E-File_Winter Magazine 2017

CALENDARS
DECEMBER 3 - 4
JANUARY 5 - 6
FEBRUARY 7 - 8
MARCH 9 - 10
APRIL 11 - 12
HOLIDAY SPECIAL EVENTS 13 - 16
DINING SPECIAL EVENTS 17 - 18
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES 19
APRÈS SKI MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES 20
NORDIC SNOWSHOE TRAIL MAP 21 - 22
SKI SHOP SKIER SERVICES 23
YOUTH ACTIVITIES LADIES WEEKEND 24
BIG SKY RESORT 25 - 26
ACTIVITIES IN AROUND BIG SKY 27 - 28
FLY FISHING 29 - 32
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (YNP) 33 - 34
ICE PATCH ARCHEOLOGY 35 - 36
YNP SKI SNOWSHOE TRAILS 37 - 38
FIRESIDE CHATS 39 - 40
SPANISH PEAKS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 41
RECIPROCITY WITH MOONLIGHT BASIN 42
LODGING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES 43 - 44
REAL ESTATE 45 - 46
WARREN MILLER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 47 - 48
BONDED BY SNOW 49 - 50
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30
17
1918 20 21 22 23 24
DECEMBER
16
31
4-6pm Après with Live
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
7:30pm Hideout Cinema
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
5-9pm Christmas Eve
Dinner
5pm Family Portraits
6pm Snowcat Dinner
10am Introduction to
Nordic Skiing
1-4pm Holiday Party
4pm Visit with Santa
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks 9am Yoga
9am SCOA Meeting
Nordic Skiing
Music
4pm Sleigh Rides
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
9am Ski Social
6pm New Year’s Eve
Party with Los
Guys
6pm Kids Hollywood
New Year’s Eve
Party
9am State of the Club
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
4-6pm SPCF Fund Drive
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4pm Sleigh Rides
6pm Snowcat Dinner
9am SPOA Meeting
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4pm Sleigh Rides
6pm Snowcat Dinner
9am Yoga
Music
4-7pm Ryan Turner
Trunk Show
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
5-9pm Dining Room Open
Music
Christmas Dinner
To-Go
1-3pm Wine Design
Music
6pm Pudgy Pie
Snowshoe
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
OPENING DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE25 CHRISTMAS DAY
3 4

29 30 31
22
15 17 18 19 20 21
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
65432 7
23 24 25 26 27 28
JANUARY
1
16
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am Yoga
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
6pm Snowcat Dinner
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4-6pm Tubing Party
Music
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
8pm Full Moon
Snowshoe
Fondue
9am Yoga1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Nordic Skiing
Music
4-7pm Trunk Show
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am Yoga
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
5pm Fireside Chat
with Nathan Korb
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
4pm Snowshoe
Fondue
9am Yoga1-9pm Lil’ Peaks 10am Jack Creek
Nordic Tour
1-3pm Wine Design
NEW YEAR’S DAY
MLK DAY
5 6

26 27
19
12 13 15 16 17 18
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 2 3 4
21
28
22 23 24 25
FEBRUARY
14
20
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
8pm Full Moon
Snowshoe
Fondue
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am YogaTBD Super Bowl Party
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Nordic Skiing
Music
4-7pm Trunk Show
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm Snowcat Dinner
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4-6pm Tubing Party
Music
6pm Snowcat Dinner
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am Yoga
1-3pm Wine Design
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks 5-9pm Valentine’s Day
Dinner
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
5pm Fireside Chat
with Dan Wenk
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
6pm Pudgy Pie
Snowshoe
9am Yoga
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
6pm SPCF Auction
Music
6pm Snowcat Dinner
10am Jack Creek
Nordic Tour
9am Yoga1-9pm Lil’ Peaks 5-9pm Mardi Gras
Dinner
VALENTINE’S DAY
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival
7 8

26 27 28 29 30 31
12 13 14 15 16
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 2 3 4
19 20 21 22 23 24
18
25
MARCH
17
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
5pm Fireside Chat with
Dan Vermillion
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
Nordic Skiing
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
9am Yoga
Nordic Skiing
Music
4-7pm Trunk Show
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4-6pm Tubing Party
5pm Fireside Chat with
Marty Pavelich
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
8pm Full Moon
Snowshoe
Fondue
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
5-9pm Seafood
Extravaganza
9am Yoga
1-3pm Wine Design
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks 10am Jack Creek
Nordic Tour
Music
5-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1pm On Property
Snowshoe Tour
1pm Big Sky Guided
Snowshoe Tour
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
4pm Snowshoe
Fondue
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
R3 on the Range
R3 on the Range
9 10

32 4 5 6 7 8
109 11 12 13 14 15
1
APRIL
16
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
5-9pm Lil Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
Music
5-9pm Lil Peaks
9am Ski Social
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
1-9pm Lil’ Peaks
CLOSING DAY
11 12

HOLIDAY LUNCH SERVICE
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 2 | 11AM - 3PM
The holiday lunch service will be a delicious, hearty
buffet set up in the Dining Room with additional
seating in the Bar and Great Room. $
CLUBHOUSE HOLIDAY PARTY VISIT WITH SANTA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 | 1 - 4PM
Deck the halls and spread the cheer at this year’s
Clubhouse Holiday Party!
COOKIE EXCHANGE
Do you have a favorite holiday cookie, fudge, or toffee
recipe? Show off your sweet treat at the annual cookie
exchange. Taste testers will decide on the house
favorite and the winner will receive a gift certificate for
use in the Dining Room or Clubhouse Bar.
WREATH DECORATING
Wreath decorating was a big hit last year! Sip on festive
adult beverages while creating and decorating fresh
evergreen wreaths. $
WRAPPING PRESENTS
Festive wrapping paper, colorful ribbons and bows will be
on hand for those who would like to wrap gifts during the
party. Need some last minute gift ideas? Head to the Ski
Shop for specials on an array of stocking stuffers.
JUST FOR KIDS
Have fun decorating gingerbread houses and cookies,
making ornaments, and creating holiday themed arts
and crafts. Don’t forget to write a letter to Santa, who
will stop at the Clubhouse before he visits children
around the world. Listen to a reading of The Night
Before Christmas and have your photo taken with Mr.
Claus himself. $
SNOWCAT DINNERS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 | 6PM
(EXCLUDES DECEMBER 25 31)
This winter, we are offering a unique dining experience
at Sacajawea Camp on select evenings. Bundle up and
meet in the lower lobby of the Clubhouse to board the
SP Snowcat. Grab a to-go cocktail from the Bar or sip
on the complimentary mulled wine before heading up
to Sacajawea Camp, where you will be greeted with
light appetizers prior to sitting down to a hearty four
course dinner. Reservation required $
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 | 5 - 9PM
Make your reservations now for a traditional Christmas
Eve Dinner. Goose and Turbot will be the highlights
of our four-course prix fixe menu. Christmas favorites
like Acorn Squash Soup and Christmas Pudding will be
served. $
FAMILY PORTRAITS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 | 5PM
Have your family photo taken in front of the fireplace
or the gorgeous Spanish Peaks Christmas tree by
professional local photographer, Tori Pintar. We will
send you the digital prints shortly after the holiday.
CHRISTMAS DINNER TO GO
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Enjoy the most festive day of the year, worry free, and
let us take care of preparing dinner. Start with crusty
breads, cheeses, salad and a seasonal soup, followed
by Honey Glazed Ham and/or Angus Beef Rib Roast.
Dinner will include delicious accompaniments and
your choice of homemade pie. Reservation required by
December 15th $
TRUNK SHOW WITH RYAN TURNER
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 | 4 - 7PM
Local artist Ryan Turner, who has been photographing
this area since 1996, will showcase his limited edition
collection of fine art photographic prints. Turner has
been selling his prints since 2006 and opened his
gallery in Big Sky in 2010. Turner will feature both
framed and non-framed landscape and wildlife pieces,
among others.
WINE DESIGN: VISION BOARDS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 | 1 - 3PM
With the year coming to an end, it’s time to think about
what the new year will bring by creating a Vision Board,
a mosaic of inspiration. Vision Boards are a popular
tool used among Yogis’ and Life Coaches practicing
visualization, positive thinking and goal-setting.
The board, various materials and instruction will be
provided but please bring any personal photographs or
items that you would like to include. $
PUDGY PIE SNOWSHOE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 | 6PM
Strap on snowshoes and embark on a family-friendly
adventure where music, food, drink, and a roaring
campfire await. Choose from sweet and savory pudgy
pies to grill over the cowboy cauldron and enjoy a
warm cocktail, hot cocoa or cider with your grilled
sandwich. $
HOLIDAY SPECIAL EVENTS
13 14

