Big Sky Living

Lava Lake Hike

2011-08-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Last week we filled our packs and headed for a camping trip to Lava Lake. The weather was beautiful and the wild raspberries and huckleberries were just about ready to pick. Watch out for bears next week as they will be eating the berries too!

Four Wheeling

2011-07-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

The other week we went four wheeling on the RZR's outside of Bozeman. We came across this big field with a few old homestead cabins on it. What a great way to spend the day!

Ousel Falls

2011-06-18T10:58:00.001-07:00

This morning we decided to ride our bikes to Ousel Falls, park the bikes, and run down to Ousel Falls to see how much snow melt there was. I wish I had a better camera instead of the one on my phone as the sunlight was hitting the misty falls and created a unique scene. A scene that could have been anywhere in the world such as New Zealand, Hawaii, or Montana! We only saw 5 other people and 2 dogs. Usually the dogs out number the people but I guess all the dogs were out late last night and decided to sleep in.

The Big Melt

2011-05-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

I went for a drive the other night and decided to drive as high up as possible to see how much snow still existed in the mountains. I had to pull over when I saw the snow pack next to the raod that appeared to still be 10 feet high. The fish and river rats (not really rats....people who love the river) will be excited to know there is still much more water on its way. Hang on as house rock is going to be buried this spring for the first time since 1996. What an epic winter we had...

Snowmobile

2011-03-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

I spent the day snowmobiling yesterday up Buck Ridge just south of Big Sky. In the background you can see Lone Peak (Big Sky Resort ski mountain) and the Spanish Peaks mountain range. We had sunshine and endless powder fields all day!

Montana Sunset

2011-02-10T15:07:00.001-08:00

Another beautiful winter sunset here in Big Sky, Montana.

Opening Day 2010

2010-12-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving day once again marked the opening day for Big Sky Resort but this year was unlike any previous year due to the amount of snow. As of December 1st Big Sky Resort has received 163% of average snowfall! This equates to a great base and epic amounts of powder (this early in the season) to ski on. If this continues the winter 2010-2011 ski season will be a winter season not to miss in Big Sky, Montana.

The Beartooth Highway

2010-09-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

My wife and I decided to take a day off and check the Beartooth Highway off our "must do" list. Wednesday after work we drove to south- eastern Montana and stayed in a bed and breakfast/guest ranch for the evening. From there we drove into Red Lodge to pick up some breakfast and candy then begun our adventure on the Beartooth Highway. If you are just now hearing about this road then you should spend a moment and Google it becasue I don't have enough room to properly write about it. If I had to sum it up in 4 words I would say "top of the world". Great drive to do in a sports car....or any car for that matter!

Deer Lake Hike

2010-07-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

Saturday night we were at a BBQ with some friends and decided to do a big hike Sunday morning. After great discussion we set our focus on Deer Lake. For those of you not familiar with Deer Lake, the trailhead is just over the green bridge in the canyon. It was our first time on this hike and it wasn't an easy one. After six miles of a constant incline we saw the lake (pictured on the left). If you aren't a big hiker I just suggest blowing up this photo and soaking in the reward from your laptop, however it is much better in person. Usually when dealing with a significant elevation gain on a hike, the hike up isn't as difficult as the hike down. Reaching the parking lot I was never so glad to see the Subaru. My knees were tired and I was good and thirsty. Great hike overall which took 2 hours and 30 minutes up and just under 2 hours down.

Golf at The Club at Spanish Peaks

2010-06-28T14:35:00.001-07:00

A picture is worth one thousand words....

Bear

2010-05-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

On my way home from work today I noticed this curious creature off the side of the road roaming around the golf course. This time of year we experience these types of encounters weekly if not daily. As long as we don't bother them then they usually don't pay much attention to us. Just remember your bear spray when out golfing while in Big Sky, Montana!

First Put of 2010

2010-05-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

As the sun continues to turn the winter's snow into water I just couldn't wait any longer to step on the Club's golf course. As you can see the greens are melting nicely along with the rest of the course. We have our first tournament of the summer in one month and the course is looking better every day.

Mountain Living in the Spring...

2010-04-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

At first glance you may think to yourself, "what is this a picture of?" This is a picture taken moments ago from the front seat of my truck driving to work today! Now you may also be asking yourself,"what is the date today?" Answer: April 30, 2010. That's right, almost May and it snowed over 18 inches so far with NO signs of letting up. It would be easy to view this as negative but instead let's look at this in a more positive manner. Snow equals water, water equals growth of vegetation which equals happy and healthy animals in the forest this summer. Well now I feel much better about all this snow! Margarita anyone?

