Carve - December 2016

CARVE DECEMBER 2016

Y O U R G U I D E T O W I N T E R R E C R E AT I O N I N S O U T H W E S T M O N TA N A

BACK TO THE

FUTURE

PLUS

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BIG SKY RESORT, BRIDGER BOWL INVEST IN FUTURE WITH OFF-SEASON UPGRADES

CLASSIC LINE: HIKING THE FINGERS  AVALANCHE Q&A: PUT YOUR BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS TO THE TEST CHRISTMAS WISH LIST: LOCAL SKI SHOPS SHARE FAVORITE GEAR OF THE YEAR A S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E B O Z E M A N D A I LY C H R O N I C L E

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HERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE FIRST FEW TURNS OF THE SEASON. It’s a strange feeling: cajoling your body to remember the muscle contractions it knows so well. In those awkward, embryonic turns, it’s easy to appreciate the absurdity of an activity that requires strapping wooden boards to your feet and sliding down snow and ice at a high rate of speed. Sometimes I watch other riders and wonder if they, too, realize how strange we all look.

Those first turns are odd. But then you start to remember. Bend your knees, set the edge, drive forward and carve that long arc through the snow.

You connect two, then three, then four of these turns and your untested muscles start to burn. Maybe you wish you had done a few more sets of box jumps in November.

You go a little faster, slash a sweet turn and then you really remember why you do it — that incomparable feeling of gliding across the ground, adrenaline rushing and wind whipping around you.

There’s nothing like it.

— Lewis Kendall

CARVE YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHWEST MONTANA SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

EDITOR Lewis Kendall DESIGN/PHOTOS Chris Kerr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jason Bacaj, Doug Chabot, Terry Cunningham, Dr. Mike Ferrell, Melynda Harrison, Karin Kirk and Dr. Josh Klatt

CARVE is published once a month from December to February

by Big Sky Publishing.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION contact the Bozeman Daily Chronicle at 587-4491.

CHRIS KERR

Sean Forbes savors his turns on the lower slopes of Hyalite Peak.

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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS are welcome and can be submitted to Lewis Kendall at 582-2651 or lkendall@dailychronicle.com

ON THE COVER: A skier plows through the pow last season on the Bridger Bowl ridge.

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1417 9th St. So #100 Great Falls, MT 59405 406-453-1613 ozogeye.com

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CARVE Giro helmet The New Stellar MIPS utilizes integrated Conform Fit Technology — a two-piece outer shell hugs the head with the turn of a dial.

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016

Giro Facet Goggles These mediumsized full frames are offered in multiple frame and strap colorways .

WOMEN’S DOWNHILL SKI GEAR

RACHEL B o b Wa r d s s a l e s s t a f f

Years riding: 15 Ski pass at: Great Divide

GEAR

Favorite terrain to ski: Discovery Best/deepest run of your life: Skiing Keystone in Colorado with my family and making our own trails.

Ski run on your bucket list?

Skiing the Yellowstone Club all day with friends.

What do I love most about riding: Skiing on soft powder when it’s really quiet and snowing lightly. I love the adrenaline rush but I also love how peaceful skiing can be.

OF THE

YEAR

Favorite quote/words to live by: “I’m in love with Montana. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love.”

— John Steinbeck

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Just in time for the holidays, we asked the experts at several local shops to pick their favorite gear for this season.

Warning: swagger not included.

Obermeyer Aura Coat A longer and relaxed fit gives a contemporary look. Jacket features a removable insulated helmet compatible hood.

Obermeyer Malta Pants The Malta Pant incorporates waterproof/breathable technology and is available in special sizing.

CHRIS KERR PHOTOS

Dalbello Luna 70 Boots The Luna 70 is targeted toward advanced and aspiring intermediate skiers.

The three-piece design provides responsive and consistent flex with excellent lateral and rearward control.

Line Soulmate Skis This poppy ski packs power through crud and performs with grace on piste — and nothing short of fun all over the mountain.

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Dragon NFXS With Flame Lense Great fog protection and large field of visioneven at warp speed.

J.A. Ridge Pack Holds everything I need securely, and makes all my gear easily accessible.

Great for Snowflake laps.

MEN’S DOWNHILL SKI GEAR

Smith Vantage helmet It is the best helmet. Period.

MSU shirt Reminds me to study on the lift.

SKIAN S m i l e s t e c h n i c i a n a t P. H . D S k i s

Atomic Bent Chetlers: For nose butters on the deepest of days

Years riding: 20 Ski pass at: If I told you, I’d have to kill you.

Favorite terrain to ski: Pillows, chutes, jumps, halfpipe Best/deepest run of your life: 39 inches at Steamboat.

(I stood 48” tall at the time) Ski run on your bucket list?

Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson Hole What do I love most about riding: Being happier than a dog with two tails.

Hestra Leather Fall Line 3 finger gloves Perfect balance between dexterity and cozy-ness.

Easy to take on and off.

What song would you listen to on your dream run?

Blondie: Heart of Glass Favorite quote/words to live by: “Go Big and Go Home.”

“If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year

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Marmot spire Jacket Lightweight, easy to thermoregulate with, and great for hiking.

older when you do.”

