Carve — January 2016

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JANUARY 2016

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STEEP THOUGHTS: HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TURNS ON THE STEEPS t CLASSIC LINE: THE NOSE TO EXIT CHUTE POWDER HOUNDS: LOCAL DOGS GETTING IT DONE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY 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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A skier rips it down The Nose at Bridger Bowl in December.

GET BACK TO YOUR LIFE

MOUNTAIN STATS CLASSIC LINE When it comes time to hit the slopes, it might become time for you to seek orthopedic care.

Trust the pros at Bridger Orthopedic to get you back to your active, pain free life.

At Bridger Orthopedic we have the best team of doctors you can nd; each board certiied and sub-specialty trained to provide you with the best care. They are dedicated to getting you back to the Montana lifestyle you love!

We strive to provide you with the best possible care so you can get back to your life— whether it’s on the slopes, on the job, or on the go.

Find us on Facebook at Bridger Orthopedic and Sports Medicine

THE NOSE TO EXIT CHUTE

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS KERR Every hiker cresting the Ridge at Bridger Bowl faces an important, yet simple decision: either head north or venture south. On a recent powder day last December I decided to try my luck and started hiking south to ski The Nose. The short hike from the top of The Ridge to the Nose has always been one of my favorites regardless the conditions. To the left, wind-swept cornices line the entire route and hang over short powder-filled chutes and snow fields. While gazing to the right offers sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley and its surrounding mountains. Either way, you can’t lose.

Quickly making the 15-minute traverse, I topped out on The Nose. It’s a rocky outcropping in the summer but one that gets completely buried in snow come winter. (Looking to the left while riding the Bridger lift you can see the run is aptly named, it has a broad ridgleline the shoots straight up the mountain and resembles the bridge of well, a nose.)

After soaking in the views for a few minutes I strapped on my helmet and goggles and buckled up my boots for the ride down. Instantly, snow started flying as I made my first turns in the open field. I checked my speed a bit and skied through a short and steep chute-like pinch, then took a hard right through the trees and pointed it again as the run opened up into a powder-filled clearing. They were 10 of my best turns of the season. By the time I made it to the High

Elevation: About 8,700’ Access: Bridger lift to the Ridge hike Elevation gain: Roughly 500 feet Slope: Mid- 30 degrees

Traverse above Exit Chute I had to stop and catch my breath and yell out to the sky. A few other riders came blasting by and I shot a few photos and gladly watched through my lens as the snow billowed over their heads. Hooting and hollering was all that could be heard as they disappeared on the High Traverse.

Alone once again, I took note of the trees surrounding me and their stressed-out limbs sagging under the weight of the 14-plus inches of new-fallen snow. Turning my tips downhill, I pushed off and pointed it through Exit Chute feeling completely content in life. And that’s just the way a classic line should make you feel. u ENDLESS OPTIONS: There are many other places to explore off The Nose, too. From the top, head skier’s left and about a third of the way down Super Couloir awaits. This steep, tight line offers a heart-pounding straight shot into Avalanche Gulch. Another option is to head farther south once atop The Nose and venture into Joe’s Jungle. Joe’s features a more direct line through the trees and ends to the skier’s right of Exit Chute. This route leads to more technical lines off the High Traverse such as the double-black Psychopath run or the slightly tamer Zits. All of these runs off The Nose hold some of the steepest and deepest tree skiing on the mountain and are often the perfect choice on those foggy pow days when visibility is low but your stoke is high.

Every great powder line off the Ridge begins with a single step ... followed by an important decision.

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By Dr. Alex LeGrand

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WEAK IN THE KNEES

hen you ask orthopedic surgeons about ski related knee injuries, typically one injury comes to the forefront regardless of whether you are thinking Lindsey Vonn or a once-a-year skier from the Dakotas. That injury is of course the dreaded ACL, often a crash, pop, swelling and a ride down via your friendly neighborhood ski patroller. Although certainly a common injury, and one that is funding my daughter’s college fund, other injuries can also have a big effect on a skier’s and snowboarder’s knees. This column will focus on treatment options for various knee injuries.

The three main bones that make up the knee are the femur, patella (knee cap) and tibia. The ends of these bones are lined with articular cartilage which is the white, smooth covering that allows low friction movement within the joint. Unfortunately, articular cartilage has almost no blood supply and an almost non-existent ability for regeneration or healing. Anything that injures a knee can damage the cartilage.

Common mechanisms include patella dislocations, in conjunction with ACL or meniscal tears or from vascular insults where the blood supply to the bone and cartilage is compromised. In addition, wear and tear over time can lead to thinning or loss of the cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis.