Turkey Hunting Spring 2010

2010-04-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Now that the snow is melting and the slopes are closed I have to be more creative on how to fill my days off from work. I took a few days and headed to eastern Montana to do some turkey hunting with a friend. This was my first turkey hunt and I was extremely impressed by how great gobbler hunting is. Calling in the birds and watching them strut is truly amazing. I ended up filling my tag (2 Toms) over the weekend. This spring hunt has me excited and already thinking about the fall elk hunting season!

Easter in Big Sky, Montana

2010-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

This Easter we woke up to more snow! I think we got over 20 inches in the past 48 hours which equates to powder day on Easter Sunday. We woke up and headed straight to the mountain for some great powder turns. We started off the morning taking some turns with my cousins and their son on the Explorer lift. We met up with other family for lunch then Whitney and I ditched everyone and headed straight for some turns down bone crusher then the tram. We got on the 2nd to last tram and skied the 1st Gully. With 20 inches of fresh snow the tram was epic. We ended the day at dinner with a few friends who live up the street from us. Happy Easter 2010

Bike Ride Through Yellowstone National Park

2010-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Since it was such a nice day yesterday we decided to pack up our bikes and head to Yellowstone National Park. Every year they open the park a few weeks early to non-motorized traffic. We rode about 14 miles and saw the usual elk, bison, geese, etc. while riding (no grizzlies or wolves this time). I must say that seeing a 900 pound bison 15 yards away on a bicycle is a different experience than seeing one from the front seat of a pick up truck!

Spring Skiing at Big Sky Resort

2010-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

You can ask anyone living in Big Sky, Montana and they will tell you spring skiing has arrived earlier than usual this year. Instead of worrying about the snow I decided to enjoy the warm weather. On Tuesday a few of us did the Bonecrusher hike/run at Big Sky Resort. Without a cloud in the sky I found myself hiking without gloves, helmet, and outer shell (jacket) on. Once we reached the top we took a minute to soak in the views then took a few great spring skiing turns headed to the base for a Yetti hot dog and a cold one. They are forecasting snow later in the week but until then bring on the sunshine!

Cross Country Skiing Forest Service Adventure

2010-02-25T09:33:00.001-08:00

One of my presents for Christmas was an overnight adventure up Spanish Creek to stay in a Forest Service Cabin. On Saturday my wife and I loaded up our packs and cross country skied uphill 4 miles to the above cabin in the Gallatin Canyon. The weather was close to perfect and it got down to just below zero at night. Luckily an enormous wood burning stove was there to greet us as we found ourselves in shorts and a t-shirt after a few hours of burning wood. On our way down we saw a moose out in one of the many snow fields we passed through. One undiscovered treasure in this valley in my opinion are these Forest Service Cabins scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. If you are looking for a little adventure I highly recommend experiencing this type of expedition.

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-11T12:02:00.001-08:00

A good friend of ours drove down last night for dinner and stayed the night so we could get up early and do some back country snowboarding. We woke up, had a big breakfast, then drove to Beehive Basin to begin our expedition. After hiking for about an hour or so in we found a nice un-touched face to hike up and ride down. We made two trips to the top and had fresh tracks all the way down the powder filled mountain side. As you can see from the pictures (taken on my phone) it was a beautiful blue bird day. After snowboarding out I had lunch, took a nap, then headed over to some friends house for the Super Bowl. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday! Congratulations to the New Orlean Saints!

Epic Day on the Slopes at Big Sky Resort

2010-01-25T13:53:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Big Sky Resort "reported" 14 inches of new snow overnight. My wife and I woke up at 7am, fixed a big breakfast, and almost caught first chair. We immediately headed to Shedhorn lift for a few turns then went to Dakota. The storm came in from the south and blew feet of snow from the south bowl into the Dakota trees. It was some of the best and deepest tree turns I have ever experienced and it didn't stop snowing ALL DAY. This is why I live in a ski resort town. What an epic day on the slopes.

New On-Mountain Dining Option

2010-01-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

The other day I was skiing and discovered the newest on mountain lunch spot at Big Sky Resort. The yurt is located near the Shedhorn (sheddy) lift on the south side of the mountain. Great place to grab a burger and some sunshine mid-slope.