KIDS’ HOLLYWOOD NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Casting Call! Roll out the red carpet and pop open the
sparkling cider. Dress in your finest threads for the
photo booth, mark your Hollywood star and participate
or cheer on friends in the Talent Show. Play movie
trivia and watch a Spanish Peaks movie debut, followed
by the East Coast ball drop. Stop by for an hour or two,
or stay for the whole night. Reserve your ticket today
for this grand event. $ Ages 5+
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER DANCE WITH LOS GUYS
DINNER DANCE
Come for the full “Dinner Dance”, which includes
a four-course prix fixe meal in the Dining Room,
unlimited house selected wines, beer and spirits, music,
dancing, and a champagne toast at 10pm for the East
Coast “Time Square” Ball Drop. Dinner will include
Colossal Shrimp, Snow Crab Claws, Smoked Salmon
American Sturgeon Caviar, Seared Sea Scallops, Black
Truffle Risotto, Filet Mignon and Lobster Blue Crab
Stuffed Half Maine Lobster. $
HOT COCOA SLEIGH RIDES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 4PM
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with your loved ones
while sipping on hot cocoa and enjoying this magical
time of year at Spanish Peaks. Sign up in the lobby
outside the Ski Shop.
PARTY ONLY
The “Party Only” crowd will mix and mingle while
enjoying small bites, including Colossal Shrimp, Snow
Crab Claws, traditional Oyster Stew, Roast Porchetta,
Hoppin’ John Fish (considered to be lucky as their
scales resemble coins), Smoked Salmon, Montana
Cheese Charcuterie, and sweet treats for dessert.
Unlimited house selected wines, beer and spirits,
music, dancing and a champagne toast at 10pm are
included. $
15 16

DINING SPECIAL EVENTS
CLUBHOUSE
BREAKFAST 7 - 10:30AM
LUNCH 11AM - 3PM
CLUB MENU 3 - 9PM
DINNER 5 - 9PM
Closed most Mondays
SACAJAWEA CAMP
DAILY LUNCH MENU 11AM - 3PM
SNOWCAT DINNERS
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1 | 6PM
JANUARY 13 - 14 | 6PM
FEBRUARY 17 - 19 | 6PM
This winter, we are offering a unique dining experience
at Sacajawea Camp on select evenings. Bundle up and
meet in the lower lobby of the Clubhouse to board the
SP Snow Cat. Grab a to-go cocktail from the Bar or sip
on the complimentary mulled wine before heading up
to Sacajawea Camp, where you will be greeted with
light appetizers prior to sitting down to a hearty four
course dinner. Reservation required $
SUPER BOWL 51
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | TIME TBD
We can’t guarantee that your team will win the Super
Bowl this year, but we can guarantee that your taste
buds will be celebrating over our tailgate menu and
beer specials. Watch the biggest sporting event and the
best commercials of the year on the big screen in the
Hideout or in the Bar.
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 | 5 - 9PM
Romance is in the air! Treat your sweetheart to a menu
of Surf Turf: Petit Filet Lobster Tail with Crab
Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes, Hollandaise Sauce and
Asparagus. $
MARDI GRAS DINNER
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 5 - 9PM
True to the origin of Mardi Gras, we will have a
party and a feast fit for a king. Devour favorite
Cajun delights, including Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee,
Jambalaya, Beignets, King Cakes and Bananas Foster.
Dress in vibrant colors, don colorful beads and glittery
masks, listen to jazz beats, grab a Hurricane drink, and
celebrate the most gluttonous day of 2016, Fat Tuesday! $
Please note: No regular dinner menu is offered on
February 28
SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA
THURSDAY, MARCH 23 | 5 - 9PM
Enjoy a Raw Bar with Shrimp on ice, Cocktail Crab
Claws, East Coast Oysters on the half shell and Oyster
Shooters. For the main course, choose between a New
England style live Maine Lobster dinner or a Petit Filet
Oscar, topped with Alaskan King Crab. For dessert,
indulge in Blueberry Cobbler, Carrot Cake Cupcakes
and Apple Pie. $
Pleasenote:NoregulardinnermenuisofferedonMarch23
SNOWSHOE FONDUE
JANUARY 26, MARCH 28 | 4PM
Start off the evening with a snowshoe in the woods.
Watch the sun go down while dipping delicious veggies,
fruits and breads in a bubbling pot of creamy cheese
fondue. Sip on a warm cocktail or hot cocoa before
heading back to the Clubhouse just in time for dinner. $
PUDGY PIE SNOWSHOE
DECEMBER 27, FEBRUARY 23 | 6PM
pies to grill over the cowboy cauldron and enjoy a
warm cocktail, hot cocoa or cider with your grilled
sandwich. $
FULL MOON SHOWSHOE FONDUE
JANUARY 18, FEBRUARY 10, MARCH 12 | 8PM
Have dinner in the Dining Room and dessert on the
trail! The full moon and bright stars will illuminate the
way to a cozy campfire where sweet treats await. Dip
house-made doughnuts, rice crispy treats and fresh
fruit into warm dark chocolate fondue. Top off the
night with a warm beverage of your choice and a very
satisfied sweet tooth! $
IN-HOME COOKING CLASSES
Explore various culinary techniques and have some
fun in the comfort of your own home with an In-Home
Cooking Class. Invite only your closest friend, or as
many as ten people. Our Executive Chef can teach the
group how to make everything from Caribbean or Latin
American cuisine to European, German or Continental
dishes. The topic of the class is completely up to you. $
17 18

EVEN THOUGH THE LIFTS MAY STOP SPINNING, THE MOUNTAIN FUN NEVER ENDS AT SPANISH PEAKS!
SP GUIDED ON-PROPERTY SNOWSHOE TOURS
WEDNESDAY | 1PM
Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years
and today it is the fastest growing winter sport in the
world. Snowshoeing is a great way to maintain and
improve cardiovascular fitness with very little risk of
injury and it doesn’t take much technical skill.
Join a Guided Snowshoe Tour on Wednesdays at 1pm
or schedule a private snowshoe tour with Mountain
Activities. You may also simply strap on a pair of
snowshoes, dress for the elements and head out
on your own at any time. Spanish Peaks has four
snowshoe trails, some groomed and some track-packed.
Stop by the Ski Shop for a trail map and a pair of rental
snowshoes if you don’t have your own.
INTRODUCTION TO NORDIC SKIING
FRIDAY | 10AM
Nordic skiing combines the benefits of aerobic exercise
with the tranquility of gliding through Montana’s
winter wilderness. Whether it’s your first time on
nordic skis or you’re looking to return to basics and
fine-tune your skills, this complimentary clinic will
advance your glide with techniques, such as poling,
rhythm, and edge control.
The Guided Nordic Tours depart from the Clubhouse at
10am on Friday mornings. There are four cross country
trails on property, but if you are looking to cover more
terrain, head to Lone Mountain Ranch and spend the
day cruising around the largest Nordic trail system in
North America. Private Nordic tours are also available
with a Mountain Activities Guide.
BIG SKY GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR
THURSDAY | 1PM
Get ready to break trail and explore the local wilderness
with a Mountain Activities Guide. Enjoy the peace,
beauty, and solitude of snowshoeing on our favorite
trails in and around Big Sky. The trail will vary each
week in distance and level of difficulty. Check the
Weekly Club Events for details. $
JACK CREEK NORDIC TOUR
JANUARY 24, FEBRUARY 21 MARCH 21 | 9AM
Explore Moonlight Basin and the Jack Creek Preserve
with your fellow Spanish Peaks Members. Gaze at the
dramatic views of the Headwaters and Fan Mountain
while you stride and glide, keeping warm on the ‘dark
side’. $
SKI SOCIALS
SATURDAY | 9AM
Hit the slopes, socialize and share your favorite runs
at the weekly Ski Social. To better accommodate a
large number of skiers and snowboarders with varying
abilities, multiple groups will be organized. This is not a
guided activity.
Andesite Mountain Swift Current
Andesite Mountain Swift Current
Andesite Mountain Trees, Swift Current Challenger
Tram, Shedhorn Dakota
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
TUBING HILL
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY | 4 - 6PM
Grab a tube from the Ski Shop and either ride the magic
carpet or walk your tube up the hill for a thrilling,
fast slide under the lights. Both kids and adults enjoy
tubing. There is no age limit!
TUBING PARTY
JANUARY 14, FEBRUARY 18, MARCH 18 | 4 - 6PM
Gather your family and friends at the Tubing Hill for a
night complete with music, sledding, games, campfire,
snacks, and warm beverages.
PUDGY PIE SNOWSHOE
DECEMBER 27, FEBRUARY 23 | 6PM
pies to grill over the cowboy cauldron and enjoy a warm
cocktail, hot cocoa, or ciderwith your grilled sandwich. $
SNOWSHOE FONDUE
JANUARY 26, MARCH 28 | 4PM
Start off the evening with a snowshoe in the woods.
Watch the sun go down while dipping delicious veggies,
fruits and breads in a bubbling pot of creamy cheese
fondue. Sip on a warm cocktail or hot cocoa before
heading back to the Clubhouse for a scrumptious
dinner. $
FULL MOON SHOWSHOE FONDUE
JANUARY 12, FEBRUARY 10, MARCH 12 | 8PM
Have dinner in the Dining Room and dessert on the
trail! The full moon and bright stars will illuminate the
way to a cozy campfire where sweet treats await. Dip
house made doughnuts, rice crispy treats and fresh
fruit into warm dark chocolate fondue. Top off the
night with a warm beverage of your choice and a very
satisfied sweet tooth! $
APRÈS SKI MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
19 20