Perhaps the most important point is that not all articular cartilage injuries need formal treatment. Despite the thousands of studies and millions of dollars spent looking into “cures” for articular cartilage defects, no treatment has been shown to reduce arthritis later in life. All of the following treatments have been shown, in the right situation, to reduce symptoms but that should not be confused with preventing further harm or development of arthritis.

Diagnosis can be a significant challenge in the management of articular cartilage injuries. Sometimes x-rays can provide sufficient diagnosis. Typical findings are narrowing of the space between bones. Other times, further imaging such as MRI can diagnose articular cartilage wear. Unfortunately, MRI is less sensitive in diagnosing articular cartilage injuries than it is for showing torn ligaments or menisci. Oftentimes, the diagnosis is not made definitively until surgery is undertaken, typically with an arthroscopy (poke hole surgery where a small camera is placed inside the knee along with other small instruments). Very commonly, a diagnostic scope is used in the initial workup

and diagnosis of suspected articular cartilage injuries. The following sections explore and explain the various treatment options approved for use in the United States that have peer reviewed data to support them.

procedure is the relatively short shelf life of the Denovo graft, resulting in the need for ordering the product in for a planned procedure. The long-term results of Denovo are equivalent to ACI (see below).

CHONDROPLATY

AUTOLOGOUS CHONDROCYTE IMPLANTATION (ACI):

Of all the invasive treatments for articular cartilage defects, chondroplasty is by far the simplest and most commonly performed in the U.S. This procedure is performed through arthroscopy and essentially consists of removing loose or prominent flaps of articular cartilage using a shaver. In concept, this is the equivalent of turning a speed bump into a pot hole. Although the defect remains, often the mechanical irritant (catch or pop) is removed. This procedure works best on partial thickness cartilage lesions where there is a prominent flap. Rehabilitation after chondroplasty is unchanged from a typical scope and usually weight bearing is allowed in hours to days

MICROFRACTURE

Initially popularized at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, microfracture is indicated for small (usually less than 2 cm squared) full thickness cartilage lesions. The procedure again utilizes routine arthroscopy portals and after careful preparation, multiple holes are drilled or punched into the exposed bone. This allows bleeding, along with stem cells from the marrow, to fill the defect and form a cartilage-like scar. After surgery, patients are typically non-weight bearing for six weeks and use a continuous passive motion machine that slowly moves the knee for six hours a day for six weeks.

Full return to activities often occurs after four-five months. Limitations of this procedure is that the surrounding cartilage must be normal, it is reserved for small lesions and current literature has shown very poor results when done on the patella or trochlea (the part of the femur the patella articulates with).

DENOVO GRAFT

Denovo graft is a relatively newer option approved for use in the U.S. It is indicated for articular cartilage lesions of 5 cm squared or less in size throughout the knee. The product is made of particulated live juvenile human articular cartilage that is placed in the defect with a fibrin sealant.

This is typical done through an arthrotomy (open incision into the joint) and can be done as a single surgery. A drawback of this

ACI is indicated for full thickness articular cartilage lesions in the knee, typically for lesions 4 cm-10 cm squared. This procedure involves two surgeries. The first is a standard arthroscopy with a cartilage biopsy taken.

This cartilage biopsy is then used to grow the patient’s own chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage). As a second surgery, through an arthrotomy the new cells are implanted under a biological membrane and allowed to heal with typically weight bearing occurring at six weeks. Although re-operation is relatively common, for larger lesions this has shown significant benefit over microfracture. In most studies looking at ACI, it has been done in conjunction with an osteotomy (see below).

OSTEOCHONDRAL AUTOGRAFT

Autograft refers to the patient’s own tissue and in this case osteochondral autograft refers to harvesting a plug(s) of cartilage and bone and then using it to fill the full thickness articular cartilage or bone and cartilage lesions. Plugs are harvested from a less critical area of the knee but donor site pain is still relatively common. The size of the lesion often limits the utility of this procedure as it is difficult to harvest more than 2 cm squared of plugs. This surgery can be done as a single stage surgery through an arthrotomy and typically early weight bearing is permissible.

OSTEOCHONDRAL ALLOGRAFT

Similar to osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft involves transfer of a plug of bone and cartilage. The difference in this case is the plug, usually a large plug, is taken from a size matched cadaver (recently deceased person) knee. This is usually done as a single surgery through an arthrotomy, not uncommonly in conjunction with an osteotomy. Weight bearing is now recommended within days of surgery. This procedure is the treatment of choice when there are large lesions involving both bone and cartilage. Osteochondral allografting is typically limited by donor availability. Because the cadaver is size matched and fresh (not preserved or frozen), it can be several

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months before a suitable donor becomes available and when one does, surgery must be scheduled within a matter of days

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OSTEOTOMIES

Osteotomy refers to the cutting of bone.

