2013 EpicSki Gathering: Big Sky Montana! - Page 2

Yes, the rumor is true. The ski areas around Bozeman will be our Gathering place next year and I will be organizing this outing. I will look into March dates, as soon as value season pricing comes into play to save $. I'll arrange for a group price on tickets and lodging at the Huntley/Big Sky and resort owned condos at the area. I'll check into getting a shuttle to Bridger and back one of the days because it would be a shame to skip "my" mountain. Maybe we can find a shuttle from JH to Big Sky and back too. 

I will say that when Eric DesLauriers was coaching at a Big Sky ESA, he went to JH for a birthday party one night and was back the next morning, so it's not a heinous drive when road conditions cooperate. 

A few photos from 2009 Big Sky:

They never did put the landfill in.... (that's the Yellowstone Club they're looking at. or is it Jellystone now after the lawsuits?)

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolo 

 

That's where we should put the landfill!

 

Pete in the woods:

^Pete

Trek in the woods, (before she started modeling ski outfits):

This is Habacomike, nicknamed "snowblower" after the video of him in Liberty Bowl. This is why:

This was our group - Robin Barnes' from the esa '09 at Big Sky. (With a few extras).

It wouldn't stop snowing....we were miserable. really, it was unbearable...every day the same thing....

Originally Posted by Aleph Null 

Originally Posted by T-Square 

Bottom of The Congo on Andesite Mountain. Bob Barne's group looks for a lost watch in the powder.  It was all about the powder that week.

Rio in the trees: (photos by Trekchick)

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

Tromano :

Alephnull

I have to say that if VA doesn't show up on the roll-call for this Gathering I'm gonna be mighty disappointed.  I've skied with a lot of bears over the years, but VA has been fairly elusive.

Reading the thread and listning to Frank while I do it !!!!! We better make it next year ot TC and her equipment carrying hubby will write us off the christmass list!!

Maybe the Butt sisters can make it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Boot 

Reading the thread and listning to Frank while I do it !!!!! We better make it next year ot TC and her equipment carrying hubby will write us off the christmass list!!

Maybe the Butt sisters can make it?

What I think you're trying to say is........

You were enjoying an adult beverage and listening to Frank while reading the thread!!

You have determined that you better make it to next year's gathering or TC and her charming husband will cut you off at the knees which will make it difficult to ski.

Maybe the sisters with nice ASSetts will join us all at Big Sky too?

We'll be there for sure, since we live here, in Big Sky, at least all winter (until the house in N. Michigan is sold, then we'll be full time Montanans)  As locals, if there is anything we can do, any questions you have, we'd be happy to help. 

However . . . By the time I got the above remarks posted (on a recalcitrant iPhone from the car somewhere in So Dakota) it became perfectly clear that you guys know your way around Big Sky very well and have even been here recently: the season I missed, actually, after a five level cervical fusion after an injury inflicted by a crazed cornice-leaping boarder. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibearll 

However . . . By the time I got the above remarks posted (on a recalcitrant iPhone from the car somewhere in So Dakota) it became perfectly clear that you guys know your way around Big Sky very well and have even been here recently: the season I missed, actually, after a five level cervical fusion after an injury inflicted by a crazed cornice-leaping boarder. 

Glad you posted.  You're a nice addition to the Bear den.  Look forward to skiing with you in 2013!

FWIW, just spent a week in Big Sky. Awesome mountain, apparently rarely gets dumps but most days gets a few inches of ridiculously light pow (our experience), lots of very sharp small rocks, so kiss your bases goodbye, and the wait for the tram on a rare blue ski day can hit over an hour. But worth it. Main lodge is small but nicely run, Moonlight Basin side is a good alternative for lodging, but both are a bit thin on restaurants and such, no real "town." The Chopper down the hill was our primary dinner hangout. (I'm sure locals will crack up reading this.)

Not silly far from Jackson, but roughly same price to fly to Bozeman (I checked), and anyway how many local airports have stuffed mountain sheep up the side of a big live fireplace in the lobby? Easy and reasonable Karst shuttle from airport to your door; they waited patiently until after midnight for my late flight. (About 1.5 hours from Bozeman to slopes on said shuttle, locals probably drive it in under an hour.) It is silly far from SLC or points west, unless you have no need to worry about extra travel days, in which case seriously beautiful country for a road trip...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinecure 

I think we may need to rent a big van for a group road trip from Tahoe to the Gathering. Plan stops in Jackson and maybe even UT.

Perhaps a tour bus?... with libations and entertainment?  

Now we are talkin!