NORDIC SNOWSHOE TRAIL MAP
Lewis Clark Cabin
Sacajawea
Pull-Up
Tweener
South Fork of the West Fork
18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Practice
Tee
nCo
inCo
7400
80
7800
7000
7000
7600
7000
7400
7400
7000
6800
70007200
Southern Comfort
Homer
0.7 mi
0.7 mi
0.8 mi
1.4 mi
0.6mi
0.6 mi
1.5 mi
1.4
mi
0.5mi
0.3 mi
0.5mi
difﬁculty
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Groomed Snowshoe
Ungroomed Snowshoe
Groomed Nordic Ski
0.5mi
Fish Camp
Camp Sacajawea
ElkviewTrail
Outlook Trail
Trail difﬁculty is a subjective measure based on trail use, slope, elevation change, and
surface material. Trails are not patrolled; use at your own risk. Mileage between points is
approximate. Please obey all signs.
Release of Liability. In exchange for the
right to use Spanish Peaks’ trails,
property and this map (property), user
assumes all risk associated with its use
and agrees to release, hold harmless
and indemnify the property owner(s)
from any and all claims of
liability arising out of or in connection
with the property, including claims of
negligence.
Restrooms
Information
Food Drink
Picnic Table
Clubhouse
Chairlift
Surface Lift
0.6 mi
0.5
mi
0.25 mi
0.4 mi
0.25mi
1.0mi
0.7mi
11
12
13
22
21
23
24
18
FLATIRON LOOP
From Sacajawea Camp this 1.5 mile groomed loop is a
mildly strenuous nordic ski trail that offers beautiful
views of the Spanish Peaks community. Stop at the
picnic table, just a half mile up, for lunch or a snack on
a sunny winter day. The least strenuous direction of
travel is counterclockwise. For those looking for more
of a workout, string either leg of Flatiron Loop together
with Highlands Traverse for a 3.5 mile loop with even
more spectacular views.
HIGHLANDS TRAVERSE
Descend from Spanish Peak’s newest neighborhood to
a quiet ravine below Outlook Trail, then climb 1.4 miles
to Flatiron Loop. This challenging trail offers the best
views of the Big Sky Meadow and Town Center that
you will find anywhere in Spanish Peaks. Don’t forget
a snack, water and your camera on our most strenuous
nordic ski trail.
PUFFY’S PATH
Take this beginner-friendly groomed nordic ski trail to
Camp Sacajawea for a light lunch or a restful break by
the wood-fired stove. Play board games with the family
or catch a football game with some friends before
gliding back to the Clubhouse. This trail is also used by
Alpine skiers, so stay right and keep an eye out.
ELKRIDGE LOOP
For those who desire a mix of scenry and exercise
look no further than Elkridge Loop. Cruise this
groomed Nordic ski trail through the back nine of the
Spanish Peaks golf course. If you are leaving from the
Clubhouse, plan on a 3+ mile trip.
CLUBHOUSE LOOP
From the Clubhouse hike to Settlement Trail where you
will find a groomed snowshoe trail for all ages. This
beginner-friendly trail meanders over the 8th and 9th
hole of the golf course and delivers panoramic views
of the surrounding area. If the initial climb is more
arduous than you wish, check with Member Services
for alternative ways to enjoy this wonderful trail.
SETTLEMENT LOOP
Get away from the crowds without having to go far.
This ungroomed snowshoe trail is a short distance
from the Clubhouse, but quickly separates snowshoers
from the traffic on the mountain. From the Clubhouse
this trail covers just over 3 miles. For those looking to
extend their quiet adventure, string Settlement Loop
together with Seclusion Loop or Clubhouse Loop.
SECLUSION LOOP
Like Settlement Loop, this ungroomed snowshoe trail
winds through fantastically remote terrain not far from
the Clubhouse. Seclusion Loop takes showshoers on
a 2.5 mile round trip from the Clubhouse, but can be
extended by adding a 1 mile side trip up an ungroomed
trail to a secluded picnic area above the Spanish Peaks
gatehouse.
SOUTH FORK SPUR
Not for the faint-of-heart, the summer flow trail to Fish
Camp provides several great winter trail segments for
those who enjoy ungroomed exercise. With two road
crossings, snowshoers have the option of breaking the
trek into smaller sections. Don’t forget a snack and a
beverage on our most strenuous, ungroomed snowshoe
trail.
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HOURS
8AM - 6PM DAILY
The Ski Shop is located in the lower level of the
Clubhouse.
SERVICES
Equipment Rentals
Ski Valet
Lift Ticket Sales
Day-Use Lockers
Overnight Equipment Storage
Ski Reports
HALF FULL
DAY DAY
SPORT SKI PACKAGE
Full Set $35 $50
Skis Only $20 $30
DEMO SKI PACKAGE
Full Set $45 $60
Skis Only $30 $40
JUNIOR SKI PACKAGE
Full Set $30 $45
Skis Only $20 $25
SNOWBOARD PACKAGE
Adult $30 $45
Junior $20 $25
NORDIC SKI PACKAGE
Adult/Junior $20 $30
SNOWSHOE PACKAGE
Adult/Junior $15
All rentals include: Complimentary helmet, staging of
skis poles, boots and Ski Valets.
For additional information, please contact Skier
Services at 406.999.0038
SKI SHOP SKIER SERVICES
LIL’ PEAKS PLAYTIME
FRIDAY | 5 - 9PM
SATURDAY SUNDAY | 1 - 9PM
WEEK OF DECEMBER 26 – 30 | 5 - 9PM
We are excited to announce this winter on Saturday
and Sunday, Lil’ Peaks hours have been extended to
include afternoon, evening and hourly fun for children
ages 3 and older. Lil’ Peaks provides supervised
activities while parents enjoy adult time during après
ski or dinner in the Clubhouse. All activities are tailored
towards the age groups’ abilities and interests. Activities
may include tubing, snowman building, arts and crafts,
interactive games and special movie showings. Check
the Lil’ Peaks board to find out what the daily activity
will be. $ Ages 3+
HIDEOUT CINEMA
FRIDAY NIGHT | 7:30PM
After a long week, kick back and relax after dinner with
a movie in the Hideout. Every Friday night, an age
appropriate classic, favorite or newly released movie
will be featured. Hideout Cinema is a family friendly
event. Although it is supervised, direct childcare is not
provided and parent’s approval is required. Ages 8+
ST PATRICK’S DAY
LEPRECHAUN SCAVENGER HUNT
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 | 1 - 5PM
Collect your first clue at the Front Desk and then follow
the leprechaun tracks in-and-around the Clubhouse
on an exciting scavenger hunt. There will be a map and
adventure course along the way, leading you to the
pot of gold. Don’t forget to wear your green or you’ll be
pinched! All Ages
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, MARCH 24 - SUNDAY, MARCH 26
This weekend is all about beauty, health, wellness and
playing in the snow with your best girlfriends! Bring
them along or make new friends with other members.
R3 on the Range is a balance of active and creative
activities, complemented by special indulgences.
Spend the days on the mountain, either skiing or
snowshoeing, or participate in a yoga and fitness class
if you prefer to be indoors. Pamper yourself in the
afternoon and evenings with manicures, pedicures,
massages, painting and pottery classes. The culinary
team will wow the ladies with unique and delicious
meals each night. Call Member Services for more
information and to register. $
23

BIG SKY RESORT
Big Sky Resort, the Biggest Skiing in America, encompasses four mountains, 5,800 acres, 7 terrain parks and 4,350 feet of
vertical drop. With 2,295 acres of beginner/intermediate terrain and 3,515 acres for those who are advanced and experts,
there are thrills for everyone to have a wonderful day on the slopes. Hop on one of the 23 chairlifts on the mountains and
cruise down any of the 300 named runs. You don’t have to look hard to find private powder stashes, and acreage trumps
number of skiers, boasting approximately two acres per skier.
The chairlifts run from 9am - 4pm daily with the Lewis Clark and Sacajawea lifts opening at 8:45am and shutting down at
4:15pm, allowing SP members and guests an extra 15 minutes to get to and from the Clubhouse.
For lift tickets, please visit the Ski Shop or go to bigskyresort.com
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private Lessons for adults and children are available
daily and reservations are recommended. Multi-hour
lessons are suggested for best results. The price online
is per session, based on one or two participants. Each
additional person is $25 for two or three hour lessons
and $35 for a full day.
2 hour lessons are offered at 9am, 10am, 1:15pm and 2:15pm. 
3 hours (half-day) and 6 hours (full-day) are available.
SMALL FRY SKI OR SNOWBOARD PRIVATE LESSON
Introduce your child to snow with a 45 minute private
lesson. These lessons are for Skiers, ages 3-4 and
Snowboarders, ages 5-7. The Small Fry Lessons are
available at 9am or 12:15pm
FAMILY PRIVATE LESSON
This is an opportunity to have a family day on the
slopes and learn the mountain together. Instruction
and terrain will not exceed the ability of the lowest
level. Therefore, we encourage similar ability and
terrain desires. The Family Private Lesson is for up to 5
people and can either be a 3 hour or 6 hour lesson.
YOUTH GROUP LESSONS
Ski and Snowboard Camps offer all levels a sample of
mountain sports. The minimum age is 4 for skiers and
7 for snowboarders. Please plan on arriving early for
rentals and registration.
MINI SKI CAMP
The Mini Ski Camp is tailored specifically to the needs
of younger children offering low ratios of child to
instructor. Skiers ages 4-6 are welcome and lunch may
be included. There are also morning and afternoon
activities that are offered to round out the day.
Half day lessons begin at either 9:45am or 1pm and full
day lessons are from 9:45am - 3:15pm.
SKI SNOWBOARD CAMP
The Ski and Snowboard Camps are for ages 7-14 and
offer longer lessons for older children to provide ample
practice time.
Half day lessons begin at 9:15am or 1pm and full day
lessons are from 9:15am-3:45pm.
ADULT GROUP LESSON
First time skiers and snowboarders learn the
fundamentals in a half or full day group lessons. These
lesson includes rentals and a beginner lift ticket. 
For the more advanced, join a group of your peers
for a morning or afternoon ski or snowboard lesson.
Participants are grouped according to skill level and
adult group lessons start at 9:15am or 1pm.
Adult Semi-Private Group Lessons are exclusively
offered out of the Madison Base Area. The group is
capped at a maximum of 3 people per group.
GUIDE SERVICE
Explore the mountain with a professionally guided trip
tailored to your ability and expectations. The Guide
Service is for one or two people and intermediate
or higher ability level is required. Avalanche safety
equipment is included if necessary.
Mountain Village Snowsports School
406.995.5743
bigskyresort.com
26

