It’s March in Big Sky, which means snowstorms, parties, spring skiing, powder and tons of fun. The first week in March encompassed it all. The week started out warm and ended with two big powder days, and a rockin’ spring party.
My dad and brother came to visit, which allowed me some time to explore parts of the mountain that I rarely made it to. Sunday was blue sky, great visibility and warm weather. My dad and I headed to Mr. K a long gentle groomed run which is loved by beginners and experts alike. After our warm up we hit some of my dad’s old time favorites such as Crazy Horse, Upper Morning Star and Lobo. Although Dad has been skiing Big Sky since 1991, he still likes to stick to the same groomed cruisers he loved back then. Big Sky offers fantastic terrain for intermediate skiers. Sometimes we get carried away talking just about the Tram and all our expert terrain. But most skiers that come on vacation are intermediate skiers and they are looking to enjoy their ski vacation and not go home with any injuries. Big Sky and Moonlight have plenty to offer in that department.
Although my dad has skied Big Sky for almost 20 years, he had never been to Moonlight Basin, which definitely deserves a couple days of exploration. Moonlight Basin’s groomed trails are long and meander through gorgeous woods, and offer breath-taking views of Fan Mountain, Beehive Basin and the Spanish Peaks. We explored all the blue square runs off both the Six-Shooter lift and the Lone Tree lift. We laughed as we loaded the high speed 6-person lift at Moonlight alone. “It sure is nice to have this great amenity here, but we don’t even need it.” I said. “The trails at Moonlight are as private as you need, pristine beauty, great skiing and a taste of what Montana skiing is all about.” My dad and I laughed and remembered what Big Sky was like 15 years ago, a lot like Moonlight.
I persuaded my dad into the trees for a run. We took Whiskey down from the Lone Tree Lift, it’s a gentle slope with trees spaced out to allow plenty of turns. Moonlight has a collection of idyllic tree runs. They are not too steep, not too tight, they are just right. I suggest exploring Whiskey, White Bark, Single and Double Jack.
To end the day, my dad, brother and I headed to Buck’s T-4 for dinner. My brother fancies himself somewhat of a food connoisseur and was wildly impressed with the cuisine. “It’s crazy that there is such a magnificent gem of a restaurant all the way out here” exclaimed my dad. I ordered the Field and Stream special which consisted of a veal chop with a caper demi-glace and cherry foie gras duck confit ravioli. My dad went for the Catch of the Day special which was a seafood bouillabaisse with scallops, salmon, muscles, shrimp and crab. My brother ordered the extremely tender Bison Tenderloin. For appetizers we had Trout Cakes and Fried Oysters. The meal was fabulous, but to end it right we had a double-decker brownie with fudge and wrapped in filo dough and served with homemade vanilla ice cream. We also couldn’t pass up the huckleberry cookie and pear sorbet. Buck’s is a reataurant that shouldn’t be missed if you are visiting Big Sky. Best known for wild game, Buck’s also offers prime grade hand-cut steaks and features an award-winning wine list. There is also a hotel that offers affordable lodging. www.buckst4.com
After that dinner we were in need of some calorie burning. Luckily for us the next night it started to dump. The snow came with a vengeance. The storm was so intense driving was nearly impossible. However we were determined to make it down to the Lotus Pad, Big Sky’s only Thai restaurant, and often called “the best Thai I have eaten anywhere” by travelers. After a fantastic dinner with friends I made the journey back up to the Mountain Village and dropped the boys off. “I will never make fun of your driving again” stated my brother, who isn’t used to what a Montana snow-storm can bring in. “Thanks for getting us back to the hotel alive.”
It was an early morning indeed the next couple days. Big Sky was hit by a storm that eventually brought what seemed to be about 30 inches of snow over two days. My Dad taught me well as a kid “No friends on a Powder day.” I raced to the Swifty line early and secured my place in line for another early morning tram line filled with oceans of un-touched powder. It was divine. I can’t say enough about skiing powder, but I will restrain myself and point you to my last blog entry if you crave expansion on the subject.
After a hard day of skiing we were rewarded by going to the Yurt dinner at Big Sky. We were picked up from the Summit hotel in a snow-cat that sat 25 of us, in a cabin or on the roof. We headed up middle road to a Yurt, where we enjoyed sledding, a bonfire and a delicious filet mignon dinner accompanied by french-onion soup, mashed potatoes and vegetables. The meal was finished with chocolate fondue, and then we headed back down the mountain. If you are visiting Big Sky, don’t miss this backcountry dining experience. www.skimba.com
Saturday was Dirtbag day, our favorite holiday in Big Sky. I started my morning by visiting a punk band show at the Bambu Bar while I enjoyed breakfast and a Bloody Mary. Next, we gathered at the base of the Lone Peak Triple lift and lined up for the Dirtbag parade, where the Dirtbag King and Queen ski through a tunnel of ski poles and screaming Dirtbag ski bums, then we all headed down Crazy Horse. Next we rode back up the lifts to a stadium built from snow at the base of Crons. Powder 8 skiers, including myself hiking up Crons and lined up to see who could do the best powder 8’s. The snow had not been touched for a week and the wind had done some damage making it slab. Watching the pairs come down was riotously entertaining. After the awards ceremony at the Black Bear, we had a delicious home-cooked dinner and then dressed for the Dirtbag Ball, where all us ski bums partied until we were kicked out. The costumes all day consisted of neon ski gear, vintage clothing and the wildest, most outrageous attire one can find. The Dirty Shame played for us, and rocked the house.
The first week in March truly came in like a lamb and out like a lion.
Happy Dirtbag,
Erin
Buck's T-4 Blog 