Would be happy to welcome everybody to Montana next year and possibly play tour guide for a few days, depending on the dates.  If the gathering really is going to span 5 days, I would suggest spending at least one day (preferably a mid-week day to avoid crowds) at Bridger Bowl, 16 miles south of Bozeman, and one day with the Lone Peak Pass which offers access to the North Summit Snowfield and Moonlight Basin Terrain. 

As for scheduling, I think if everyone arrived anytime before February they would be met with dissapointment.  We are usually pretty thin during December/January.  Late February is good, but it gets busy around Presidents' Day (busy for Big Sky means 2-5 minute lift lines and having to actually see other people on the hill on occasion.  During March, we have the most ideal weather, with 20 degree sunny days and big storms that dump lots of powder.  Late March is also your best bet for getting into special access areas like the 4th-6th Gullies, Tits Up, and in perfect conditions- the Apple Core.

Unless you plan on sticking to the groomers all day (in which case Sun Valley, ID would be a better gathering), better bring your avy gear, your fat skis, and be ready to hike at 10,500' with a Montana sized hangover.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyond 

apparently rarely gets dumps but most days gets a few inches of ridiculously light pow (our experience), lots of very sharp small rocks, so kiss your bases goodbye, and the wait for the tram on a rare blue ski day can hit over an hour. But worth it. Main lodge is small but nicely run, Moonlight Basin side is a good alternative for lodging, but both are a bit thin on restaurants and such, no real "town." The Chopper down the hill was our primary dinner hangout. (I'm sure locals will crack up reading this.)

You're right- you needed someone to show you around. This is a paradise, but knowing where to go and how to get there is everything.  The month of March is known for regular 6-12" storms at 0-10 degrees followed by bluebird skies and temps in low 20's (read: light, fluffy powder + sweat and goggle tans).  Lone Peak sits mostly above treeline, and the mountain is pretty much covered in scree as opposed to many lower elevation mountains which are covered in grass.  So when you hit low areas in the snowpack, mainly on wind swept ridges, you're going to hit rocks.  Those are andesite rocks, which eat ptex for breakfast.  That said- if you stick to the gullies next to the windswept ridges, you often find drifts of powder that can easily be waist-deep after a 4" snowfall.  Again- just need to know where to go (and also where to avoid).

As for dining options Apres: the mountain village (at the base of the lifts) offers bar food and finer-style italian, as well as a goofy fondue experience.  The Meadow Village (actual town of Big Sky) offers Thai/Asian, Barbeque, pizza, sushi, and plenty of options for bar-style food, as well as some fancier fare. 

Helpful Timetable-

From Bozeman to Bridger Bowl: 20 minutes

From Bozeman to Big Sky: +/- 1hour

Bozeman to SLC: about 6 hours

Big Sky to Driggs, ID: 2.5

Big Sky to Jackson: 3 hours

Beyond, any chance of revisiting with the gang next season?  I'm guessing you'd have a great time and it would be great to meet you face to face!

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyond 

FWIW, just spent a week in Big Sky. Awesome mountain, apparently rarely gets dumps but most days gets a few inches of ridiculously light pow (our experience), lots of very sharp small rocks, so kiss your bases goodbye, and the wait for the tram on a rare blue ski day can hit over an hour. But worth it. Main lodge is small but nicely run, Moonlight Basin side is a good alternative for lodging, but both are a bit thin on restaurants and such, no real "town." The Chopper down the hill was our primary dinner hangout. (I'm sure locals will crack up reading this.)

 

Not silly far from Jackson, but roughly same price to fly to Bozeman (I checked), and anyway how many local airports have stuffed mountain sheep up the side of a big live fireplace in the lobby? Easy and reasonable Karst shuttle from airport to your door; they waited patiently until after midnight for my late flight. (About 1.5 hours from Bozeman to slopes on said shuttle, locals probably drive it in under an hour.) It is silly far from SLC or points west, unless you have no need to worry about extra travel days, in which case seriously beautiful country for a road trip...

skibearII and BZNpow, I'm excited to have your help with the Gathering next year. 

How was the skiing at Big Sky today? We got 9" at Bridger with bluebird skies, skied until our legs were jelly.

binder, I thought you were the designated driver!

I was just at Big Sky during President's Day week.  The skiing was good, but you are right about the scree!  Got a little base repair to do.  I know it is a ski gathering, but I would highly suggest people take a day around/during the gathering to day trip it to Yellowstone and do a snowmobile tour.  It was the highlight of our week there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyond 

FWIW, just spent a week in Big Sky. Awesome mountain, apparently rarely gets dumps but most days gets a few inches of ridiculously light pow (our experience), lots of very sharp small rocks, so kiss your bases goodbye, and the wait for the tram on a rare blue ski day can hit over an hour. But worth it. Main lodge is small but nicely run, Moonlight Basin side is a good alternative for lodging, but both are a bit thin on restaurants and such, no real "town." The Chopper down the hill was our primary dinner hangout. (I'm sure locals will crack up reading this.)