DOWNHILL SKIING STOCKING STUFFERS 4 6 1

Marmot Roscko Bib Lots of Pockets and superior waterproofing.

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Black Crow Furtis Poles Good chairlift conversation starter, “why so big?”

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Tecnica Mach1 130 Boots Very comfortable, and very stiff.

Good boot for getting down.

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016

C R O S S  CO U N T RY S K I G E A R

ROB TIMBER TRAILS MANAGER

Black Diamond midweight Soft Shell Glove. Great active glove for active days, also with touch screen compatibility.

Osprey Kamber 22L well designed winter specific pack for your cold weather adventures

Years riding: 20 years Ski pass at: Bridger and Showdown Favorite terrain: Backcountry powder baby Best/deepest run of your life: Yellowstone Park Ski run on your bucket list?

The southern volcanoes in Argentina What do I love most about riding: The cold smoke. (The powder and the beer) What song would you listen to on your dream run?

Ice breaker 200 gram body zone wool top, Heat dumping zones increase breathability to minimize sweat.

Arcteryx Atom LT Vest, great for active cold weather pursuits

“I am a Ram” Al Green Favorite quote/words to live by:

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“You don’t know if you don’t go”

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING STOCKING STUFFERS

Madshus Eon 62, Do you like to ski where you hike? This is the quintessential trail touring ski.

Madshus Epoch, Slightly wider ski than the Eon for more floatation and stability.

1. Primus Burny torch lighter 2. Swix Easy Glide wax 3. Voile Strap 4. UV Buff 5. Sauce Headband 6. First aid kit and book

7. Beartooth Publishing Maps 8. Ewe Hoo nit hat 9. Smith Woolrich shades 10. Outdoor Research Beanie 11. Dermatone Sunscreen

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5 Patagonia simul alpine pants, perfect combination of weather proofness and breathability

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Alpina Montana NNN BC Boots, this NNN BC boot is the perfect driver for either The Epoch or Eon ski.

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MEN’S SNOWBOARD GEAR

SETH B o b Wa r d s s a l e s s t a f f

Years riding: 13 Ski pass at: Bridger Favorite terrain to ski: Deep powdery tree runs, closely followed by freeride/all-mountain!

Best/deepest run of your life: First drop on the Snowmass “Cirque” bowl right after the dynamite! As we were walking up the final stick went off, front of the line. It had been snowing all night and the pow was all the way past our knees. Dropping into the bowl was a rush, instantly floating on top of the snow like waves. As we were carving down, you could see the black powder from the dynamite that had went off only moments before. It was white out waves all the way down. We finally hit the lower half of the bowl, getting into the trees. Thats where the challenge came in, dodging all the trees and cutting the perfect line, and being completely surrounded by pow and trees. There is not many experience that stand out in my mind more than that. BEST RUN I’VE EVER HAD ! ... so far.

Ski run on your bucket list?

There are way to many for me to be able to pick a single run. Now I could pick out a few mountains.

1st that comes to mind would be Whistler Blackcomb in B.C. 2nd Steamboat in Colorado.

Then the 3rd would be more of a stretch. Ski Cardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand.

What do I love most about riding: Simply put, everything. From fresh pow to the escape of the snow covered mountains. Having a escape from everything so amazing as snowboarding, its almost a spiritual experience. As if everything gets whited-out in your brain by all the snow, and all you senses notice is the winter playground ahead.

Burton Baker 2 in 1 Under Mitt This mitt happens to love riding in the absolute crappiest conditions. Control your climate with the hidden, dual function heater/vent pocket which is built to accommodate a disposable handwarmer.

Rossignol One Magtek snowboard The reinvented ONE MAGTEK features Rossignol’s industry-first Lite Frame technology for fulllength shock absorption and playful board control for the ultimate ride.

Rossignol XV Bindings- The XV BINDING is Xav’s new pro model for slaying big-mountain terrain, where commitment is key and “almost” isn’t an option.

Favorite quote/words to live by: “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today” — James Dean

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K2 Aspect Boots The K2 Aspect snowboardmountaineering boot is equipped for truly versatile alpine adventuring with a crampon-compatible sole that packs plenty of grip for climbing.

Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet The Vantage delivers the perfect blend of technology and style.

Giro Contact Goggles The EXV Contact goggle makes it easy to adapt instantly to changing weather and light conditions.

The Contact offers an outstanding field of view and includes two premium optical Lenses by ZEISS. Burton Beeracuda Beverage Sling Locked and loaded, but mostly loaded, the Burton Beeracuda is the ultimate over the shoulder beverage holder. Koozie up front keeps one additional piece of ammo within immediate range of your muzzle.

Burton Dunmore Jacket The Dunmore looks and feels like your typical heavy-duty workwear jacket. Dig deeper and you’ll discover some serious high-performance waterproof/ breathability on a variety of fabrics. It also contains sound and goggle pockets, a removable waist gaiter and hood, and venting to battle everything from sub-zero temps to springtime slop.

Burton Cargo Pants With plenty of pockets so you never need to visit the lodge, the Burton Cargo Pant is a tried-andtrue classic shell pant, ready for any weather.