Got Snow?

2010-01-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

This was the scene after brushing off my wife's car this morning. We were hit with 14" of light powder in the past 24 hours which made for a great day of skiing. If you know the good spots there should be powder for another day or two. Cold and clear tonight......great evening for a big fire.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T10:57:00.001-08:00

Last night to bring in the new year we went to the Clubhouse at The Club at Spanish Peaks for an hour or two then headed over to a friends house to bring in the east coast and mountain standard time new year. When we walked into their home it started snowing and didn't stop until midnight. We woke up to several fresh inches of snow so it should be a great uncrowded day on the slopes. I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010.

Wildlife

2009-12-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

Driving to Big Sky, Montana from Bozeman Montana you travel HWY 191 for about 25 miles. During this extremely scenic drive it isn't uncommon to see wildlife, rafters, fisherman, rock climbers, campers, hikers, and photographers. This photo was taken just after you turn right off of HWY 191 to HWY 64 heading up to Big Sky. It's always a good idea to drive a little slow after you turn on HWY 64 for about a mile as that is where these guys like to hang out. Merry Christmas tomorrow!

First Day Snowboarding Big Sky 2009-2010 Season

2009-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was my first day riding Big Sky this season and what a great way to start the year! There was about 2,000 acres open but the tram and triple chair were on wind hold for most of the day. I ended up mostly riding up Swifty, Ramcharger, and Thunderwolf. Pinnacle restaurant opened Tuesday and I look forward to chillin' next to the outdoor fireplace drinking a cold one later this week. See you on the slopes!

Thursday Night Basketball

2009-12-11T09:53:00.001-08:00

Every Thursday night from 7:00-9:00pm throughout the 2009-2010 school year the gymnasium at Ophir school is open to the community for a free evening of recreational basketball. A few of us went last night and played 21 for about an hour. The school provided the basketballs, the court, and has water fountains (as well as drink vending machines). We found this to be a fun way to spend the evening and I'm sure it will help us get in shape for skiing. Ophir school offers several other community classes, games, and events in the evenings which some are free and others require a reasonable fee. For a complete list of events go to http://sites.google.com/a/ophirschool.org/ophir-school/Home/adult-education.

Yoga

2009-12-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

Every Wednesday night from 6:00-7:15 there is a Yoga class in the art barn near Southfork. The cost is only $10 and last night I was talked into attending my first ever Yoga experience. The class was small, intimate, and intense. No pictures were taken but use your imagination as I tried stances and positions I didn't think my body would ever attempt. I am a bit (okay, VERY) sore today but enjoyed my first Yoga experience and will likely attend a few classes throughout the winter season.

Sunday Snowshoe

2009-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

After watching the Cincinnati Bengals win today moving their record to 8-3, my wife and I went for a snowshoe up Stoney Creek. This is a great snowshoe that lasts about 45 minutes. It starts off with a pretty big climb (don't be intimidated) then levels off to an area with nice views before dropping back down and winding through the forest. This too is a great one if you are at The Club at Spanish Peaks as it is on the boarder of Spring Creek Reserve only a few miles from the Clubhouse. My photos didn't turn out very well but you get the idea. Nice way to spend an hour before watching the evening football game on Sunday. If anyone needs directions just let me know or who knows, maybe we will see you on the trail!

Let it snow...

2009-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

After waking up to 12 more inches of fresh powder today I find myself excited about the ski season that is almost upon us. Big Sky reported they have as much snow on the mountain this early in the year as they can ever remember. There has even been a whisper of opening the tram and Liberty Bowl on Turkey Day this year! See you on the slopes.

Hunting Season 2009

2009-11-21T13:00:00.001-08:00

I continue to be amazed by the elk species, their wit and ability to vanish into thin air. Many hours of hiking this season resulted in only a few elk spotted and no shots fired. Several gorgeous miles of terrain hiked with several breath taking sunrises and sunsets. The kind that make you truly appreciate the vastness and tranquility of Montana. Numerous hours of laughing with my hunting buddies, telling stories, and sharing future plans. Even though our freezers won’t be full of meat this winter we still had great times and I am already looking forward to next years hunt.