NORDIC SKI
Located only twenty minutes from Spanish Peaks
and voted the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America
by Cross Country Skier magazine, Lone Mountain
Ranch has phemonenal terrain, dependable snow and
incredible guides. The trail system encompasses 2,200
vertical feet and professionally grooms a scenic and
diverse 85 km for both classic and skate skiing. Inquire
with Member Services for more information and
pricing on private and group lessons.
Lone Mountain Ranch
406.995.4644
lonemountainranch.com
SNOWMOBILE
Let Canyon Adventures show you the true enjoyment
of snowmobiling in the Gallatin Canyon, where you can
enjoy a day of epic powder and fantastic views. Canyon
Adventures is located just one mile south of the Big Sky
entrance, surrounded by some of the most beautiful
mountains in Montana. The Spanish Peaks, Lone
Mountain and the rugged Sphynx are just a few of the
breathtaking mountains that you will see. Call Member
Services for more information.
Canyon Adventures
406.995.4450
snowmobilemontana.com
ACTIVITIES IN AROUND BIG SKY
DOGSLED
You drive the sled at Spirit of the North! Imagine
yourself gliding through a winter wonderland of
majestic mountains with a team of beautiful huskies
pulling you down the hill. The only sounds you hear are
the panting of dogs and the swoosh of the sled runners.
Ride for a half day (about eight miles) on Moonlight
Basin’s property, and see facets of Lone Peak that
you’ve never seen before.
Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures
406.995.3424
huskypower.com
ICE SKATE
The Town Center Ice Rink is managed by the Big Sky
Skating and Hockey Association (BSSHA) and offers
the community an outdoor ice rink. BSSHA has open
skate times, skating clinics for adults and children,
drop-in games and an adult hockey league. Ice skates
are available in the Ski Shop. Call Member Services for
more details or visit bssha.org
27 28

Fly-fishing in the winter requires more dedication than
in the summer, but a good layer of clothing, waders and
an experienced guide are all you need to have a fun day
on the water. There are far less anglers in winter and
just as many fish! The Gallatin River is known as one
of the finest wade fishing rivers in the West and angelrs
from all over the globe travel to Montana to fish the Blue
Ribbon trout waters and pristine alpine lakes.
Big Sky has many talented, knowledgeable, friendly
guides who have been fishing rivers for fifteen or more
years. Member Services will select the perfect guide
based on the angler’s ability, age and wishes.
FLY FISHING WITH FROZEN FINGERS
The combination of ice, wind, snow, and lethargic fish
makes the idea of chasing trout in midwinter seem
absurd. Until you actually try it.
Sometimes it seems as though Montana has no
fly-fishing secrets remaining, no adventures still
to discover. Most of its big-name rivers are known
throughout the world. Stories about many smaller
streams and mountain lakes appear in fishing
magazines and websites. Even the sometimes fantastic
fishing of early spring and fall—insider’s knowledge
once known only to locals—has become widely known.
What’s left for those of us who fish here regularly but
still want to discover something new? How about
this: Instead of looking for new water, consider fishing
familiar streams and rivers at the most unlikely time of
year—winter.
I’m already a big fan of winter, so getting me to fish
during my favorite season requires little prodding. I
especially enjoy the quiet. In addition to the lack of
crowds—or even a single other angler, in many cases—
the scenery and sounds of winter landscapes are
muffled and muted by snow and ice. If you fly-fish at
least partly for the serenity, you’ll want to learn how to
do it during the cold months.
THINK WARMTH
Unfortunately, winter is not the best time to attract
trout to a fly. The icy water slows the cold-blooded
creatures’ metabolism, making them lethargic. Trout
move less than in summer and aren’t as hungry.
Still, they can be caught. The key is knowing when to go.
The main thing to remember is that the warmer, the
better. If the forecast is for daytime temperatures to
drop below freezing, consider staying indoors until
things warm up. Fish can be caught on cold days, but
it’s a lot harder than during sunny winter afternoons
with temperatures in the upper 30s or higher. Warmer
air and water mean more active aquatic insect activity,
which, in turn, persuades fish to feed. What’s more,
you can stay outdoors and fish longer in the more
comfortable conditions.
To squeeze the most warmth out of a day, fish
rivers or long portions of rivers that have the most
sunshine hitting the water. The winter sun follows a
southeastern-to-south-western arc, warming primarily
what gets hit by the rays. Rivers running north or south
have more sunshine on the water during daytime than
those flowing east or west.
Both the Madison and Bitterroot Rivers flow northward
with virtually no topography blocking the sun. They
warm more quickly and stay warmer than, for example,
the lower Blackfoot River.
TAILWATER TROUT
Another way to find warmer water is to fish tailwater
fisheries, which are like gigantic spring creeks. The
upstream reservoir provides the water source, which
remains relatively constant through the year. As a
result, ever-changing weather fronts don’t alter a trout’s
daily routine downstream from dams nearly as much as
on rivers without tailwater fisheries.
The state’s two top tailwaters are the Missouri below
Holter Dam and the Bighorn below
Yellowtail Dam. On both, water temperatures drop no
lower than the upper 30s through January, February,
and March. “Fishing can be spectacular even at 10 and
20 below zero, but we generally try to convince people
to fish when the air is at or above 30 degrees.” says
Duane Schreiner, owner of Bighorn Fly and Tackle in
Fort Smith. “Anything below that and you spend too
much time keeping ice from freezing up your gear. The
fish don’t quit hitting; it just becomes more bother than
it’s worth.”
Another great tailwater is the Madison River from
Hebgen Dam downstream to Quake Lake. Just 2 miles
long, the stretch doesn’t hold a huge amount of fishable
water. But because it’s so far from anything—the closest
town, 20 minutes away, is sparsely populated West
Yellowstone—you’ll likely have the river to yourself.
FLY FISHING
29