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016

WOMEN’S SNOWBOARD GEAR Giro Strata MIPS Helmet The New Strata includes adjustable enhanced venting and an integrated POV camera mount all in a durable, lightweight package.

Giro Facet Goggles These medium-sized full frames are enhanced with functional features including Expansion View Technology (EXV), a spherical optically correct Lens

By ZEISS, an anti-fog lens coating, and of course, triple layer face foam with micro fleece facing.

TOSHA B o b Wa r d s s a l e s s t a f f

Years riding: 12 Ski pass at: Bridger Bowl

Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Jacket Three jackets in one — a warm, water-repellent zip-in liner with thermal reflectivity for bonus warmth; a waterproofbreathable and seamsealed shell; and the combination of both.

Favorite terrain to ski: all-mountain

Rossignol Diva snowboard Combined with RadCut, AmpTek, and Magne-Traction technology, the allnew, redesigned Diva demands attention.

Best/deepest run of your life: My favorite run was with BYEP at Big Sky- Marlboro Country Favorite quote/words to live by: “When the trees are finally bare, and we can’t leave the house without a good jacket. We watch the first snowflakes fall and our eyes light up. We’re funny like that, kids really.

— Jonny Moseley form Warren Miller’s

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“Children of Winter”

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR SKIERS, BOARDERS 1. Yeti Rambler Colster 2. Black Diamond “Storm” Headlamp 3. Lifeline Survival Canteen 4. GoPro Hero 5 Black

Dakine Leather Camino Mittens The Caminos are made to hold up to the weather so you can soar down the mountain on skis or a snowboard.

5. UK Pro 22 GoPro Stick 6. UK Pro 8 GoPro Stick 7. Bob Wards Koozie 8. Stance snowboarding socks

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Columbia Bugaboo Snow pants Designed with an active fit to facilitate mobility, this waterproofbreathable pant is critically seam sealed to lock out the elements.

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Burton Emerald Boots When all day sessions are on the agenda, you’ll love the instantly broken-in feel of Total Comfort for a day 10-day feel on your first day out.

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THE SKI

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REPORT

ERIKPETERSENPHOTO.COM

PAIR SELLS MONTANA CALENDAR TO BENEFIT LIVINGSTON FOOD BANK

Livingston-based photographer Erik Petersen and area designer Luke Duran recently created a calendar that will feature some of Petersen’s favorite images from around Montana. Proceeds from the calendar will go to the Livingston Food Resource Center, whose mission is to “help eliminate

NEWS FROM THE SLOPES

To contribute to The Ski Report, contact Lewis Kendall at 582.2651 or lkendall@dailychronicle.com.

hunger in Livingston and Park County.”

Interested parties can pre-order the calendar online at erikpetersenphotocalendar.com.

Each calendar costs $12, plus $3 shipping and handling.

Erik Petersen has been photographing life in Montana and around the world for the past 15 years.

Petersen lives in the Shields Valley with his wife, Faith, two sons, a bird dog and a posse of chickens.

Luke Duran is a freelance graphic artist who provides creative services primarily for conservation, education, arts and social justice causes. Duran lives in Helena with his love, Marianne, and their four children.

collection of restaurants, family-run stores and a lively après scene at places like The Great Northern Bar & Grill and Caseys. Glacier National Park is just a short drive away,” USA Today wrote.

About Big Sky, the site wrote: “Big Sky Resort in Montana offers the self-proclaimed ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ – a claim that’s not difficult to believe. The resort comprises 5,800 acres of skiable terrain with 300 named runs across four connected mountains, all serviced by a staggering 23 chair lifts and 11 surface lifts.

Freestylers can choose between seven terrain parks. Lift lines are notoriously short or non-existent.”

MONTANA SKI AREAS TOP USA TODAY POLLS

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL COMING TO BOZEMAN

Whitefish has been named one of the best ski towns in North America, while Big Sky Resort was named one of the best resorts, according to polls conducted by USA Today.

The city and resort placed third in their respective list based on reader votes.

“Situated at the base of the underrated Whitefish Mountain Resort, the town of Whitefish is part rustic Western, part artsy chic. While only about 6,600 people call the town home, it boasts an impressive

The popular Banff Mountain Film Festival is once again making a stop in Bozeman.

The series of outdoor films will be shown at the Willson Auditorium on Main Street on Jan. 20 and 21 beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $17 and can be purchased through the Bridger Ski Foundation. All proceeds from the showings will benefit the BSF, a nonprofit ski organization. u

AWARD WINNING

HANDCRAFTED

BEERS

SKYLINE LINKS BIG SKY & BOZEMAN Skyline offers fare free local bus service within Big Sky and a fare based Link service between Big Sky and Bozeman.

For more info on all of Skyline’s services:

101 MARCUS | HAMILTON, MT | 406.363.7468

W W W. B I T T E R R O O T B R E W I N G . C O M

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SKYLINEBUS.COM

LINK EXPRESS PASS INFO CASH FARE - $5 EACH WAY • Cash taken by driver at the time of the ride.

PUNCH PASS - $5 ROUND TRIP • Passes available -10-rides $25, 20 - rides (plus 2 bonus rides) $50 & 40-rides (plus 6 bonus rides) $100 • A “ride” equals a one way trip.