In this setting it is used to address malalignment or diffuse wear on inside or outside of the knee. In principle, osteotomies unload a damaged portion of the knee and transfer more weight to an undamaged portion.

Osteotomies can be used with any of the above cartilage restoration techniques or may be done as a stand-alone surgery. They are often chosen as a stand-alone surgery in the setting of younger (typically less than 50 years old) patients with relatively diffuse wear in one part of the knee. Available osteotomies include distal femoral osteotomies for knees that are too valgus (knock kneed), proximal tibial osteotomies for knees that are too varus (bow legged) or tibial tubercle osteotomies for patellofemoral wear. These are larger, open surgeries that often taken many months to heal from and come with moderate risks of complications.

ARTHROPLASTIES

Arthroplasty is essentially ortho-speak for joint replacement. The definitive treatment for end-stage arthritis is typically some form of arthroplasty. Commonly performed arthroplasties include total knee arthroplasty (TKA, or traditional full knee replacement) and unicompartmental arthroplasty (partial knee replacement). Although certainly not as good as the knees we were born with, these surgeries can be very successful in relieving pain, restoring function and getting somewhat older skiers back on the mountain. For the right patient, partial replacements can offer quicker return of function and higher patient satisfaction.

Typically, every effort is made to avoid any form of arthroplasty in patients less than 50 years old.

In summary, when patients have articular cartilage lesions, there are multiple options available to improve symptoms. Although a one size fits all approach is rarely appropriate, careful planning and a knowledgeable surgeon can help patients navigate all appropriate options and find the patient specific option that results in optimal results. u Dr. Alex LeGrand is board certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship trained in sports medicine. He is a team physician for Montana State University and the U.S. Ski Team.

CARVE YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHWEST MONTANA SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

EDITOR/DESIGN/PHOTOS Chris Kerr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jason Bacaj, Doug Chabot, Terry Cunningham, Sean Forbes, Dr. Mike Ferrell, Parker Gabriel, Kim Ibes, Karin Kirk and Dr. Alex LeGrand

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.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS are welcome and can be submitted to Chris Kerr at 582-2643 or ckerr@dailychronicle.com

ON THE COVER: James Mackay catches air in the lower terrain park at Bridger Bowl.

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

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POWDER HOUNDS

BY TERRY CUNNINGHAM

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wo of Bozeman’s defining traits are its outdoor sports culture and its reputation as a dog-friendly town. It’s only natural, therefore, that dogs can be found in the winter backcountry with their human companions, “getting it done.” For this article, we interviewed three of Bozeman’s most prolific Powder Hounds. Here are their stories.

‘Powder Penn’

Name: Penn Age: 6 years old (roughly) Breed: Mixed Owner: Lukas Geyer My Origin Story: Four years ago, I was found running loose, covered in dirt and animal funk at Missouri Headwaters State Park. It took the staff at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter two days to clean me up, which earned me the name Pigpen. The nice couple that adopted me changed my name to the more dignified “Penn” and introduced me to a life of structured outdoor adventure. I’ll never “stray” again.

My Motto: “I go bow-wow for the pow-pow.”

Winter Pursuits: Nothing beats bombing down a slope of untrammeled powder in the Bridgers or the Northern Gallatin Range. I try to stay ahead of Lukas, disappearing into clouds of fluffy backcountry snow in a race to the bottom. During shoulder seasons, you’ll find me shredding pow at Bridger Bowl. I’m cool with Nordic skiing, but I find it somewhat pedestrian.

Winter Tip: Breaking trail uphill is no fun. Leave that chore to your human companion. Follow in their packed skin tracks – if you can bear their pace — and save your energy for the downhill.

Most Memorable Adventure: A multisport spring tour up Mount Blackmore from the closed gate at the mouth of Hyalite Canyon. We biked up the road to the trailhead (I ran), skinned up to Blackmore’s summit (I hiked), skied back down (I plowed through cold smoke) and biked back to the gate (I trotted). It was 25 miles roundtrip with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.

Runner-Up: Lukas fell while Nordic skiing along the Grotto Falls Trail and broke his ankle. He claims I wasn’t much help as he limped back to the car on one ski, but I was giving him silent encouragement. After all, I didn’t want to miss dinner.

My Quirk: I am terrified at the sound of gunfire. One time, I hid in a culvert for hours after hearing shots in the distance.

When I’m around, please hold your fire, Rambo.

“Powder Penn” enjoys the scenery as his party approaches the saddle between Mount Blackmore and Elephant Mountain.

Penn patiently waits for his human companions to lay in a skin track.

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By Doug Chabot

SNOW SAFETY

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

SKETCHY SNOWPACK

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his winter’s snowpack has been described in the avalanche advisories as bad, poor, weak, unstable, dangerous, and tricky. The reason is simple: the early snows in November transformed into sugary grains of angular facets that do not bond to each other and are exceptionally weak. These facets are the foundation of our snowpack.