A different option is to fish a spring creek, where
subterranean inputs keep the water at a constant
45 to 60 degrees year-round. Though most spring
creeks are closed to fishing from December 1 through
the third Saturday in May, Armstrong, DuPuy, and
Nelson Creeks, in the lower Paradise Valley of the
Yellowstone River, remain open. These waters run
completely through private property and cost users $40
per day during winter months. Fee fishing may seem
blasphemous in Montana, where open public stream
and river access is gospel. But in midwinter, with few
other options, paying to catch 18-inch rainbows on
size-20 midge imitations doesn’t seem like the worst
way to spend your money.
GO DEEP, THEN DEEPER
As river temperatures drop and winter flows settle to
the lowest of the year, most trout congregate in deep
pools and runs. Fish slip under cavernous undercut
banks, beneath logjams, and into any long, profound,
gravel-strewn trench with slow flows. Trout survive
winter by conserving calories. Fish for them in holding
waters where they can find safety from predators and
feed without expending too much valuable energy.
Winter trout also seek spots where natural springs or
adjacent sloughs send in water warmer than the icy
river. “Think about summer, when you were wading or
walking down the bank, and you suddenly felt a rush of
cooler water around your feet and legs,” says Jim Cox,
co-owner of Kingfisher Fly Shop in Missoula. “That’s
natural spring water seeping into the system. In the
cold months of winter, that turns into a warmer spot
where fish gravitate.”
After finding likely holding water, you need to get your
presentation to the fish. Cox recommends using two-fly
nymph rigs. By mimicking two different food sources,
you double your chance of getting a strike. For example,
a Beadhead Pheasant Tail nymph might not interest a
trout, but the buggy-looking Pat’s Rubber Legs tied on
12 inches away might look tasty enough to eat.
Two-fly rigs also allow you to cover different water
levels. A heavy nymph at the end of the tippet helps
pull a lighter nymph like a scud imitation or Copper
John tied a foot or so up the tippet down toward the
bottom. The big fly works like a split shot, except,
unlike the lead sinker, it can also catch fish. The heavier
fly will drop down into deeper pockets or slots, too.
Strike indicators are essential. They let you know if
your fly is bouncing along the streambed bottom, where
trout spend most of their time. If the indicator twitches
and vibrates during a drift, you know your flies are
moving among subsurface rocks. If the indicator just
floats smoothly, the flies are too high in the water
column, where trout rarely swim. Adding a split shot to
your tippet gets the flies deeper.
WHEN TO GO ON TOP
Aquatic insect hatches are much less common in
winter than during other times of the year. The water is
usually too chilly for the cold-blooded bugs to undergo
metamorphosis. But hatches occur. The most likely
flying or floating insects you’ll see are blue-winged
olives, small stoneflies, and, especially, mosquito-sized
midges.
Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies in West
Yellowstone, approaches midge dry-fly fishing with the
same respect he gives to fishing caddis and mayflies
in summer. “Midge fishing is always best on a warm,
overcast day, because you don’t have shadows to
contend with,” says Mathews, who fishes at least two
days a week, even in winter. He explains that if your
fly rod or fly line throws a shadow over a rising trout,
the fish will spook and stop feeding. “But if it’s a little
overcast, you can get away with a little more,” Mathews
says.
Mathews says most midge action is in soft water along
banks and fringes of fast-water chutes. “Find a place
where fish are comfortable rising, near relatively calm,
moderately deep water, and spend the afternoon there.
In my experience on the Madison, fish prefer water
closer to the bank, in protected areas, where they don’t
have to expend too much energy.”
Mathews puts floatant on his leader to keep it on the
surface but uses a water-absorbing powder like Frog’s
Fanny to keep the imitation buoyant. “Floatant just
mats down the fibers of a small, sparse midge dry,” he
says.
One challenge is to keep track of your imitation fly
among the thousands of naturals floating on the
surface around it. If you lose sight of your fly, don’t
despair. “Quite often the adult midge naturals will
cling to your leader, so if you don’t see your fly and a
trout takes it, you still might see a long line of naturals
on the water sort of jerk forward,” Mathews says. “It’s
kind of like bobber fishing with a natural, live bobber.”
Go with the simplest patterns, such as a Zelon Midge.
“That’s important,” Mathews says. “Fish tend to ignore
complex midge pupae and adult patterns and just want
something simple.”
Keeping at least a few aspects of winter fly-fishing
uncomplicated is a good idea.
Fishing during the cold months is definitely more
difficult and cumbersome than in summer. It requires
more clothing, more patience, and, considering the
ever-present risk of hypothermia, far more attention to
safety. But for some of us, the bother is worthwhile. The
crowds are gone, and you’re outside in a river with a fly
rod in hand.
Besides, if nothing else, fly-fishing during a few chilly
days in midwinter makes you appreciate a sunny
summer afternoon on the water all that much more.
BEN ROMANS
Montana Outdoors
31 32

Out of the 3 million visitors per year, only about
100,000 visit Yellowstone National Park in the winter.
That means no long lines of traffic, no flocks of tourists
with selfie sticks and no waiting or stopping unless
you want to. The Park is so peaceful during the winter
months that you can enjoy a day in the backcountry
and not see another person all day. Snowcoaches,
snowmobiles, Nordic skis and snowshoes become the
primary modes of transportation during the winter,
as most roads are closed. The West Entrance is a short
45-minute drive from Spanish Peaks and over-the-
snow travel and tours on Park roads are permitted from
December 15th to March 15th (weather permitting).
SNOWCOACH TOURS
Snowcoach tours are a popular way to travel through
the Park, particularly for larger groups looking for an
educational trip and comfortable seating in a heated
vehicle. Private and group snowcoach tours travel to
Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
and are available for parties departing from both Big
Sky and West Yellowstone. Snowcoach tours may
be combined with Nordic skiing or snowshoeing,
providing participants an opportunity to stretch their
legs and go for a glide or a trek to thermal features or
head into the Yellowstone backcountry.
SNOWMOBILE
Snowmobiling is a thrilling way to cover hundreds
of miles of trails and enjoy the splendor of winter in
Yellowstone National Park. If visiting the Park by
snowmobile, be sure to visit the Lower Yellowstone
Falls, one of the most spectacular landmarks in the
entire Park. The falls freeze over completely, which is
just as awe-inspiring as when they are flowing at full
speed during the summer. Snowmobile travel inside
Park boundaries is only permitted with a professional
guide.
SNOWMOBILE OUTSIDE THE PARK
West Yellowstone has been called the “Snowmobile
Capital of the World” for it’s expansive trail system.
Snowmobiling outside the Park is a must-do for those
seeking thrills and high-speed adventures. Unlike in
Yellowstone, there are no speed limits outside the Park
and riders are permitted to head off trail and glide
through powder fields. With over 800 miles of groomed
trails, snowmobilers can take in the views from three
states, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand
Tetons.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
NORDIC SKI SNOWSHOE
Nordic skiing Snowshoeing are two of the more
challenging methods of travel, but venturing off
the beaten path, leaving the crowds behind and
experiencing the Park the way travelers did before
the age of automobiles is well worth it. There are
a limited amount of trails with set tracks, as the
majority of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are done
in the beautiful backcountry at elevations ranging
from 7,000 - 10,000 feet. Nordic skiers and those on
snowshoes may tour the Park on their own or with a
knowledgeable guide.
NORDIC SKI OUTSIDE THE PARK
Located just outside Yellowstone National Park, West
Yellowstone is home to the famous Rendezvous Trail
System. With easy access, over 35 kilometers of trails
on U.S. Forest Service land and an ideal altitude for
great snow conditions, Rendezvous Ski Trails provide
phenomenal Nordic skiing opportunities for skiers of
all levels.
DON’T MISS...
OLD FAITHFUL IN THE WINTER
If seeing Old Faithful erupt is on your bucket list, you’ll
be happy to hear that strapping on a pair of snowshoes
or skis is not required. It’s a short walk from the
snowcoach to the new Visitor Center, where you can
hang out, stay warm and learn about the Park while
waiting for the next eruption, which happens about
every 90 minutes.
SOAK IN THE BOILING RIVER
If you think stepping into a hot tub feels good, just wait
until you slip into the Boiling River, a natural hot spring
in the Park. Visiting the Boiling River in the summer
is fun, but in the winter it’s gorgeous, peaceful and
therapeutic. Find a comfortable seat in the natural rock
formations and let the cool and boiling hot water mix to
create the perfect blend of warmth to soothe your body.
VIEW WILDLIFE IN THE LAMAR VALLEY
The Lamar Valley inside the Park is known for the
year-round abundance of wildlife that inhabits the area.
Although the elk and bison are almost everywhere you
turn in the summer, the deep snow offers a uniquely
bold backdrop for viewing wildlife. It’s also fun to look
for and try to identify the different animal tracks that
are invisible during the summer months. Elk and big
horn sheep are likely to be seen, and for those who are
really paying attention, wolves, coyotes, and fox may be
spotted.
Call Member Services for more information on how to
travel and what to see in Yellowstone National Park.
They may book your next snowcoach, snowmobile,
Nordic ski or snowshoe tour and are happy to help plan
a perfect day in the Park, whether on or off the beaten
path.
33 34

