Sabbatical Ski Adventure

The day was spent at Big Sky Montana.  The best way to describe is you drive up a valley to Big Sky mountain and the ski resort surrounds the peak.  Just breath taking.  The ski resort is so huge.  At the end we did a mountain comparison criteria and scored all the mountains.  Since neither of us skied Snowbird we will say David and Logan felt it was for the serious and skilled skier and loved it a bunch.  View the results at the end of today's content. The parking lot (free) was massive and they had a similar setup to Taos with a truck pulling a wagon.  So much easier to get on and off.  The base has a huge lodge and several lifts to take you different directions.  There are two smaller bases on the left and right side of the mountains as well. We elected the super chair to the left for the blue runs we could see.  The middle was hard to tell and you can't even see the right side.  The lift fit 6 riders with a bubble cover, foot re...

Today is a ski and travel day.  Starting with breakfast, packing and driving up to Jackson Hole.  Being Tuesday and snowy we did not have to get there too early.  Walked up to the base and after getting new pass for Jeff (last one cracked in half?). We spent the morning skiing in white out conditions and fresh snow 4-6". Took a break for Irish Coffee and water, then headed back up for few runs.  Skied to the bottom and took the Tram to the top.  Drake skied down and Jeff took the Tram.  Meeting up at the bottom the call was to start our trek to MT. What Grandpa looks like when skiing with Drake!!! Tram adventure pictures...... Stopped at the new Sidewinders (sister location to the Super Bowl spot).  BBQ Hamburger with onion straws and cheese. After lunch made the 4 hour plus drive to the VRBO in Gallatin, MT.  Up through WY into Idaho, then MT and then Yellowstone and then into MT.  Lots of very great scenery.  A ton a breath taking view...

-3 degrees start in Jackson, WY. Brought in gear this morning and warmed up while waking.  Whew, forgot to bring in our gear overnight.  Amazing how long boots stay cold when frozen. Drive up to Jackson Hole Resort was 25 mins and parked up close for $35.  Free parking off mountain just seemed to be a little more than difficult.  Getting there early we hung out in the car for a bit.  Despite web site saying 9:00 a.m. start, the lifts and gondolas opened at 8:30 a.m.   Skiing at Jackson Hole is basically very long hard blue or black runs.  More on the black side.  While pretty much a groomer hill, it was quite the challenge.  The  Corbet's Couloir  was not open due to lack of cover.  Just not enough snow the past several weeks.  View of the entire Jackson valley was so hard to capture in a picture.  Warmed up a bit, but a cold a.m. with the haze clearing for a blue bird day. No lunch but resting break at lodge....

Snow again over night leaving the cars, driveway, steps and sidewalks covered in an inch plus of powder. A typical morning start with everyone except Sarah, Drake, Parker with Grandpa and Christa not skiing.  Earlier start as anticipated crowds on Friday to be heavy.  Parker did not sleep well all night and most of us are sore and tired.  David and Logan were troupers and represented the crew on the mountains. Parker had sausage and eggs for breakfast and the rest of us bagels, coffee and bananas. Text from David upon arrival good news, but sounds like the weather is less than desirable to start.  Cold and cloudy/foggy visibility. Snowbird open bowl with packed powder....all black.  Logan and David in their element despite low visibility.  Parker and Grandma having a morning power nap. After nap time we packed up around 11:15 to take back Christa's rentals to Christy Sports and Sarah looked at some Ski Coat options.  Sales are s...