This foundation is weak, crumbly and poorly supports December’s snowfall. As an avalanche forecaster I pay attention to the snow’s water weight. More water weight equals more stress on the weak layer. If we melted all of December’s snow it would measure 7-8” of water.

That’s is a lot. A rule of thumb is 1” of snow water weight equals a foot of new snow which compresses down with the next storm falling on top of it. Lots of snow on a weak foundation creates avalanches, and the last two weeks of December saw many avalanches and several days of avalanche warnings and “high” danger.

This occurred because November’s snow grew into weak facets from a combination of shallow snow and cold temperatures. This turned into depth hoar, an advanced and exceptionally weak stage of faceting that we haven’t seen since 2010. The metamorphosis from a snowflake to depth hoar occurred in a matter of weeks, but reversing that process—turning depth hoar into strong, stable snow can take months.

This season the depth hoar is exceptionally dangerous because it underlies our snowpack in every mountain range.

When it avalanches it brings the entire winter’s snow with it. The weakest of the weak already avalanched around Christmas, but there are many hills still close to avalanching. Like the straw that broke the camel’s back, the weight of one person can be the trigger. Depth hoar will not feel the weight of a 200-pound skier standing on an 8-foot deep snowpack -- it’s just too deep. But that same person on a 2 foot snowpack can easily impact that layer. Snow depth in the mountains is variable: it might be eight feet deep in the center of the slope and 2 feet on its edges. If a skier or snowmobiler hits a thinner spot, the depth hoar, which blankets the whole slope, will collapse

GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER

The weak snowpack cracks under stress on the slopes of Mount Ellis south of Bozeman.

and propagate a fracture up and across the entire hill. This is a common way that large and deep avalanches get triggered.

It is also how people on flatter terrain at the bottom of a slope can trigger an avalanche far above them. A snowmobiler died outside Cooke City on Dec. 19 when an avalanche was triggered this way.

Our daily avalanche advisories give warnings on the likelihood of triggering avalanches. This season large snowstorms will create especially dangerous hair-trigger conditions for avalanches.

During times of high instability Mother

Nature gives us clear warnings that are hard to miss: avalanches occurring on their own, cracks shooting out like lightning bolts from our skis or sleds, and collapses or audible “whumphs” as we travel. These indicate that slopes are unstable and teetering on avalanching.

The signs of instability are obvious and welcome; they keep us alive but once they are gone decision-making gets tricky. Slopes may “feel” stable when they are not. A sunny day, thousands of feet of powder, tracks on the slope, no recent avalanches, a feeling of being on

top of the world and in control tell your brain “Go for it. It’s fine.” Maybe, maybe not. Avalanches involving depth hoar are deep and usually deadly.

Our entry level of risk is higher than past years. We cannot be sloppy. The snowpack structure is poor and deep slab avalanches involving depth hoar are difficult to predict. Thus we preach and practice conservative decision-making and travel habits because the consequences of an avalanche are dire. Skilled and knowledgeable people die in them.

This season may be one in which the big lines and steep slopes of your dreams remain as dreams. This doesn’t mean you should not go out, but does mean you must be extra vigilant about avalanche danger.

When there are no signs of instability and a decision has been made that it’s safe to enter avalanche terrain, stop, find out what’s under your feet, dig and test.

STOP on a slope that’s similar to the one you want to ride. It does not have to be steep, flats will do.

DIG to the weak layer, in this case the ground. Try to find one of the thinner spots resembling a trigger point.

TEST the snow using an Extended Column Test. A shovel, probe pole and six foot piece of string is all you need.

If you don’t know how to dig one, go to mtavalanche.com/stability tests and learn how. It’s easy. If the column propagates a fracture don’t play on the slope. Stability tests only tell us when not to go. They do not give us a green light to go for it. I wish they did, but they don’t.

Do not gamble with your life. Riding and skiing in avalanche terrain with depth hoar on days of ‘high“ danger is like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun. Days of “moderate” or “low” danger is like playing Russian Roulette with only one bullet in the chamber. Wearing an air bag and beacon is sane, standard behavior, but their main function in deep slab avalanches is so rescuers can find your body and relatives don’t have to wait until spring-melt to hold your funeral. u Doug Chabot is director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

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By Karin Kirk

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‘Seamus the Peak Bagger’

STEEP SKIING TECHNIQUES

ou’re showing your out-of-town friend the magnificence of the Schlasman’s lift, proudly pointing out sporty lines left and right (notwithstanding that you may or may not have actually skied them successfully). You depart the lift, make the quick right, and face a sea of daunting moguls as the fall line drops steeply out of sight.

“How’s this snow?” your friend inquires, trying a little too hard to sound casual.