• Purchase at participating business locations.

WINTER PASS - $400 FULL SEASON • Unlimited rides for the current season.

• Must show pass and photo ID to driver.

• Purchase at Big Sky Resort, or in Bozeman at Chalet Sports or the Round House.

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Vertical rise: 2,600 feet Skiable terrain: 2,000 acres Summit elevation: 8,800 feet Base elevation: 6,100 feet Trails: 75 Lifts: 1 quad, 5 triples, 2 doubles Average snowfall: 350 inches Snow phone: 406-586-2389

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Base elevation: 7,016 feet Trails: 65 Lifts: 2 quads, 1 triple, 3 doubles Average snowfall: 250 inches Snow phone: 406-425-3334

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MONTANA SKI AREA STATISTICS

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2. BIG SKY Vertical rise: 4,350 feet Skiable terrain: 5,800 acres Summit elevation: 11,166 feet Base elevation: 7,500 feet Trails: 300 Lifts: 1 tram, 2 six-person, 8 quads, 7 triples, 5 doubles Average snowfall: 400 inches Snow phone: 406-995-5900

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Vertical rise: 1,400 feet Skiable terrain: 640 acres Summit elevation: 8,200 feet Base elevation: 6,800 feet Trails: 36 Lifts: 1 triple, two doubles Average snowfall: 240 inches Snow phone: 406-771-1300

9. LOOKOUT PASS Vertical rise: 1,150 feet Skiable terrain: 540 acres Summit elevation: 5,650 feet Base elevation: 4,500 feet Trails: 34 Lifts: 1 triple, 3 doubles Average snowfall: 400 inches Snow phone: 208-744-1301

6. TETON PASS SKI RESORT Vertical rise: 1,000 feet Skiable terrain: 407 acres Summit elevation: 8,600 feet Base elevation: 6,190 feet Trails: 43 Lifts: 1 double, 1 rope tow Average snowfall: 250 inches Snow phone: 406-466-2209

4. MAVERICK MOUNTAIN Vertical rise: 2,020 feet Skiable terrain: 450 acres Summit elevation: 9,000 feet Base elevation: 6,080 feet Trails: 24 Lifts: 1 Average snowfall: 250 inches Snow phone: 406-834-3454

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Vertical rise: 1,800 feet Skiable terrain: 1,800 acres Summit elevation: 8,200 feet Base elevation: 6,400 feet Trails: 60 Lifts: 5 doubles, 3 rope tows Average snowfall: 325 inches Snow phone: 406-821-3211

5. SHOWDOWN

3. WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN Vertical rise: 2,353 feet Skiable terrain: 3,000 acres Summit elevation: 6,817 feet Base elevation: 4,464 feet Trails: 105 Lifts: 13 lifts Average snowfall: 300 inches Snow phone: 406-862-2940

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8. LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN

10. DISCOVERY SKI AREA Vertical rise: 2,388 feet Skiable terrain: 2,200 acres Summit elevation: 8,158 feet Base elevation: 5,770 feet Trails: 67 Lifts: 5 triples, 2 doubles Average snowfall: 215 inches Snow phone: 406-563-2184

7. RED LODGE MOUNTAIN Vertical rise: 2,400 feet Skiable terrain: 1,600 acres Summit elevation: 9,416 feet

11. MONTANA SNOWBOWL Vertical rise: 2,600 feet

Old fashioned PIZZA, piping hot GRINDERS and stellar HOMEMADE COOKIES!

Stop in After hitting the slopes for Beer and Pizza!

12. BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN Vertical rise: 1,440 feet Skiable terrain: 1,000 acres Summit elevation: 6,780 feet Base elevation: 5,340 feet Lifts: 1 triple, 2 doubles, 1 rope tow Average snowfall: 250 inches

13. GREAT DIVIDE Vertical rise: 2,400 feet Skiable terrain: 1,600 acres Summit elevation: 9,416 feet Base elevation: 7,016 feet Trails: 65 Lifts: 2 quads, 1 triple, 3 doubles Average snowfall: 250 inches Snow phone: 406-447-1310

14. BEAR PAW SKI BOWL Vertical rise: 900 feet Summit elevation: 5,280 feet Base elevation: 4,200 feet Trails: 24 Lifts: 1 double, 1 rope tow Average snowfall: 140 inches Snow phone: 406-265-8404

15. TURNER MOUNTAIN Vertical rise: 2,110 feet Summit elevation: 5,952 feet Base elevation: 3,842 feet Trails: 22 Lifts: 1 double chair Snow phone: 406-293-2468

Wishing you happy holidays

Local Micro Brews & Domestic Beers Offered

1 block west of 4 Corners in the Big Red Barn 406.522.9555 • www.buffalobump.com

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Passing Through?

Summit elevation: 7,600 feet Base elevation: 5,000 feet Average snowfall: 300 inches Snow phone: 406-549-9777

Distillery & Tasting Room Located at 106 Village Center Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718 www.dryhillsdistillery.com

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1. BRIDGER BOWL

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016

OPEN SEASON BIG SKY RESORT SPENDS THE OFFSEASON UPGRADING LIFTS; BRIDGER BOWL GEARS UP FOR FUTURE BASE EXPANSION

replacements and upgrades.

