment about the etch-a-sketch. “Ready for new lines” I thought to myself. It was a blue-bird morning, not a cloud in the sky and I knew that my first run down Marx needed to be appreciated because the tram line was about to get long with “scenic tram riders”. They clog the line, but you can’t blame them. The chance to stand at 11,166 feet on the peak of a mountain and look across the mountain ranges 360 degrees around you is the most amazing sight I can imagine. I remember the first time that it happened to me, I will never forget it ,and I am sure none of those scenic riders will either.

Covering my goggle tan to go to work is getting increasingly difficult. Saturday the weather was extremely warm and the sky blue. I decided that this would be the best day to take a hike up the Upper A – Z Chutes. I checked out with patrol and caught up with a couple young men (as a partner is required for hiking these chutes). The boot pack is an ascending stair-case that rises about 500 feet and overlooks the tram line. The only thing I don’t like about skiing the A-Z’s; it is a super “Hollywood” line. You know that everybody is watching, and on a day like Saturday there were plenty of spectators in the tram line. After an exhausting haul to gain the steep ridge I performed a seriously challenging balance act standing on a knife edge ridge and putting my skis on. The reward was worthy of cherish. I made a fresh track all the way down in deep snow. I was proud to look at my line as I stood at the bottom admiring the turns.

“Nice work Sedmak, great line.” exclaimed one of the young men who had hiked with me. I smiled back at him satisfied with all of our lines on the giant etch-a-sketch which is our mountain.

Living in Big Sky is truly living the dream. I hope that all of you also get the chance to experience heli-skiing without the helicopter, stand and look out at the Tetons from Big Sky Montana at over 11,000 feet and most importantly; I hope you too take the opportunity to make fresh tracks through untouched snow and understand what a magical dream you are living for that moment.

“I skied Third Gully

it made me nervous,

I nearly ate my knees for breakfast.

Skied Lenin today.

Fresh snow, not much else to say.

I said to my friend do you like the powder?

Because I come from the land of plenty.

I come from a land of powder

snow does fall by the hour.

Can you ski, can you ski the powder?

Better run, better take another…

tram lap”

-Terry Stebbins

 

Living the dream,

Erin

 

BIG SNOW IN BIG SKY!!! December 24, 2008

Big Sky, Montana has the best snow regionally. Almost all of Big Sky resort’s lifts are up and running, including the famous Lone Peak Tram which brings skiers to the summit of Lone Peak at 11,166 feet. Skiers have the choice to ski down world class expert terrain, which is skiing fantastic right now, or they can ride back down the tram after experiencing once-in-a-lifetime views. Big Sky and Moonlight Basin have a wide variety of fun groomers and cruiser runs for those not wanting to “show off” their extreme skiing skills.

We have had several powder days so far making the 08-09 winter season start with a bang! Apparently Mother Nature hasn’t heard that this is a year of “meager spending”. Mother Nature has been more than generous with the heaps of snow she has delivered to us, here in Big Sky, MT.

The other day I began by day early with a piping hot cup of coffee in the Mountain Mall. I sauntered up to the Swift Current lift and gained my position for first chair. There is nothing quite like first chair on a powder day. Despite the cold spell we have been having, it was particularly warm that day, another charitable gift from Mother Nature. Once the tram opened and I skied down Marx. This run is the most perfect run for a powder day, it nice and steep at the top and then mellows as it widens. To be the first skier down Marx on a powder day is truly an un-matched experience. Typically this run has a small rock band at the top, which is easy to maneuver around, however with this year’s fantastic snow condition the rock band is barely visible. The locals are all amazed how incredibly well the mountain is covered so early in the season.

I went up the tram again, and decided to take Lenin down this time around. Lenin is very similar to Marx, but I can tell you it may have been even better than the first run of the day. Especially towards the bottom of the run, the snow was piled high and the wind groomed base below was smooth. This allowed for ideal ski conditions the whole way down. What a fabulous experience. I was giddy with delight and I sped onto the duck walk and headed back for more.

The lower mountain was also fantastic, I noticed many people exploring lines through the glades and reappearing with ear to ear smiles.

There is big snow in Big Sky! I highly recommend that you come and visit us this winter. Times may be tight, but nothing puts a smile on somebody’s face like skiing the most fantastic mountain in the country. If you want to save a few bucks, book a reservation at Buck’s T-4 (www.buckst4.com or 1-888-822-4484) in Big Sky. All rooms include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. There are two large hot tubs to warm up in after a day on the slopes, a large game room and two fantastic restaurants. Call and let them know Erin sent you!