“Oh, you know, rocky,” you reply as you tighten your boot buckles a notch.“Well then you’d better show me a clean way down, or you’ll owe me a beer for every rock I hit.”

While PBRs are cheap, this route was your idea and it’s up to you to show your friend a smooth line. Now is the perfect time for a handy move I call the “schmear.” It’s a way to take the edge off steep terrain, allowing you to ski it directly, yet conservatively.

The schmear, also called the “slarve” — sliding carve — was made popular

by Shane McConkey when rockered skis first emerged. While a normal turn makes an arc in a continuous C-shape, a slarve adds a downhill drift at the end of the turn. While you’re drifting, you are also checking your speed, getting over your feet, and buying yourself some time to scout rocks and other nasties in your path. It’s a highly adaptable move, with many uses in steep, off-groomed skiing. Thus it’s become one of my most frequently taught tactics.

Here’s how you set it up. n Enter the turn as you typically do: plant your pole, imagine how awesome you look, and let your ski tips seek the fall line. n By the bottom of the turn get your skis a little more across the fall line than they would be in a normal turn. n Flatten your skis to get them to slide. This a key point. If your skis are digging into the snow with a high edge angle, they’ll grip rather than slide. When they grip, they’ll go across the hill, which isn’t particularly helpful. You want to go down the fall line, not across it. This is es-

pecially true when you’re on the spine of a long bump. You can flatten the ski and schmear right down the whole thing, while in perfect control. n To get the skis to flatten, you need to balance over your downhill foot.

Avoid leaning your body toward the hill, as we sometimes tend to do when skiing cautiously, because that will give the skis a high edge angle. So stand over that downhill ski and relax your grip on the snow. The feeling you’re after is reminiscent of a slow-motion hockey stop, except you don’t actually stop. n Stand up tall, look down the hill, and plan your next move. Don’t drift for too long because it bleeds all the energy out of the turn and can make your skiing bland. Use the schmear only as much as you need it.

One of the things I love about this drifter-turn is that it allows for careful, tactical skiing without traversing or “shopping” for turns. It allows you to keep moving down the hill while still keeping your options open. It’s also handy for flat light, iffy snow, or very narrow spots.

Better yet, the slarve can be seen in just about every high-end ski video that crosses your Facebook feed. You did see the one with Angel Collinson slaying Alaskan spines, didn’t you? She tosses her skis sideways at key moments to adjust her line, avoid sluff, or position herself right where she needs to be. This move can be used in a calm, rational manner, or as a full-tilt, hard charging tactic. Watch from the Schlasman’s lift and you’ll likely see schmears of various shapes and sizes. Take the cue from your fellow skiers and add this skill to your repertoire. That way you can toast a day of clean, fun runs instead of feeling bad about all your new core shots and a friend who will no longer follow you anywhere. u Karin Kirk is a ski instructor and Ridge Guide at Bridger Bowl. She definitely does not buy beer for companions who hit rocks; that’s their problem. Karin can be reached at karin@kirkframeworks.com.

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Name: Seamus Age: 2 years old Breed: Springer Spaniel Owner: Terry Cunningham My Origin Story: I was born in the shadow of a bentonite plant in Lovell, Wyoming but at 7 weeks, I was whisked away to Bozeman, where my owner pointed to the mountain ranges that encircle the valley and promised me that I’d one day stand atop every peak we could see. Two years later, we are 41.6% of the way to our goal. It’s time to shake the lead out; I’m not getting any younger.

My Motto: “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

Winter Pursuits: We go lower-angle in the winter due to avalanche concerns but nothing beats breaking trail to a windswept summit until there’s nothing above you but blue sky. I enjoy all winter pursuits except ice climbing; the only thing more boring than belaying someone is staring at someone as they belay someone.

Winter Tip: My owner needs showshoes, but my webbed feet do just fine in backcountry terrain, provided my toe-hair is trimmed and a little Musher’s Secret is applied to my paws.

Most Memorable Adventure: A spring trek from Swan Creek to Grotto Falls via the Gallatin Crest and the summit of Hyalite Peak. My owner turned this 18-mile hike into a 21-mile hike by missing a key trail junction (I know, pretty lame), but it was all worth it when we reached the summit of Hyalite Peak. We even spotted a Teton or two in the distance. I glissaded down the peak’s northwest facing snow slope like Bode Miller on a Super G course.

My Quirk: I find Nordic skiing a tad tedious, so I liven things up by finding a 2-foot long stick, racing ahead, dropping the stick into the classic tracks, waiting for my owner to ski over it and repeating this for mile after mile. It’s a trick that never gets old; at least not for me.

Initiate your turn off the back of the bump.

Flatten the skis and let them drift downhill.

Seamus the peak bagger” with owner Terry Cunningham.