Over the summer, Big Sky installed its new Powder Seeker lift, a six-person high-speed Doppelmayr chair that accesses the Lone Peak Tram, replacing the Lone Peak Triple — one of the resort’s original chairlifts from 1973. The other lift, a conveyor-loaded triple, will replace the 28-yearold Challenger, which closed last season due to a gearbox issue.

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HE SKI AREAS, THEY ARE A CHANGIN’.

Both Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl announced new additions and renovations on tap for this season’s skiers and snowboarders.

At Big Sky, the name of the game was investment.

The resort’s parent company Boyne Resorts in August announced its 10-year plan for the mountain, which includes $150 million in improvements.

The resort’s first step was a $9 million pair of lift

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG SKY RESORT

The Challenger upgrade will shave the ride time for skiers and snowboarders by three minutes, while Powder Seeker, which features a protective bubble windscreen and heated seats, will cut the previous trip in half.

The project is Big Sky’s first lift installation since 2006, when it built the Dakota Triple.

The resort also recently completed a $250,000 upgrade to its Ramcharger lift, which will improve its ability to handle downhill traffic from mountain bikers and visitors.

In addition to the lifts, the resort has also named several new runs: Ski Time and Steep and Deep in the bowl area, as well as White Witch and Forbidden Forest, one off Lower Morning Star and the other near the Lone Tree Quad. All told, the new runs will add around 20 skiable acres to the resort’s total.

As part of the 10-year plan, Big Sky announced it has moved to a dynamic ticket pricing system. Similar to

Ski Like A God...

DRINK LIKE ONE TOO! Neptune’s Brewery is Open 7 days A week, 12-8pm.

Serving up to 12 beers on tap, sushi & American Pub Favorites.

WarmStone Fireplaces and Designs Visit our showroom at 116 North B Street, Livingston, Montana 406-333-4383 • www.warmstone.com

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Ask for us on tap!

119 N. L St. Livingston, MT

406.222.7837

Skiers and snowboarders wait to board the new Powder Seeker lift at Big Sky Resort earlier this season.

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016 13

airline tickets, day pass prices will now range from $89 to $129 based on how far in advance they are purchased.

The resort also announced new shopping and dining options, including a new North Face store, an updated menu at its Everett’s 8800 restaurant and a renovated rental shop.

Closer to town, Bridger Bowl had several updates of its own.

The area’s big project this year was the addition to its Saddle Peak Lodge, set for completion next fall. Located on the south side of the building, the addition will allow Bridger to expand its program offices and rentals, as well as install a handful of new rental lockers.

The project is the first step in Bridger’s base expansion, which will include moving the Snow Flake Lift south and eventually replacing the Virginia City Lift, according to Marketing Director Doug Wales.

Wales also provided on update on the area’s proposed cell tower project.

In June, the Gallatin County Planning and Zoning Commission approved an application for a new cell tower at Bridger.

The tower will be installed next summer at the earliest, Wales said.

On Dec. 30, Bridger will ring in the New Year with its annual Torchlight Parade, when members of the ski patrol and ski school congregate on the mountain and lay out torches in the shape of a “17.” The event also includes a fireworks display and a spaghetti dinner, as well as live music by local band Hooligans.

As of Dec. 9, the area had received around 26 inches of snow, according to OnTheSnow, three inches more than at the same point last year, and Wales said things are looking good for the upcoming season.

“It’s always early season conditions, and people need to be mindful of that,” he said. “But the mountain is shaping up nicely.” u

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By Doug Chabot

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BACKCOUNTRY PRIMER

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very year we teach almost 100 avalanche classes to nearly 5,000 people across a wide swath of the recreating public: grade school and graduate students, skiers, snowmobilers, ice climbers, search and rescue groups, and ski patrols. Though the groups are diverse, the questions are similar. Here’s some answers the most common ones.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS BEFORE BUYING ONE? Avalanche transceivers (also called beacons) are crucial to our personal safety. They should be a standard piece of equipment for everyone in avalanche terrain. All avalanche transceivers work on the same frequency (457 kHz) and all brands are compatible with each other. Most are intuitive to use, although they require practice to become proficient.

The speed of a rescue is the difference between life and death; a person has an 80 percent chance of survival if dug up in 10 minutes and only a 40 percent chance at 12 minutes! Finding a buried person that quickly requires a beacon in trained hands. Beacons display how much battery life is left and batteries are cheap. I replace mine when my beacon falls below 80 percent capacity. Use only alkaline batteries.

Lithium batteries discharge unevenly and give erroneously high readings. Rechargeable batteries should never be used since they do not hold a charge for very long.

