2004 DTR - Big Sky, Montana

Montana, home of the rotten moose. Having missed a clinic on the behavior of the wolverines while in Wyoming I was a bit concerned of the wildlife we might encounter in Montany. As the Moving Violation rolled on we found ourselves in Big Sky, the state's largest ski area, habitat of the hatebreeding loc. Having only been in the village parking lot for no more than two minutes I heard the thumps of snowballs up and down the rig. Turns out we pulled in on the worst night of the winter, a locals' only party called Scumfest or something. All of the bars were going off, The Manhole, The Satin Sailor, The Meat Locker and the Purple Roger, just to name a few. Tempting, but no. If you are into the monkey punch or salty teabags, perhaps this place is for you. When conditions permit you may even see the Rocky Mountain Man Spoon, a local favorite.

But seriously, this hate party the night we got there made for perfect riding conditions the next day. Everyone was too busy playing the shame game to ride the foot of fresh we did. The mountain itself may be the most imposing piece of rock that a lift can access. Lone Mountain Peak jumps out of the ground with sinister intentions. There are massive bowls and chutes everywhere, all begging for slashings. Do be careful though, the rocks that lay hidden under the light Montana snow are like fishhooks. They are not opposed to wrecking your world. As it was, I escaped severe core damage by riding the lower mountain. Open glades and natural kickers dominated the landscape making for a most enjoyable day.

I learned that some of the disgraceful attitudes employed by the locals are largely due to the Destination Resort status that Big Sky is now claiming. By no means were the intelligent and appreciative people having any of the nonsense that seemed to infect this otherwise incredible area. If you can look deeper than the surface it's easy to know why we all enjoy playing on these mountains. The term I prefer is Equal Opportunity Snow Enthusiasts.