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2 Stay balanced as you scope your next turn.

You have lots of options from this position.

Drift only as long as you need to, then move into your next turn.

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SEE LIFE CLEARLY

3 ON A SIDE NOTE ...

Got a question or a burning pet peeve related to skiing? Send it along to Miss Mountain Manners at: karin@kirkframeworks.com and it may be featured in the next issue of Carve.

Celebrating 20 Years in Business!

Call today to schedule your free initial screening 406-453-1613 or 1-800-541-2417 Mark F. Ozog M.D. | 1417 9th Street South #100 | Great Falls, MT 59405

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Rosie strikes a pose along the Lick Creek Trail in Hyalite Canyon with Shelley Banta and Oreo the black Lab.

‘The Nordic Rose’ Name: Rosie Age: 9 years old Breed: Airedale Owner: Shelley, John & Zoë Banta My Origin Story: I was born in a remote mountaintop home in Colorado, so I have true backcountry street cred. My owners were subjected to rigorous pre-adoption interviews, including their recreational intentions for my upbringing. It has been a match made in doggie heaven. I share the household with a black Lab named Oreo and we’re fine on the trails together as long as he remembers that I’m the boss.

My Motto: “Go big, then go home.”

Winter Pursuits: What’s all this nonsense about Nordic skiing being “pedestrian” and “tedious?” There’s nothing more graceful than a skate-skier gliding rhythmically over a freshly groomed trail — or a sight more aesthetically pleasing than classic skis zipping along twingrooved ribbons of white.

Winter Tip: It’s important to make sure your human and canine companions don’t get lost — or slack off. I serve as the sweeper during our Nordic tours, positioning myself at the rear of the pack.

Favorite Adventure: Sure, the Lick Creek trail offers spectacular views of the Hyalite drainage, but nothing beats the aerobic workout of a fast-paced skate-ski tour in Sourdough Canyon to the 5-mile bridge and back. The wind in my fur feels liberating as I scoot along the downhills, sweeping my owners back to the trailhead.

My Quirk: My tightly coiled fur collects snowballs like a Swiffer collects dust, so I arrive home with thick clods of snow clinging to me. While everyone else is warming by the fire, I am relegated to the mud room until the snow is melted. I consider it a form of hairstyle discrimination. u

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Safety first Penn, Seamus and Rosie agreed that “safety first” is an appropriate motto for two-legged and four-legged recreation in the backcountry during winter. They advise not to subject your furry friends to extreme cold — and to watch for signs of frostbite and dehydration.

When you make choices about appropriate terrain and avalanche danger, you’re making them on behalf of your dog as well.

The story of a 3-year-old black Labrador named Lizzie serves as a cautionary tale for dog owners who recreate in avalanche terrain. In 2008, on a ski tour of Mount Blackmore with her owner, Lizzie wandered over to a cornice on the ridgeline. The cornice sheared off 8-10 feet from its lip, triggering an avalanche that swept Lizzie away in a churning cloud of powder. Lizzie’s owner desperately searched the slopes for two days before resigning himself to the fact that Lizzie likely hadn’t survived. Miraculously, Lizzie had not only survived the avalanche, but managed to fend for herself over a seven-day period in the backcountry before being found by an ice fisherman at Hyalite Reservoir.

One final bit of advice from our powder hounds; when things get “ruff” this winter, head outside for adventure. You’ll wag more and bark less.

Head down a wide hill and into a little chute between trees and you’re in the campground. Follow the unplowed road past summer campsites. There are nice picnic spots in the campground for a snack or lunch break (You may want to dig out a picnic table). Pick up a second car here or turn around and return the way you came.

Baker’s Hole was named after George Baker, a railroad engineer and occasional fishing guide in the 1920s. You may spot moose, bison or elk near the river. The upper Madison River is a spawning ground for brown and rainbow trout that swim up from Hebgen Lake to lay their eggs.

RIVERSIDE TRAILS

Trail Report: These loops start in West Yellowstone and head to the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park.

Enjoy great views of the Gallatin Range and the likelihood of spotting elk, bison, moose, bald eagles and waterfowl.

There are a couple options: The Access Trail is 1 mile each way and you’ll need to use it to access either loop (hence the name.) The Downriver Loop is 3.7 miles from Access Trail junction and the Upriver Loop is 1.6 mile loop from

Access Trail junction. You can ski either one or link them together.

Getting There: The trails start on the east side of Boundary Street between Yellowstone and Madison avenues.

Look for the trail sign through a gap in the snowbank.

Skiing: From the trailhead ski east along the power line on the very flat and very straight Access Trail. At 0.25 miles you’ll pass a trail register and at 1 mile you’ll reach the junction with the Downriver and Upriver Loops, as well as cutoff trail (actually an unplowed road) that meets up with the West Entrance Road.