Cinnamon Look Out Hike

2009-07-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

View from top of Cinnamon Look Out

Two weeks ago my wife and I filled our camel backs and hiked up to Cinnamon Look Out. It took us around 3 hours to reach the look out tower, we had lunch, then headed down. Near the top we ran into several waist high snow drifts and an elk carcass. We didn't see any bears this time and overall I think it took us around 5 hours from the time we left our truck to the time we returned. This is a good hike if you have half a day to enjoy the outdoors and is only a few miles south of Big Sky.

2008-2009 Ski Season

2009-04-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

This year my wife and I branched out with a few friends (Sigourney and Comiso) and carved up the A-Z chutes. If you have not experienced these chutes I highly recommend doing so next year. To access these chutes you ride up the Challenger "two seater" lift then hike up the spine to the west. The first chute is easy, wide open, and pretty forgiving. For those who are a bit more adventurous keep hiking further up the spine. At some points you are literally walking what feels like a tight rope with serious consequences on each side. Just pray that a gust of wind doesn't decide to sweep thru. We adventured on this quest after a big spring storm which left a perfect blanket of knee deep snow for us to ride on....and did I mention it was a blue bird day. I had many exhilarating days on the hill this past season and I already find myself dreaming of next winters cold smoke....

Big Sky Bragging Rights:
Bigger than Vail. Bigger than Aspen's Ajax, Buttermilk, Highlands and Snowmass combined. More vertical than Jackson Hole. And all one private lift away. The snow is deep. The powder pure. And the lift lines not long enough to catch your breath. Winter cloaks Lone Peak with an average 400-inch snowfall on an astounding 6,000 acres. With 23 lifts, 220 runs, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop, Big Sky is skiing the way this sport was meant to be enjoyed-uncrowded, with fun and challenge around every turn.

2006 Hunting Season

2006-11-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

My good friend (and unbelievable guide-let me know if you are looking for one) Ian and I embarked on yet another season of trying to outsmart the Rocky Mountain Elk. We loaded up our trucks and headed out of Bozeman for a 2 1/2 hour drive around 3am to one of Ian's top secret Elk hang outs. As we ventured down a narrow muddy road flinging mud all over the truck in hopes of not loosing our momentum we crested a hill and found ourselves taunted by 3 bull elk running in front of us. Yeah right, it's never that easy. I gun the truck in hopes of catching up to them but end up just covering the truck with so much mud that not even the $10 car wash could completely reveal the original paint job and we watched all three jump the fence from public to private land frolicking and laughing at us as the sun was starting to peek over the mountains. That day ended up being a long day of walking our rifles as we couldn't get close enough to empty the chamber on any elk. The next morning we awoke with sore legs, dehydration, and to 30 degree weather. We quickly fired up the truck to venture down the road to a new area and thaw out a bit on the ride. As the sun came up we positioned ourselves on a nice bluff overlooking the (what we were hoping to be) over-populated land of elk. We could hear them bugle but had no luck on getting a shot off. As the late morning approached we headed over to the other side of this tract of land in search of greater prosperity. Walking in the noon sun we cut over to soak in a view off another bluff. As we summited a large boulder we startled (and were startled) the above bull elk. This 6X6 elk jumped up and ran for the trees. My good friend Ian was just ahead of me and jumped out of the way, flexed his golden pipes yelling "SHOOT"! "SHOOT"! I drew the rifle up to shoot but the elk was so close that the scope was filled with green fuzz from all the pine trees. The elk almost made a clean exit while in the background I still have Ian yelling "SHOOT"! so I followed the movement of the pine trees and fired one off before the disappeared down the draw. Ian and I look at eachother and he asks if I shot it? Still startled by the sudden event the elk ran down the hill and up the next draw then stopped in the open. The bull turned broadside and looked around probably thinking-what in the hell just happened and why does my knee hurt? Ian once again screams out his favorite word "SHOOT"! I take my time, site him in, and let the 30.06 sing. The 250 yard shot with snow blowing sideways thru a large revene resulted in a clean hit that brought him down. I stayed put as Ian ran down and then up the draw in hopes that if the elk was injured it would return to the bald spot leaving me with another clean shot. Once I caught up with Ian and the bull (now above our fireplace) we celebrated the sweet success of stocking my freezer for an entire year. This past year (2008) Ian and I went out again and both took a cow elk on the opener. It wasn't quite as entertaining as the previously mentioned hunt but please don't hesitate to ask me about it as behind every hunt is an exciting story!