In 2007, archaeologist Dr. Craig Lee was surveying a
patch of ice near Yellowstone National Park when he
noticed what looked like a small branch poking through
the snow. The branch turned out to be the foreshaft of
an ancient hunting weapon, an atlatl dart or throwing
spear, carved from a birch sapling more than 10,000
years ago and the oldest organic artifact ever to be
recovered from an ice patch. On closer inspection, Lee
noticed three evenly spaced notches on either side of
the weapon. “Those markings were probably made by
the hunter to indicate ownership,” says Lee, a scientist
with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research in
Boulder, Colorado and Montana State University. “The
hunter expected to get his weapon back.”
Rarely are organic artifacts like the foreshaft preserved
long enough for archaeologists to find them, but the
frozen environment of ice patches has held them in
a state of suspended animation for hundreds or even
thousands of years — that is until, the ice began to
melt. As the climate warms, once perennial patches of
snow and ice in Montana’s alpine country are melting
faster than ever before, yielding artifacts made of wood,
leather, and plant fibers that have lain frozen beneath
the surface for thousands of years. The melting ice
patches and the artifacts they are revealing have given
rise to the emerging field of ice patch archaeology.
Like glaciers, ice patches are areas of perennially frozen
ice and snow. But because ice patches are small, they
don’t move under their own weight as glaciers do.
Instead, ice patches accumulate layers of snow and
ice over centuries or longer which makes the ice at
their cores as old as the ice patch itself. The older and
more stable ice contained within ice patches preserves
artifacts from long ago that would otherwise be crushed
under the shifting weight of glaciers.
But how did the foreshaft that Lee recovered come
to be buried in ice in the first place? Lee says that ice
patches were attractive to Native Americans in part
because the ice patches attracted the animals they
hunted. Bison, bighorn sheep, elk, and deer may have
used ice patches as sources of water, to cool off, or even
to escape biting insects as lower elevation areas became
warmer and drier throughout the summer. Although
many of the artifacts recovered from Montana’s ice
patches have to do with hunting, people also used
alpine areas for travel, to escape the summer heat, or
for gathering plants, says Lee.
In one ice patch, Lee recovered a piece of plaited
leather more than 1,500-years-old. The leather was
partially covered with the bark of a chokecherry
tree, which was used for ornamentation by Native
Americans. Some of the artifacts recovered from
ice patches are much younger. At one site north of
Yellowstone, Lee recovered part of a wooden shaft
about four inches long. This weapon fragment was
left behind just before Lewis and Clark embarked on
their quest to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean
— a journey during which they write of their many
encounters with Native Americans.
Lee’s findings are something of a miracle requiring
as much luck as it does hard work. It is part of a story
whose first chapter begins with a long ago hunter or
traveler who perhaps loses an arrow while hunting a
bighorn sheep standing on an ice patch. Thousands of
years later, Lee visits the ice patch at just the right time
of year, when the snow conditions expose the artifact,
but not so much that it is left unprotected. If the ice
patch melts too fast or before an archaeologist can
survey it, the arrow will decompose and be lost forever.
“We don’t really understand how long it takes for these
artifacts to decompose once they melt out from the
ice,” says Lee, “but it is only a matter of years and the
longer these artifacts lay exposed to the sun and wind,
the less we can learn from them.” Because of warming
temperatures, a great many artifacts may have already
been lost.
Perhaps nowhere is climate change more evident than
in Glacier National Park. In 1910, there were as many
as 150 glaciers and today there are only 26. Dr. Robert
Kelly, a professor of archaeology at the University
of Wyoming, and Lee recently finished a three-year
project surveying 46 of Glacier’s ice patches.
We may not think of Glacier’s rugged mountains as
inhabitable, but humans have had a deep connection
with high elevation areas in Glacier for thousands
of years. Glacier’s mountains are important vision
questing sites and home to powerful Blackfeet spirits
like Wind Maker, Cold Maker, Thunder, and Snow
Shrinker (Chinook winds). Chief Mountain holds
particular significance to Native Americans whose
ancestral lands included the Park.
The study was a unique collaboration between
university researchers, Glacier National Park, the
Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai tribes. Tribal members helped survey ice
patches and provided important information on place
names, oral histories, trail routes, and traditional use of
sub-alpine and alpine areas in the park.
Although no human-made artifacts have been found in
Glacier so far, the remnants of trees in some ice patches
that are above modern timberline point to a climate
that was once warmer than it is today. “During warmer
periods of prehistory, some Native American groups
may have increased their activities in the mountains,
escaping the hot, arid conditions on the plains,” says
Rachel Reckin, a University of Cambridge Gates scholar
researching how humans adapted to living in the
mountains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Although the climate has shifted in the past, the pace
and magnitude of climate change today is unmatched
in time which means organic artifacts are melting out
of ice patches all over the world. Archaeologists have
recovered leather pouches and shoes, a wooden knife
handle, baskets, and darts in Switzerland, Norway,
Sweden, Canada, and Alaska. In the Northwest
Territories, a piece of sinew had archaeologists
perplexed until a member of the Shu´htagot’ine Tribe
recognized it as part of a ground squirrel snare.
And of course you might remember Ötzi — the 1991
discovery of a more than 5,000 year old man preserved
in the Italian Alps. Ötzi was probably a shepherd who
appeared to be on the run when he was murdered, and
then buried by snow and ice only to be found by a pair
of hikers millennia later. Ötzi was so well preserved
that researchers were able to determine his last meal —
bits of red deer meat and a handful of cereal grains.
Recovering organic artifacts like these have given
archaeologists a rare glimpse into the past where the
archaeological record is usually dominated by stone
and bone. These findings have also been important in
preserving Native culture and heritage. But the field of
ice patch archaeology is an urgent one. Montana’s ice
patches continue to melt and some have disappeared
completely. Despite the urgency, only a fraction of ice
patches in Montana have been surveyed. The terrain
is challenging, the field season is short, and funding is
perennially low, says Lee. “It’s a race with an uncertain
finish line.”
LISA BARIL
Distinctly Montana
ICE PATCH ARCHEOLOGY
35 36

DALY CREEK
DISTANCE: 6 mi/9.7 km, one way
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 30 miles/48.3 km north
of West Yellowstone
Trail ascends through meadows for 2 miles/3.2 km to
the Black Butte Cutoff, which leads 2 miles/3.2 km
to the Black Butte Trail. The trail continues about 4
miles/6.4 km to the Sky Rim Trail and Park boundary.
The Daly Creek drainage lies in a snow shadow,
resulting in minimal snow cover.
BLACK BUTTE
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 28.8 miles/46.3 km
north of West Yellowstone
The trail follows Black Butte Creek with numerous
short, steep uphill sections, gaining 769 ft/234 m in
elevation between the trailhead and Daly Creek Cutoff.
The cutoff leads 2 miles/3.2 km to the Daly Creek Trail.
Beyond the Daly Creek Cutoff, the trail climbs for 4
miles/6.4 km to Bighorn Peak. The last 2 miles/3.2
km are not recommended because the trail becomes
extremely steep and hard to follow, and the last quarter
mile (0.4 km) is dangerously exposed.
SPECIMEN CREEK
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 26.5 miles/42.6 km
north of West Yellowstone Snow cover ranges from
sparse to marginal on the lower reaches.
AVALANCHE DANGER
Moderate to severe on Shelf Lake Trail portion.
This popular route follows the north side of Specimen
Creek for 2 miles/3.2 km through rolling forests to the
Sportsman Lake Trail junction on the south (right).
(Sportsman Lake Trail is not recommended.) Follow the
trail to the left along the north fork of Specimen Creek,
ascending through forests and meadows for 4 miles/6.4
km to the Shelf Lake and Crescent Lake Trail junction.
Shelf Lake lies 2 miles/3.2 km north and Crescent Lake
is 2 miles/3.2 km east. The last mile of each trail is
extremely steep; climbing skins are recommended.
BACON RIND CREEK
TRAILHEAD: West side of U.S. 191, 23 miles/37 km north
of West Yellowstone
The trail starts on the north side of Bacon Rind Creek
and continues over flat terrain 2 miles/3.2 km to the
Park boundary. The trail becomes difficult to follow as
it heads into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area.
FAWN PASS
DISTANCES: Total, one way: 11 mi/17.7 km Trailhead to
Bighorn Pass Cutoff: 5 mi/8 km Bighorn Pass Cutoff to
Fawn Pass: 6 mi/9.7 km
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 22 miles/35.4 km north
of West Yellowstone
AVALANCHE DANGER
Moderate in the last 6 miles/9.7 km to Fawn Pass.
After crossing several fingers of the Gallatin River,
the trail gradually ascends 700 ft/213.4 m in 5 mi/8
km to the Bighorn Pass Trail Cutoff. (The cutoff trail
switchbacks downhill 1 mile/1.6 km to Bighorn Pass
Trail.) The trail then climbs to Fawn Pass, which is 6
miles/9.7 km from the cutoff junction. Return the same
way.
BIGHORN PASS
DISTANCES: Total, one way: 10.5 mi/17 km
Trailhead to Fawn Pass Cutoff: 4.5 mi/7.2 km Fawn
Pass Cutoff to Bighorn Pass: 6 mi/9.7 km
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 20.5 miles/33 km north
of West Yellowstone
AVALANCHE DANGER
Extreme in the last 2 miles/3.2 km to Bighorn Pass.
You need to cross the Gallatin River about 0.5 m/0.8
km east of the highway—use caution. Trail crosses
meadows with little elevation change from the trailhead
to Fawn Pass Cutoff. (The cut-off trail switchbacks
uphill 1 mile/ 1.6 km to Fawn Pass Trail.) The trail then
climbs to Bighorn Pass, which is 6 miles/9.7 km from the
cutoff junction. Return the same way.
TELEMARK MEADOWS
TRAILHEAD: West side of U.S. 191, 18 miles/29 km north
of West Yellowstone
No marked trails here, but gentle slopes suitable for
beginning through advanced telemark skiers.
GNEISS CREEK TRAIL
DISTANCE: 14 mi/23 km, one way
TRAILHEAD: East side of U.S. 191, 9.5 miles/15.2 km north
of West Yellowstone. Ski across rolling meadows and
through open forests on this lightly used trail. The trail
crosses several creeks—use caution.
Return the same way or ski back along the snow
road from Seven Mile Bridge to West Yellowstone (7
miles/11.3 km).
trailguidesyellowstone.com
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK GALLATIN AREA SKI AND SNOWSHOE TRAILS
#
#
#
#
#
#
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
0 1 Mile
0 1 Kilometer
Specimen
C
reekTrail
Fawn Pass Trail
B acon Rind Trail
Bighorn Pass Trail
Gneis
sCreekTrail
Downriver
Loop
Upriver
Loop
Cutoff
Telemark
Meadows
D
alyCreekTrail
B
lack
Butt e
Trail
M adiso
n
River
Bannock Peak
(10,291’)
Quadrant Mountain
(9,954’)
Big Horn Peak
(9,934’)
Sheep Mountain (9,875’)
Electric Peak
(10,961’)
Hebgen Lake
Specime n Creek
G
allat
in Rive
r
Grayling Creek
Maple Cree
k
Madison RiverWest Yellowstone
20
191
287
287
20
BoundarySt.
191/287
191
191
See Inset
Backcountry Trail
Ski/Snowshoe Trail
Plowed road
Snow Vehicle road
Parking
West Yellowstone/Gallatin Area
Ski Trails
Á
w
Contour Interval = 500’
0 1 Mile
0 1 Kilometer
8000
9000
10000
9000
8000
8000
8000
7000
8000
9000
8000
9000
10000
9000
37 38