Downriver Loop: Veer left at the junction and glide down the hill toward the Madison River. You’ll cross an open meadow at the Barns Pools (where the grooming stops) and then wind along the Madison River. The Barns Pools are named for the barns that used to stand there.

This is where the Yellowstone Park Company kept their stagecoach horses. Later the barns were used to service buses heading into the Park.

At 1.25 miles from the junction look for a sign that reads “Cutoff.” If you ski past the cutoff, continue for 1.3 miles until the trail loops back to the top of the hill. Watch for the orange

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

markers on the trees. It is 1 more mile to the Access Trail.

Upriver Loop: Ski to the right on the road briefly, looking for the trail through the trees on the left. The trails winds through lodgepoles on a bench above the river. At about 0.5 miles drop down a steep 60 yards. In another 0.3 miles you’ll reach the Madison River. The trail follows the river downstream to the end of the loop and a mellow climb back to the bench where you’ll meet the Access Trail.

RENDEZVOUS SKI TRAILS

Trail Report: The Rendezvous Ski Trails are “where gold medal grooming and reliable snow come together to create a Nordic skier’s dream.”

Getting there: Drive to the south end of Geyser Street in West Yellowstone. There is a parking area, trailhead archway and a warming hut.

Skiing: The Rendezvous Ski Trails consist of over 35 kilometers of gently rolling, beautifully groomed trails that wind through tall stands of lodgepole pine and open meadows.

All trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. Grab a map and purchase a trail pass at the entrance. u

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Hitting the trails BIGHORN PASS

Trail Report: A mellow ski up a wide and pretty-darn-flat valley.

Despite the relaxing nature of the Bighorn Pass Trail, long loops or ventures into more challenging terrain can be found.

Getting There: Hit this trail on your way to West Yellowstone. It’s 27.7 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff (21.3 miles north of West Yellowstone) on U.S. 191. Look for a trail sign on the east side of the highway.

Skiing: From the parking area head southeast past the hitching posts and the trail sign, toward the Gallatin River. Ski upstream 0.25 miles and cross the creek on a footbridge. Continue skiing upriver—now on the north side—through a broad meadow. At 4.5 miles you’ll reach the Fawn Pass cutoff.

BOUNDARY TRAIL

Trail Report: The trail, groomed for both snowshoeing and skiing, starts out almost unbearably straight, following the boundary of Yellowstone National Park and National Forest land. Then it winds around taking in big views, drops down a hill, and ends at the lovely Baker’s Hole.

It’s 2.9 miles each way.

CARVE This tour can be done as a car shuttle or out-an-back trip.

Getting There: The trail can be accessed at the north end of Boundary Street, the truck pullout on Highway 191/287, and Baker’s Hole Campground. I recommend parking on Boundary St. along the side of the road, being careful not to get in the way of any plowing efforts. (If you plan to leave a vehicle at Baker’s Hole, drive north from West Yellowstone on Hwy 191, 2.8 miles to a plowed pull-off on the right (east) side of the road.)

Skiing: Look for the trailhead signs at the corner of Boundary St. Pass through the opening in the fence and head north along the National Park Boundary. Gray pylons line the east side of the trail.

After about 1.5 miles of perfectly flat, perfectly straight skiing, a steep cliff drops off in front of you. Head to the left (west) and follow the ridge for approximately another 0.5 miles enjoying views into Yellowstone National Park and of the Madison River below. You’ll see Sled Hill on your right.

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

SLEDDING THE DAYS AWAY

Lunch anyone?

A typical table for two at the Baker’s Hole Campground north of West Yellowstone.

Sledding is the perfect winter activity. The heartpumping climb to the top of a hill counts as your daily cardio, and the thrilling descent boosts endorphins. As long as you don’t hit a tree or take a bone-breaking spill, it’s all fun and games.

People all around the world hop on toboggans, flexible flyers, saucers, inner tubes, and garbage bags to careen down snowy hillsides. And they’ve been doing it for a long time. Originally sleds were developed to haul loads over snowy terrain and were pulled by people, dogs, horses, or oxen. Sleds were found in Viking ship excavations and used in ancient Egypt to pull construction materials across the sand.

Sledding got competitive in 1883 in Davos, Switzerland where an Australian student won the world’s first known international sled race. Now sledding is seen in the Olympics as bobsled, luge, and skeleton.

Around Montana, you can find people sledding on almost every hillside covered in snow. It’s not just kids that like to fly down hills; parents and grandparents often join in. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment other than a sled and a helmet.

More than half of all sledding injuries are head injuries and sledders are more likely to be injured in collisions than skiers or snowboarders, so put a lid on that noggin.