AS LONG AS I STAY OFF THE BIG, OPEN SKI SLOPES I’M SAFE, RIGHT? In southwest Montana there have been three avalanche fatalities in the last three years that we attribute to folks not recognizing avalanche terrain. In all three cases there was an Avalanche Warning (High avalanche danger), which means human triggered slides were likely and avalanche terrain should be avoided. Each party knew that big, open slopes and steep chutes were off limits and they acted accordingly. Their mistake was they failed to recognize they were playing in the less steep runout zone of an avalanche path where the debris comes to rest. Improbable as it sounds, the folks triggered the avalanche from these flatter areas. During times of High instability it’s very possible to collapse a weak layer in the snowpack on the flats (aka a whumph) with the fracture propagating up the slope and releasing an avalanche far above. This is called remote triggering. It’s crucial to always ask, “What if the slope above avalanches? Where will the debris end up?” If the answer is where you are hanging out and playing, you, my late friend, are in avalanche terrain even though it may be relatively flat.

ONCE A SLOPE HAS AVALANCHED, CAN IT AVALANCHE A SECOND TIME? Yes! Weak layers are not easily destroyed, especially thicker ones. New snowfall can rebury the weak layer a second time setting it up to avalanche again. Last year a layer of weak snow at the ground called depth hoar was thick enough that it did not get swept away with the first CHRIS KERR

avalanche. A few slopes had repeat avalanches when this layer got reburied. I experienced this first hand many years ago in Cooke City when another forecaster and I were investigating slopes that recently avalanched. After a day of looking at crown lines (the wall of snow that did not slide at the top of a slope) it snowed a couple feet that night. The next morning I traversed onto a 30-degree slope that appeared intact and found a freshly buried crown, indicating it avalanched the day before. I was excited at my find and I called my partner over thinking the slope was safe since it previously slid. As we were digging our snowpit the entire slope cracked and moved a few inches. The weak layer was still there, as unstable as ever, and we were very lucky the slope didn’t fully avalanche again.

IS A SLOPE MORE STABLE AFTER IT COLLAPSES OR “WHUMPS”?

When conditions are very unstable we hear and feel whumphs of a buried weak layer collapsing in the snowpack. When a slope collapses but does not avalanche it does not mean the slope is now safe and stable. Slopes can avalanche after collapses. Research shows that slopes may be extra sensitive to avalanching hours after a whumph.

Treat slopes that have fractured or collapsed with caution. They may not be immediately safe and should not be trusted.

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CAN I SKI OUT OF AN AVALANCHE

BY AIMING TOWARD THE EDGES OF IT? If the slide is small and you’re near the top of the slope when it breaks and you’re an expert skier and your bindings don’t release and your skis are pointed towards the edge maybe. An avalanche can accelerate to well over 100 m.p.h. in seconds, too fast to outrun. If caught in an avalanche, something has gone terribly wrong. Once caught, unmanageable outside forces are working against you. As long as you can stay on top of your skis it’s worth trying to ski out, but the odds are against you.

DON’T SKI TRACKS ON A SLOPE MEAN IT IS SAFE? Ski tracks on a slope give a false sense of security. Many people have been caught and killed in avalanches on heavily tracked slopes. Once a weak layer is buried deep enough the weight of a skier may not impact it. The snowpack is not a uniform depth: some areas are thin while others are thick.

If a skier hits a thin spot it can collapse the weak layer and trigger a slide, taking the thicker slab, tracks and all. We have seen this multiple times on Saddle Peak in the Bridger Range when hundreds of tracks get wiped away when one skier triggers the slope. u Doug Chabot is director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman.

CHRIS KERR

16 BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016 CARVE

d SKI TIPS

By Karin Kirk

GETTING BETTER THIS YEAR

T

he entire ski season lies before us. From your current position on the sofa, anything is possible.

Flawless bump lines down North Bowl. Effortless Ridge hikes. Lindsay Vonn-like arcs down the groomers.

The possibilities are tantalizing.

There’s probably not a single skier or rider who aspires to phone it in and have an average season. What the heck, maybe you’ll even get a little worse? Nope, instead you are already envisioning the impressive new things you’ll accomplish.

Despite what your kids or spouse may think of your skiing potential, I’m on your side. I think you really can have a breakout year. But only if you make a concrete plan for how to go about it. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said it best: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

So how do you get better? By trying harder? By spending a lot of money on gear? By speeding up your GoPro footage so it looks like you’re going faster? While you are welcome to try all of those, here’s a more realistic list.

ENVISION WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE. We all want to get better, but what does that actually mean? The answer is different for everyone. Maybe you want to ski tougher runs. Maybe you want to just feel more on top of things and less at the whim of snow and gravity. Maybe you want to ski longer and not get tired by lunchtime. Maybe you just want to keep doing what you’re doing, but look cooler while doing so. Setting a goal is a natural first step in this process.

FIGURE OUT WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK. It is technique? Knowledge? Fitness? Gear? If you’re not sure, compare yourself to your peers and see where you could improve your game. Think about the parts of your day where you seem to have a harder time than everyone else. That might reveal an aspect of your skiing that is ready for improvement.

ASSESS YOUR SKILLS. It’s hard to figure out how to step it up if you don’t know where to start. Have someone film you and see what you like and don’t like about your moves. Or take a lesson and ask for feedback. Or do both!

FIGURE OUT HOW TO CHANGE. This may not be easy to determine on your own. Taking a lesson is the surest path to answering this question, but you could also take a video and compare it to a skier who embodies the style you would like to have. Can you put your finger on one or two concrete things you can change? For example, maybe you could to use your poles to create better rhythm in your turns. Or, if you see a lag between each turn, you could work on not skiing so far across the fall line and getting into the next turn quicker.