FIRESIDE CHATS
DAN WENK
SUPERINTENDENT, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 | 5PM
Dan Wenk assumed his duties as Superintendent
of Yellowstone National Park in February 2011. He
manages more than 2.2 million acres, a staff of 800 and
has an annual base budget of more than $36 million.
Dan served as Deputy Director of Operations for the
National Park Service in Washington D.C from March
2007 through February 2011, which now includes 401
national park sites covering more than 84 million acres.
In December 2001, Mr. Wenk was appointed as Director
of the Denver Service Center, the National Park Service
central office with responsibility for the Planning,
Design and Construction programs of the National
Park Service. A graduate of Michigan State University,
with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Dan joined
the National Park Service in 1975 as a Landscape
Architect at the Denver Service Center. Dan was
named Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National
Memorial in 1985. As Superintendent he developed a
public/private partnership with the Mount Rushmore
National Memorial Society to raise over $60 million in
non-federal funds for preservation of the sculpture and
redevelopment and improvement of visitor facilities at
the Memorial.
DAN VERMILLION
CHAIRMAN, MONTANA FISH,
WILDLIFE PARKS COMMISSION
SATURDAY, MARCH 4 | 5PM
Dan Vermillion was raised on the banks of the Yellowstone
River in Montana. Through his experiences as a
sportsman, guide, and lodge owner, Dan has developed
a passion for conserving the world’s special fish habitat
through his founding of the Taimen Conservation Fund to
protect Mongolia’s Taimen fishery. During the past nine
years, Dan has served as Commissioner for District 2 of
the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park Commission. He has
served as Chair of the Commission since 2013. Along with
his law degree and legal experience, Dan’s background
as a landowner, outfitter, and sportsman has helped him
in his work to participate in collaborative solutions to
the challenges associated with managing Montana’s fish,
wildlife, and parks.
MARTY PAVELICH
FOUR TIME STANLEY CUP WINNER, DETROIT RED WINGS
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 | 5PM
Marty Pavelich is regarded as an unsung hero of the early
1950’s powerhouse Red Wing squad, which included
Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. Wings manager, Jack
Adams, referred to Pavelich as “one of the four key men
around whom we built our hockey club”. When he called it
a career in 1957, he had played 634 regular season games,
scored 93 goals, had 159 assists for 252 points and in
playoff hockey, had 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in
93 games. He was on Stanley Cup winning teams in 1950,
1952, 1954 and 1955 and was in the NHL all-star games
during those seasons. Marty is a current residence of Big
Skywhere he donates his time as a Mountain Host for Big
Sky Resort and enjoys skiing and ice skating in his free
time.
NATHAN KORB
FRESHWATER DIRECTOR, THE NATURE
CONSERVANCY IN MONTANA
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 | 5PM
Nathan leads the Montana chapter’s innovative
Freshwater Program aimed at accelerating the pace and
scale of watershed protection, restoration, and community
engagement. He works closelywith local communities to
develop and implement measurable water conservation
outcomes that benefit nature and people. He has been
working to restore watersheds for native fish in the
Missouri Headwaters since 1999 when he started as an
intern for the Conservancy in the Centennial Valley. After
graduating from Montana State Universitywith a degree
in Soil and Water Sciences, Nathan researched the fire
ecology of Douglas-fir forests in the GreaterYellowstone
for his Master’s degree at Colorado State University.
Though based in Helena, Nathan can often be found in
the High Divide floating a river or skiing slopes with his
ten-year-old son Lucas.
39 40

SPCF HOLIDAY FUND DRIVE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28TH | 4 – 6PM
Stop by the Bar for the Club-hosted SPCF Holiday
Fund Drive. Enjoy complimentary house wines, draft
beers, and appetizers, and hear from the SPCF Board
Members about the mission of the foundation and
the local organizations receiving support. Every $250
contribution to the annual fund drive will entitle the
donor to a chance to win a fantastic prize to be awarded
that evening. Must be present to win!
SPCF ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH | 6PM
Join us in the Clubhouse where rare wine trips, golf,
and fly fishing gear, will be up for auction. Donate
generously for a worthy cause while enjoying
complimentary beverages and appetizers. There will
also be a live auction for renaming a ski run!
If you would like to make a charitable contribution,
stop by the Front Desk or call 406.999.0040 to add a
contribution to your membership account.
You may also donate online by visiting
spanishpeaksfoundation.org and clicking on Donate.
The Spanish Peaks Community Foundation (SPCF),
a 501 (c) (3), is a non-profit organization that supports
the greater Big Sky area by funding community service
projects, the arts, education and management of the
outdoors. It was founded in 2011 to provide a vehicle
for members of Spanish Peaks Mountain Club to make
charitable contributions to the community.
In 2015, through our Spanish Peaks Mountain Club
members’ tremendous generosity, SPCF was able
to contribute over $125,000 to deserving non-profit
organizations in the area.
In 2016, SPCF has made over 14 grants, with more
scheduled to be awarded in November. Some of the
organizations and projects that have benefitted include
the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, the Arts
Council of Big Sky, Ousel Falls Revegetation and
Safety Project, Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky Ski
Foundation, Historic Crail Ranch Homestead Museum
and Lone Peak High School. A complete list can be
found on our website at spanishpeaksfoundation.org
RECIPROCITY WITH MOONLIGHT BASIN
Charter, Golf and National Members have access to the
Nordic ski trails and the snowshoe trails at Moonlight
Basin with 48-hours advanced reservations. Call Member
Services if you would like to take advantage.
JACK CREEK LOOP | NORDIC SKI
This 3.35 mile Nordic trail features spectacular views of
Lone Peak, Fan Mountain, and the Spanish Peaks while
travelling through alpine meadows and forests.
LEE’S POOL LOOP | NORDIC SKI / SNOWSHOE
This 3.41 mile loop travels around Lee’s Pool while
enjoying incredible views of Lone Peak before climbing
back up to Norris Junction to return to the trail head. If
snowshoeing, the trail winds through pine forests and
open meadows on the way to Lee’s Pool.
MADISON SPUR | NORDIC SKI
This 5 mile out and back spur trail is an additional
adventure for those Nordic enthusiasts looking to
extend their time on snow.
LODGE LOOP | SNOWSHOE
This 3.41 mile moderate snowshoe winds its way from
Ulery’s Lake camp up to Moonlight Lodge where
you can stop in for a warm up and a beverage before
looping back to Ulery’s Lake. This trail crosses an
impressive 800’ ski bridge with incredible views of
Wilson Peak.
ULERY’S LAKE LOOP | NORDIC SKI SNOWSHOE
This loop is just right for beginners or those looking for
just a short jaunt around Ulery’s Lake. Take in the views
of Lone Peak and Fan Mountain as you circuit the lake
on this multi-use groomed trail. Follow trail signage to
circuit the lake as many times as you would like.
THE MOONLIGHT TAVERN
All SP Members are invited and encouraged to dine
at the Moonlight Tavern. The Tavern is open from
11am – 9pm daily and features a family friendly, casual
pub atmosphere and menu. Stop by for Après Ski and
live music, 3 – 6pm every day! There are very limited
tables available for booking online, therefore it is best to
contact Member Services for reservations. $
JACK CREEK ROAD
Access to the Jack Creek Road is available to all SP
Members. If you are interested in traveling to Ennis
on the picturesque Jack Creek Road, please contact
Member Services for a day pass. $
MountainOutlaw

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Our residential rental properties are perfect for a family
or multi-family vacation. Ranging from three to six
bedrooms, these beautifully appointed homes vary in
style, from mountain rustic to contemporary. All are
within close proximity to the Clubhouse and have
stunning mountain views. Features include: hot tub,
wood burning fireplace, recreation room for the kids,
pool table, sauna and more.
Housekeeping, refrigerator stocking, concierge services
and access to all Clubhouse amenities are included.
Visit spanishpeaksmountainclub.com for photos and
details or contact Member Services.
LODGING IN THE CLUBHOUSE
We invite you to stay with us while you enjoy Spanish
Peaks. The charming Clubhouse rooms have either
a King or Two Queen beds. The Suite is larger and
features a living room with a wood burning fireplace,
views of the golf course and the Spanish Peaks
mountain range, a clawfoot soaking tub, and dual
rainhead shower. Offering complimentary Continental
breakfast, access to the swimming pool, hot tubs,
fitness center, and all amenities, the Clubhouse is your
home away from home. Contact Member Services for
reservations.
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROGRAM
With an online presence and opportunities for non-
members to stay in residential rentals, there is no better
time to enroll your home in the Residential Rental
Program. If you would like to rent your home through
the Club, your residence will automatically be enrolled
in the property management program. The property
management program gives you the peace of mind that
comes with weekly inspections, hot tub maintenance,
24-hour security, and prompt communication, should
a matter arise. In addition, when rented, guests receive
housekeeping to ensure your home stays in pristine
condition.
If you are interested in enrolling your home or finding
out more information about the Residential Rental
Program, please call Member Services at 406.999.0040
or memberservices@spanishpeaksmountainclub.com
LODGING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
43