 

Not silly far from Jackson, but roughly same price to fly to Bozeman (I checked), and anyway how many local airports have stuffed mountain sheep up the side of a big live fireplace in the lobby? Easy and reasonable Karst shuttle from airport to your door; they waited patiently until after midnight for my late flight. (About 1.5 hours from Bozeman to slopes on said shuttle, locals probably drive it in under an hour.) It is silly far from SLC or points west, unless you have no need to worry about extra travel days, in which case seriously beautiful country for a road trip...

Now wait a minute!  "Rarely gets dumps"?? "Rare blue sky day"?  FYI: Last year we had more snow on opening day than there is anywhere now (including here): granted it was an "epic" year, but even in this year of sub par ski conditions, Big Sky has better than almost anywhere else in the country!  And there has never been a shortage of "Bluebird" days at Big Sky. (except last year, of course, when it was "dumping" all the time!) And, as for dumps. Those "few inches" of what we call "Montana cold smoke" can reach your knees and above off the Peak. Off course they don't call them the "Rockies" and "Andesite" for nothing and you may pay for your fun with a little ding here and there in your ptex, but, after all . . . .

You can now reserve a time on the Tram (once a day) and avoid the wait - often the only line anywhere on the Resort. It doesn't help those who want to do "Tram laps" but it might help you make your appointment with "The Big" on time.

Oh, and btw, I don't know anyone who can make it from the airport, through the canyon, to Big Sky, in under an hour!  Some may have tried: have you noticed the little white crosses by the sides of the road?

Submitted twice. You should never post from an iPhone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug 

That IS the plan.  I am hoping for a later than earlier Gathering..say end of March so we can take a week plus to go. 

Here! Here! That will give my knee time to heal and make JH a possibility. Ohhh, next ski season . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by segbrown 

Hey, that was my plan too...  

 

(Not the "driving from Reno" part, but  "fly to JH, ski, drive to BS, ski, drive to JH, ski, fly home")

Hmmmm . . .
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolo 

skibearII and BZNpow, I'm excited to have your help with the Gathering next year. 

 

How was the skiing at Big Sky today? We got 9" at Bridger with bluebird skies, skied until our legs were jelly.

The skiing at Big Sky was great today (now yesterday). We stuck to the trees: the groomers were "dust on crust", and we didn't go to the top as we were on a schedule and hadn't been on skis in several weeks. (We spent a disastrous couple of weeks in N. Michigan when we went to do some upgrades on a home we have for sale there.  We got caught in the "Snowstorm of the Decade", getting stranded when we lost power (heat, lights and water) for eight days. There was no escape: we have a lake on one side and thirty trees blocked the first mile of the only road out.  Temps of about 48° were "room temperature" by the time we finally made it out!)  We only got a few inches unlike your nine at Bridger. Today is another beautiful bluebird day but very warm and windy.  We suspect it's pretty soft and can see no lifts running from the condo.  We're holding out for colder temps.  But Colter's was magnificent yesterday!  Our legs were jelly by noon: it sure doesn't take long to get unconditioned when you're older than dirt!

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibearll 

The skiing at Big Sky was great today (now yesterday). We stuck to the trees: the groomers were "dust on crust", and we didn't go to the top as we were on a schedule and hadn't been on skis in several weeks. (We spent a disastrous couple of weeks in N. Michigan when we went to do some upgrades on a home we have for sale there.  We got caught in the "Snowstorm of the Decade", getting stranded when we lost power (heat, lights and water) for eight days. There was no escape: we have a lake on one side and thirty trees blocked the first mile of the only road out.  Temps of about 48° were "room temperature" by the time we finally made it out!)  We only got a few inches unlike your nine at Bridger. Today is another beautiful bluebird day but very warm and windy.  We suspect it's pretty soft and can see no lifts running from the condo.  We're holding out for colder temps.  But Colter's was magnificent yesterday!  Our legs were jelly by noon: it sure doesn't take long to get unconditioned when you're older than dirt!

 

note 2 self - bring Volants

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantunamunch 

note 2 self - bring Volants

Our 80 year old neighbor, an instructor here, has a pair of Volant "chubs" of which he is absolutely enamored.  He uses them any time circumstances given him an excuse to do so, though he finally broke down and bought a pair of Kendos this year.  So I guess "note 2 self - bring Volants" is a good idea.