Those are concrete things you can practice. Don’t pick an improbable thing to fix, “I’ve never hiked the Ridge, but

CHRIS KERR

I’m pretty sure I’ll win King of the Ridge this year.” If you have a lofty goal, break it down into concrete, doable steps.

ing in with your original goal and see how you’re coming along. If you’re not getting anywhere, then go ahead and buy a new jacket so at least you look better.

DON’T TRY HARDER. TRY DIFFERENTLY. In my years of teaching skiing, never have I told someone, “Keep doing what you’re doing, but just do it harder.”

To get better we almost always need to stop doing something the way we’re doing it and seek a better, more efficient path. If you’re generating your turn by swinging your shoulders around, dialing up the intensity on that move is going to make things worse. Seek to improve your movements rather than reinforcing old habits.

GO WITH A PRO. As a ski instructor, I am leery of sounding like an advertisement for my profession. But it really does make a difference. Before your lesson, think about how to articulate your goals so that the instructor can help you figure out a path to get there. During your lesson, you’ll get specific feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll get practice learning and refining new movements. Try to remember specific sensations and movements so you can keep practicing them afterwards. You should leave the lesson with a clear plan for what you need to do to continue improving — and if you don’t get this, just ask.

BE A LITTLE DISCIPLINED. Creating better technique takes some time. Try to stay the course, particularly when you are working on a brand new move. The newer it is, the easier it can revert to your old way, so set up some solid practice time to reinforce new habits. This may involve taking the terrain down a notch. Conversely, if your goal involves getting mileage and improving confidence, then you may need to spend more time in challenging terrain to gain experience.

REASSESS. Go back to that run that was giving you trouble last year. Take another crack at keeping up with your kids.

Shoot more video. Take a follow-up lesson. Keep check-

HAVE FUN! Skiing is fun, regardless of how good we are. Above all, the journey to improve should be a quest to have the most fun possible. Don’t get so hung up on your skills that you forget to let out a whoop, laugh at yourself, and occasionally act like a goofball. u Karin Kirk is a Bridger Bowl ski instructor, staff trainer and Ridge guide. She’s considering phoning it in this year, but her phone is running out of minutes. Karin can be reached at karin@kirkframeworks.com.

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By Dr. Mike Ferrell

PAIN IN THE HIP JOINT

A

s another Montana winter arrives, many of us head outside to enjoy the numerous sporting activities that Montana affords, including alpine and nordic skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing. Many of these activities require painless hip function to maximize athletic performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Hip or groin pain that either prevents or limits sporting activities is quite common, and hip injury is always a risk with the more demanding activities.

The hip is a complex joint, and understanding the anatomy is helpful when discussing the potential sources of hip joint pain. To briefly review the anatomy, the hip joint is a ball-in-socket joint that is made of the top of the thigh bone, or femur, and part of the pelvis, specifically, the acetabulum. The acetabulum has a fibrocartilaginous ring which surrounds it like a gasket called the labrum. The labrum serves to deepen the socket, increase coverage of the femoral head, and create

a negative-pressure suction seal to the femoral head that increases stability of the joint. There are three ligaments that serve a key role in joint stability. In addition, there are over a dozen muscles that cross or surround the hip joint and play a vital role in painless hip function.

Most hip pain in the adolescent and young adult can be attributed to either a muscle, tendon or ligament injury from an acute trauma, or inflammation from overuse that will usually get better with a little time, rest, ice and possibly an anti-inflammatory medication. However, there is a condition called femoroacetabular impingement, or FAI, that is a very common cause of pain, and we have only just begun to appreciate it as a diagnosis over the last 15 years. It occurs when the hip joint flexes up, and the femur impinges, or strikes, the lip of the acetabulum. This usually occurs because of a developmental problem resulting in an abnormal shape of the femur or the acetabulum. With the

femur, we think this happens around the age of 12 to 14 years when the growth plate of the femur closes, and there seems to be a clear association between participation in high-level sports at a young age and the development of a painful hip. To keep it simple, imagine having a “bump” of extra bone on the neck of the femur which should not be there. When the hip flexes, this “bump” strikes the labrum and the rim of the acetabulum. There is a physical shape mismatch, like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. This can cause a labral tear and an injury to the cartilage which lines the acetabulum. The other common scenario occurs when the acetabulum faces slightly backward instead of slightly forward, or there is extra bone on the lip of the acetabulum. This makes the front rim of the acetabulum more prominent. This prominence can impinge on the neck of the femur with high degrees of hip flexion. Further, both conditions will often occur simultaneously in FAI. As a result of this abnormal contact, FAI can lead to a labral tear and cartilage damage in the joint and subsequently is the most common cause of arthritis in the hip for this very reason. FAI is a very common condition and does not necessarily always equal a painful hip. One study showed up to 15 percent of adults with Defined by experience. Honed By Training painless hips have FAI, and it is more common in males than females. There have been no studies showing a beneA new GYM recently opened in fit to the surgical treatment of painless hips with FAI. Bozeman for you; The Mountain Project The initial treatment for symptomoffers gym-based training and coaching atic FAI is non-surgical and consists of to help take your performance and physical therapy, anti-inflammatory enjoyment of outdoor sports to the next medications, and a time period of level. We welcome all skill levels of activity modification. Impingement can lead to dysfunction or injury to athletes to our gym, and offer training the muscles surrounding the hip, so for skiers, climbers, cyclists, runners, therapy to improve strength and range hunters, and paddlers. The gym hosts of motion can decrease pain and ima wide range of classes, with the goal prove function. The therapy program of providing functional sport-specific should be customized to the needs of the patient, specifically addressing training and injury prevention. We are athletic demands and areas of weakcurrently offering ski conditioning classes ness. Non-operative treatment will also and general fitness circuit training in a usually include a cortisone injection fun environment—come train amongst into the joint. The injection serves both a community of supportive and to confirm the hip joint as the primary source of pain as well as to decrease inspiring peers! symptoms and improve the outcomes 507 BOND STREET, Bozeman, MT of physical therapy.