11 LONE PEAK DRIVE | 107 LONE PEAK DRIVE | 123 LONE PEAK DRIVE | SPANISH PEAKS SALES OFFICE | MOONLIGHT LODGE
The exclusive sales partner of Spanish Peaks.INTRODUCING
THE HIGHLANDS
AT SPANISH PEAKS.
Advanced, Systems-built Homes.
Three Stunning Floorplans.
A Variety of Finish Packages.
A Mountain Home Perfect for You.
11 LONE PEAK DRIVE | 107 LONE PEAK DRIVE | 123 LONE PEAK DRIVE | SPANISH PEAKS SALES OFFICE | MOONLIGHT LODGE
The exclusive sales partner of Spanish Peaks.INTRODUCING
THE HIGHLANDS
AT SPANISH PEAKS.
Advanced, Systems-built Homes.
Three Stunning Floorplans.
A Variety of Finish Packages.
A Mountain Home Perfect for You.
45 46

RHYTHMIC CIRCUS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
Soul Funk and Tap Dancing – A Ski Town Favorite
GENRE: DANCE/MUSIC
Rhythmic Circus is a troupe of internationally
renowned artists. No stranger to the spotlight, they
were featured on Twin City Public Television’s MN
Original, collaborated with Vocal Essence in Witness:
A Tribute to Duke Ellington at the Ordway Performing
Arts Center and appeared in the Crash Bang Boom!
Festival at the Minnesota Orchestra Hall.
ROOMFUL OF TEETH
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7
Pulitzer and Grammy Winning Vocalists
GENRE: VOCAL MUSIC
Roomful of Teeth is a GRAMMY-winning vocal
project dedicated to mining the expressive potential
of the human voice. Through study with masters from
singing traditions the world over, the eight-voice
ensemble continually expands its vocabulary of singing
techniques and, through an ongoing commissioning
process, forges a new repertoire without borders.
SHAKESPEARE’S THE WINTER’S TALE
SATUDAY, JANUARY 21 SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
Classics from Nationally Known Theater Artists
GENRE: THEATER
Written toward the end of William Shakespeare’s
theatrical career, The Winter’s Tale (1609-1611) is a story
of loss and redemption. The play is famous for its two-
part structure, which makes The Winter’s Tale seem like
two entirely different plays that are joined together at
the end.
MIKE SUPER
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
WMPAC’s First Magician
GENRE: MAGICIAN/THEATER
Mike Super’s life has been characterized by an
obsession and passion for magic. He has astonished
millions of people with his craft, including Hollywood
elite, such as Jeffery Katzenberg, Ellen DeGeneres,
Jay Leno, Kenny Chesney, Regis Philbin and Craig
Ferguson.
WARREN MILLER
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
REGGIE WATTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 3
Beatboxer, Comedian, and Hip-Hop Artist
GENRE: SPEAKER/COMEDY/HIP-HOP
Reggie Watts is an internationally renowned vocal
artist/beatboxer/musician/comedian who wows
audiences with his live performances which are 100%
improvised. LA Weekly crowned him “the most wildly
inventive new talent of the past five years” while New
York Magazine hailed Reggie as “Spectacularly original.”
HIROMI: THE TRIO PROJECT
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
Adrenaline-Filled Japanese Jazz
GENRE: JAZZ PIANO TRIO
Japan has produced an impressive assemblage of jazz
pianists, from Toshiko Akiyoshi and Makoto Ozone
to Junko Onishi. And now, well into the change of the
21st century, the pianist/composer Hiromi Uehara is
the latest in that line of amazing musicians. Hiromi has
electrified audiences and critics east and west, with
a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the
boundaries of jazz, classical and pop parameters.
JAMES SEWELL BALLET
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
Big Sky’s Ballet Company
GENRE: DANCE
James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City
by James Sewell and Sally Rousse and brought to
Minnesota in 1993. Combining their expertise, vision
and chutzpah, they envisioned a close-knit company
of dance artists willing to both challenge their physical
limits and expand their notions about ballet. Nearly two
decades later, critically acclaimed JSB performances
move and delight audiences across the country.
MOBY DICK: ISHMAEL
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
An Original Take on the Timeless Tale of the Whale
GENRE: THEATER
WMPAC will partner with theater professionals and
musicians to mount an original interpretation of
Herman Melville’s literary classic, Moby Dick. Directed
by Leo Geter and starring Jack Weston with musical
accompaniment by Pert Near Sandstone.
47 48

“YOU’RE NOT HOOVERING MY LINE!” he yells as
he drops into a powder stash we find off Lone Peak
at Big Sky Resort. I watch him gracefully link turns,
floating on the fluffy snow. Every now and then he
lets out a yowl; it’s not uncommon for him to sing or
yodel his way down a slope. This is my 70-year-old dad,
and he’s just learned the term “Hoover my line” from
some locals; he finds it funny to toss into conversation
whenever possible.
My dad is doing his best to embrace my newfound life
in a small ski town, one that revolves around skiing and
having as much fun as possible. It was not exactly what
he had in mind for my post-college years. When most
people my age were starting down their career path, I
was just trying to make enough money to buy a ski pass
and pay rent.
But after a few visits, he started to understand, even
respect, this lifestyle. I think he was even a tad jealous.
What he didn’t realize was that this was entirely his
fault. Throughout my childhood, the man was obsessed
with skiing. He spent his off-slope time planning ski
trips, checking snow reports and looking into the latest
gear. And on most trips, from the Alps to the Rockies
to the slopes of the Northeast, he brought us along. He
pretty much groomed us for ski bum life, so what did he
expect?
My dad started skiing during the early 1940s. Raised
in Seattle, he and his siblings would take a free train to
the newly opened Snoqualmie Pass on the weekends.
Throughout high school and college at the University of
Washington, as ski areas were popping up all over the
country, he expanded his reach to Sun Valley and areas
in British Columbia. But it was during his stint in the
U.S. Army that his ski world really open up.
Stationed in Bavaria from 1956 to 1958, he convinced
his colonel that he should represent the U.S. in the
European ski races. Agreeing that it would be good
public relations for the red, white and blue, the colonel
sent my dad on the ski circuit with transportation,
room, board and lift tickets covered. There would be an
American flag flying at the events, and my dad could
hone his skills.
Flash-forward 20 years, and he was a businessman in
New York City where he met my mother, and where
my brother and I were raised. As an entrepreneur, work
was his focus, but skiing was never far behind. From
the time we could walk he slapped skis on our feet,
and off we went down the Podunk hills of ice: from
the smaller areas in upstate New York to the snowier
ones in Vermont, from Switzerland and Austria to the
Rockies for school vacations.
On a ski trip to Alta, Utah, when I was 10, he picked me
up from morning ski lessons and declared I was ready
for High Rustler, a renowned steep and deep run off the
front face. After surviving a ridgeline traverse, knees
shaking, I peered over the edge at the towering moguls
below. The tears started flowing, and they didn’t stop
until I dropped my body on the ground at the base area,
deciding never to talk to him again. I was cross-eyed
with anger, and he was beaming, so proud and happy
to retell the story to anyone who would listen. “Corinne,
she skied down High Rustler when she was only 10
years old,” he would say, omitting the part about my
tantrum.
When I went to college in Colorado, my dad made
frequent visits, and we would explore the myriad of ski
areas that bless the state. We made father-daughter ski
trips to Taos, New Mexico, Jackson Hole, Wyoming,
and another to British Columbia that included a day of
helicopter skiing. He studied the ski maps in extreme
detail, and if there were ski patrollers getting on the lift,
he would fight his way through the line to join them,
hoping to get the inside scoop. If the lift lines were long,
he’d cruise over to the singles lines to pack in as many
runs as possible.
When I made my way to Big Sky, Montana, after
college graduation, I fed my parents the line: “It’s only
for one season, and then I’ll go find a real job.” But then
it was two seasons, then three. Like most locals, I would
ski every day, get dressed in the closet at work, wait
tables, go out for drinks, and do it all over again.
After many visits, my dad got to know the mountain.
He loved skiing off the tram on the south face of Lone
Peak, looking for powder stashes in the trees. He also
got to know my friends, happily participating in the
après ski scene. He even made it to the Dirtbag Ball
one year, where a king and queen are crowned for their
skiing and partying accomplishments. And he was
proud when I began dating and eventually married a
ski patroller, for now he had full access to the inside
scoop on ski conditions.
So when I broke the news that I was ready to move on
in pursuit of a real job, my dad was shocked. “I can’t
believe you would leave this lifestyle,” I remember him
saying over an after-ski beer down at the old Caboose
bar in Big Sky’s Mountain Mall. My “real job” search
didn’t take me much further than Bozeman, and we’ve
enjoyed many more father-daughter ski adventures
since.
Dad is 82 now. It takes him longer to get into his ski
boots, he’s not afraid to ask a kid to carry his gear to
the base of the lift. These days he likes to stick to the
groomers and take runs with his two young grandsons.
Although his tram laps and line-hoovering days are
behind him, he still cruises gracefully through the snow
and lets out the occasional yowl. It’s pretty clear that
being on the slopes still is, as it always has been, his
happy place.
Thanks to him, it’s my happy place too. When I’m
standing on the ridge at Bridger Bowl or looking for the
Tetons in the distance off the top of Lone Peak, it’s hard
not to think about him and our times together bonding
over snow.
A way of life passes from father to daughter through ski days in Big Sky, Taos, Jackson Hole, and heli-skiing in Canada
BONDED BY SNOW
CORINNE GARCIA
Big Sky Journal
49 50

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