Big Sky

While LT went back to Australia to work and pack up the rest of our belongings (not much fun), I joined friends and family in Big Sky, Montana for some skiing (a lot of fun).

Montana made quite the impression for my first visit.  Incredibly scenic and pristine landscapes, very nice people, an air quality slightly better than Shanghai, good food, and great skiing.  Let's keep that last bit between us.

Big Sky claims to be the "Biggest Skiing in America" having more skiable acres than any other resort in America.  Though it may be technically true, this claim is bunk.  Without getting into too many details, let's just say they use the term "skiable" loosely and have boosted their acreage on trails 99.9% of visitors will never see.  But that's my only beef.  It is a great mountain.  There is good terrain for skiers of all levels, the scenery is incredible, the snow was ideal, and there was nobody there.  We may have had to wait for three or four chairs a few times.  It was as though we had the mountain to ourselves for four days of skiing.  Selfishly wanting to preserve this for any future visits, please refrain from spreading the word ... cause it was really, really, really cold!  Yep, so cold!  Nobody in their right mind would ski in weather that cold.  Seriously.  Very cold.

If you do happen to make the visit despite my overtures, beware the Challenger lift.  Though some people may not see it (me), there is a sign at the bottom that says "Experts Only".  This may not please everyone in your skiing party as they aren't kidding.  Every run off this lift is steep and deep.  I think our group of seven outnumbered how many people we saw come off that lift the rest of the four days.

Bozeman, Montana.  Home to the Montana State University Bobcats.

Somehow these two knuckleheads always end up with matching coats.  Uncanny.

Baldy keeping Sammy T. Ciabatta warm.

Sammy T. Ciabatta getting a bit out of hand at dinner.

The old man after the brutal run off Challenger lift.  I didn't know
the resort had asked him to groom the run with that stachecicle.

Matt pretty exhausted after "enjoying" the same run.

The mountain from our lodging.  Pretty convenient.

Taking the Lone Peak Tram to the summit.

At the summit.

Brian, Baldy, and Matt at the summit.  It is "Experts Only" only off the tram as well ....
enticing two in this photo to confirm that you can in fact take the tram round trip.

The bowl below Lone Peak

Three of four days skiing in 4"-6" of dry, fluffy powder.

The old man and I.

Big Sky

We saw a moose!