Also, January 2, 2009 “On the One” will play a live show at Buck’s T-4 in Big Sky. This will definitely be one of the best shows in Big Sky this winter. “On the One” is a well known funk, jazz and hip hop band. Tickets are only $10 and are available at Cactus Records in Bozeman, Buck’s T-4 Lodge in Big Sky, the Conoco Station in Big Sky or the Smoke N Wino in Big Sky. There is a complimentary shuttle after the show to take you home, or you can book a room at Buck’s T-4 for a special discounted rate.

I hope to see you all on the lifts, enjoying some play time in the powder and at the “On the One” show.

All yours until it snows again,

Erin

 

Wedding Bliss August 18, 2008

Nashan Photography

Nashan Photography

 

Why get married in Big Sky? Why not get married in Big Sky is more the question. A couple of friends from Chicago, IL chose Big Sky as their wedding location and destination vacation for over eighty guests, who stayed anywhere from three days to over a week. I joined the party for three days over the wedding weekend, and I will never forget the fun we had.

The weekend kicked off Thursday night, when everybody met for drinks and a new bar in town called Choppers. This new establishment is ideal in Big Sky, since we are such a popular motorcycle destination being right off highway 191, a famous scenic drive. In fact Buck’s T-4 is right on highway 191 and only 100 yards from the impressive beauty that is the Gallatin River, which the highway follows. The Gallatin River is the location in which the movie ‘A River Runs Through It’ was filmed.

I led three men up to Lava Lake, which sits above highway 191 accessible only by a three mile trail that leads directly to an alpine lake surrounded by towering green mountains. The hike is six miles total (three up, and three down) and has an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. The trail can be accomplished by almost anyone; you must navigate your way around some rocks on the trail. The first two thirds of the hike is through dense lodge pole forest, and then you come upon a bridge that leads over a tumbling creek with small waterfalls. The last third of the hike you find yourself among aspen trees and thimble berries. Once at the top, the men jumped off cliffs into the refreshing mountain lake. We swam, laughed and took pictures. I hope that it was an experience they won’t forget.

I can guarantee that the walk (or full out sprint) on the way down is definitely an experience they won’t forget. As we started our descent back to the trailhead the Montana skies clouded up and not only did rain drench us, but for about one minute we were hailed on. The rain continued our entire descent; I laughed, hooted and hollered as we came down. Once back in the car we were all smiles, joking and recounting our experience. It was good to see that everybody was in good spirits and enjoyed the storm. One man commented that it is so invigorating to be able to face a situation that was not a controlled environment, but a pure act of nature and all its unpredictability. They say if you don’t like the weather in Montana, wait 5 minutes, it will change.

That night after we warmed up in the hot tub, we went to Buck’s T-4 for dinner. We had Dungeness crab cakes to start and each ordered something different so we could trade food and try as much as the luscious cuisine Buck’s has to offer. I had the New Zealand Red Deer, one of the most famous and oldest menu items. Other dishes ordered were the Wild Game Composition (quail, elk and bison short ribs), the Bison Tenderloin and the Pancetta Wrapped Pheasant Breast in a mushroom fideo. We chose a Washington Syrah and a California Red Zinfandel to compliment all the meals. Everybody was exceptionally pleased with the meal, and impressed with our menu at Buck’s. We left full and happy.

The following day, many of the eighty out of town guests went whitewater rafting with Geyser Whitewater, on property at Buck’s T-4.

After rafting I met a couple men who had rented mountain bikes from Geyser and we went to Porcupine (just a mile south of Buck’s T-4) and went for a mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is extremely physical, and can be very muddy. It was certainly both this day. Both men impressed me with their dedication to the steep climbs up the hill, and the wildly amusing downhill sections. We returned to the car covered in mud, but our white smiles shined through. I was pleased to hear their exhilaration and they seemed to take great delight in getting utterly filthy.

That night we headed to an elegant wedding under the beautiful Montana skies, thunderheads loomed and threatened in the distance, and three extraordinary rainbows shone brightly in the blue sky. Montana has a wonder all its own, fiery sunsets against grey and purple layered mountains, brilliant rainbows, and the surreal sky with thunderheads and blue sky together all looking down on golden fields and green mountains. I have travelled many places but few ever match the vivid majesty of Montana. I am so glad that this bride and groom chose our beautiful location for their lifeline commitment to one another. I can think of no better place for such a sacred vow.

FYI – Buck’s T-4 is a popular location for weddings, and other events. Buck’s can accommodate groups any size from 10 to 200 people and we have outstanding catering services.

It’s been real,

Erin