Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, February 5 & 6, 2010

Headed to Bridger Bowl on Thursday, February 5. Takes about 1-1/2 hours from Big Sky. Skies were overcast and the light flat. Warm temps at the 6,100 ft base. By the end of the day, 36 degrees. Snow cover is generally low.

Went directly to the new chair (controlled backcountry) and did a couple of laps. Big bumps, wetish, crusty chopped crud, lots of rocks on super steep slopes, and intimidating terrain for a first timer there. Did find some nice patches of snow but it was too much like work.

Tried other parts of the mountain to find the tree skiing and had some good runs but in general not enough to live up to the Bridger cachet on this day.

As my son will be attending Montana State next fall, next year I'll have an experienced Bridger guide.

By contrast, Friday at Big Sky was fabulous. At 7,500 feet the temps apparently remained low on Thursday leaving the snow cold, soft, light, and squeaky. Add to it another 3 inches of overnight powder, again the dandruff size flake kind, and sunshine often while it snowed, and it's a recipe for another great day in the Rockies.

Though no face shots, I skied powder from the first to the last run of the day. Lots of hikers heading up from the Challenger Chair to ski the A-Z chutes, an area with plenty of "you fall you die" runs.

After 6 straight days I'm taking today off to rest my knee. Looking forward to 3 more days of skiing here then start heading back on Thursday. Please have plenty of what I've become used to over the past couple 2-1/2 weeks waiting for me when I arrive: powder.

Picture 1: my tracks off the Shedhorn Chair on Yellow Mule
2: Hikers heading up the ridge from the Challenger Chair heading to the chutes
3: last run of the day in deep tree powder by Buffalo Run

Keith,

Thanks for the conditions update on Bridger. How's the coverage at Big Sky this year versus last year ?

Are you going over to Moonlight ?

I have a break in my teaching schedule at The Pass and we are looking at a roadtrip soon.

Are you planning to stop at Montana Snowbowl or Lookout Pass ?

I don't think the coverage is as good this year as it was last year. That said, even in the best of times Big Sky, aka, "Big Rock," always seems to have coverage issues. Any time, any place, even on a groomer, you can hit a rock at this place!

And it's so easy to get suckered. If there is powder and it hasn't been skied here there is a very good reason. It means the locals know that it is really a thin veneer on top of frozen in place rocks.

Not going to Moonlight. Can't justify the expense as I ski half price at Big Sky because of my Crystal pass.

My plan is to ski at Discovery outside Anaconda on Thursday as I've never been there and stay in Missoula that night and head back on Friday.

The Shell 2 for 1 coupon at the Targhee looks like a real winner. They just got a big dump his week.

My plan is to ski at Discovery outside Anaconda on Thursday as I've never been there and stay in Missoula that night and head back on Friday.

The Shell 2 for 1 coupon at the Targhee looks like a real winner. They just got a big dump his week.

Ski Discovery is a wonderful area.  The Limelight chair serves some very challenging terrain.  Jill and I had a great powder day there on a Sunday a few years ago.  We're planning to return again this year. 

With the Shell deal,  Grand Targhee is a worthy stop.  Seeing you are in the area, you could swing down to Teton Pass.

Perlins back in Utah suffering with some fresh powder.   :'(

While I would love to go to the Targhee, (who wouldn't?), I don't think I would get much support on the home front to head south as I have been gone for 3 weeks tomorrow and promised to be home on Friday.

Looks like there might be new snow coming on Thursday. Until then it looks like bluebird days. Currently it is 0 degrees here at the condo at Big Sky and about 1/8 inch of new snow (a dusting).

Have fun on your trip out here. When are you leaving?

Here's another picture from Saturday: Sunshine and snowing, fresh powder, and ultra cold temps off the Shedhorn Chair.

It would be interesting what the locals at Bridger think about the new lift to the Ridge.
Back 25 years ago in my college days the Ridge was a real special thing to hike to when they opened it up. The area is so small that hiking to the ridge kept it somewhat preserved and the lower hill is flat as a pancake.
It would be weird to have bumps on the Apron, the Nose and in many of the chutes, but I guess progress makes it more suitable for an everyday ski.

I like Discovery area. Its real small, flat on the front side and a nice bowl with steep chutes on the backside. Reasonable prices, real Ma and Pa place.