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d HEALTH CHECK

treatment, there is a surgery to remove the “bump” on the neck of the femur, correct any bony issues with the rim of the acetabulum, and repair, reconstruct or debride the labrum. Innovations in surgical equipment and technique allow this surgery to be performed via a minimally invasive technique with small “poke” holes using an arthroscope, a small camera that allows us to see and work inside the joint without a large, open incision. The recovery via this minimally invasive technique is much faster and much less painful versus open hip surgery. In fact, most patients are off any strong narcotic pain medicine within two-three days of surgery. Patients are usually on crutches for three-four weeks after the surgery with partial weight-bearing to protect the repair during the healing phase. There is physical therapy as well, usually once or twice a week for the first few months. Most patients are able to return to sport in four–six months following surgery.

The clinical outcomes of this cutting-edge surgery have been very good when performed for the appropriate indications. All of the current data is short and intermediate term in nature, because this diagnosis is relatively new and the treatment techniques are being refined.

That said, there are multiple studies which show 80 percent good-to-excellent outcomes as well as high rates of professional and collegiate athletes returning to their previous level of competition. Poorer outcomes with arthroscopic hip surgery have been shown in cases with increasing cartilage damage in the joint, older age, and more severe pre-operative pain and function scores.

As we move into the winter season, hip injuries and hip or groin pain will inevitably occur. Every injury does not require surgery. Most do not and can be successfully treated non-operatively. However, for those sports hip injuries that do require surgery, there is a minimally invasive option which has been shown to have high success rates with high rates of return to sport. Now get outside and have a great winter season! u Mike Ferrell is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and a specialty focus on hip arthroscopy. He is a team physician for both Montans State University and Bozeman High School.

18 BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016 CARVE

From left: Looking down the Fourth Finger. Athan Mandragouras carves a turn down the Fingers Meadows on his way to a pow patch in the trees below.

u 2

SECOND FINGER

u 3

THIRD FINGER

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CLASSIC LINE

THE FINGERS

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, DECEMBER 16, 2016 19

BRIDGER BOWL

TEXT BY KARIN KIRK PHOTOS BY CHRIS KERR

u 4

T

he Fingers offer fun, low-consequence terrain for exploring above the lifts. The easy hike and straightforward navigation make this the ideal spot to find your hiking mojo. Even seasoned hikers can appreciate the convenience of the Fingers when it snowing too hard to navigate well on the Ridge; and the Fingers’ northern aspects keep them cool on the warmer days. If it weren’t such a terrible pun, I’d say the Fingers are, ummm, handy.

The hike: The Fingers boot-

pack meanders through trees and powder meadows with steeper pitches separated by a few gentle stretches. If you’re the first one there after a storm it can be slightly tricky to find your way.

It’s about 15 minutes of effort to reach the orange, high-viz ribbon at the top. That’s as high as you can go. Don’t even think about ducking under the ribbon.

If you are short on time or don’t love hiking, you can hike to one of the lower Fingers, or you can just ski the bottom half of the Meadow.

First and Second Finger are short and sweet. They are so short that most people hike right past

FOURTH FINGER

them, leaving freshies for someone else to grab. The quick hike is nice for kids, chain smokers or out-of-town guests. The descent is perfectly straightforward.

Third Finger is a popular choice. It has an inviting entrance and gets narrower partway down. Nonetheless, it’s plenty wide for nice round turns all the way to the bottom.

Fourth Finger is best once we get enough snow to fill it up and widen it out. The entrance is narrow and a bit intimidating, but it opens up after half a dozen turns, and then rewards you with a direct, fun fall line. If you’re creative, you can link the top of Third Finger with the bottom of Forth.

About the only hazard on the

Fingers is the abrupt transition onto South Bowl road. Rein yourself in before you fall off the precipitous drop and land in a heap on the road.

The Meadow offers a wideopen powder field that is user friendly and tons of fun in the midst of a big storm when other runs might get shut down. It’s another great choice for new hikers and it is impossible to get lost.

In all cases, you need an avalanche beacon and you need to “beep through” at the gate. If you have any questions about routefinding or conditions, inquire with ski patrol at the top of the Pierre’s Knob lift. They are always happy to help advise you.

Have fun! u

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