Look for a hill that is totally covered in snow and without protruding rocks or plants. It should be steep

enough to get good speed on, but not so steep you can’t stop in an emergency. A long runout is preferable to hillsides that end near a street, parking lot, pond, or big rock.

Whether you want to race your friends, gently glide through the snow, or dart down something steep, there is a sledding hill near by just for you. Below are five suggestions to get you started.

PEETS HILL

The best known sledding spot in the Bozone, this is also the place where you are most likely to break your back. It’s called “Hospital Hill” for a reason. Wait until the hill is totally covered in snow—no protruding grass or rocks—then make the climb to the top and hurtle yourself down. There is at least one big bump where the walking trail crosses the hill, and a berm at the bottom meant to stop wayward sledders, but if you get enough speed, it serves as a ramp. One year, college kids were seen riding a couch down the hill, making Peets Hill the one sledding hill where you have to dodge furniture.

Warm up and recoup in the warming hut at the bottom of the hill. Look for the big hill on South Church, just beyond the Peets Hill parking area.

LINDLEY CENTER

A little more family-friendly than Peets Hill, but still

AWARD WINNING

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BEERS

fun, the Lindley Center Hill gets lots of snow and has several runs. Perfect for a little “whee” before or after cross-country skiing the Lindley Park Trails. Outhouses are located in the Lindley Center parking lot. Park at the Lindley Center and walk (outside the ski trails) toward Highland Boulevard, or on Ellis Street on the east side of Highland Boulevard, north of the hospital.

GALLATIN REGIONAL PARK (THE DINOSAUR PARK)

A huge dirt pile, now covered in grass, makes for a fast sledding run. Slide off any side, but watch out for ponds at the bottom of the north and east sides. The north side holds snow even after a week of sunny days. Stay and walk your canine pals around the lake, or scramble up the climbing boulder behind the playground for even more fun. Parking area is on the north side of Oak Street, east of Ferguson Avenue.

WATER WORKS HILL, LIVINGSTON

You have to pass through Livingston on your way to Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone, anyway. If the wind hasn’t blown the snow away, you can join the locals in pushing the white fluff off the slope with their sleds, leaving dead grass and dirt in their wake. The good news is that sleds still work on smooth dirt. Park on South 9th Street and River Drive.

In true Livingston redneck style, you’ll also spot sledders dropping off the road between Highway 90 and the 333 eastbound onramp. The atmosphere’s not great, but nothing is more convenient for getting in a few runs on the way to Bozeman.

SNOWBANK, MILL CREEK

Ski tracks follow the Madison River at the end of the Boundary Trail at Baker’s Hole Campground.

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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

Well worth the drive, sledding across from the Snowbank Campground is a rip-roaring treat. The hill is fast, and sometimes bumpy, but plenty of runout means you’ll stop before flying into the parking lot. Probably. You can usually find a campfire ring for s’more roasting, and plenty of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, if you want a multi-sport day. Stop at Chico afterward to soak your bruises in hot springs and spirits.

Drive up Mill Creek Road, off Highway 89, until you hit a gate. Turn left into the parking area. u — By Melynda Harrison

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

Crowfoot Ridge looms over the Bighorn Pass trail in Yellowstone National Park in December. The trailhead is located 21 miles north of West Yellowstone.

TEXT BY MELYNDA HARRISON • PHOTOS BY CHRIS KERR

WILD, WILD, WEST

SKINNY SKIS, NORDIC DREAMS IN WEST YELLOWSTONE At first glance, West Yellowstone is a typical national park gateway town—hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. But look closer and unique bookstores, gear shops, and great cross-country skiing opportunities start to appear.

With earlier and greater quantities of snow than anywhere else you can drive to in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, you can almost always count on great skiing around West.

While the town used to be all about snowmobiles, and still is a hot bed of snowmobile activity, there are some great sled-free ski trails both inside and outside Yellowstone National Park.

After a day of kicking and gliding, get educated and view wildlife at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, catch a flick at the Yellowstone Imax Theater, or chow down on pizza at Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon or the Slippery Otter Pub.

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10 BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

Hitting the trails BIGHORN PASS

Trail Report: A mellow ski up a wide and pretty-darn-flat valley.

Despite the relaxing nature of the Bighorn Pass Trail, long loops or ventures into more challenging terrain can be found.

Getting There: Hit this trail on your way to West Yellowstone. It’s 27.7 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff (21.3 miles north of West Yellowstone) on U.S. 191. Look for a trail sign on the east side of the highway.

Skiing: From the parking area head southeast past the hitching posts and the trail sign, toward the Gallatin River. Ski upstream 0.25 miles and cross the creek on a footbridge. Continue skiing upriver—now on the north side—through a broad meadow. At 4.5 miles you’ll reach the Fawn Pass cutoff.

BOUNDARY TRAIL

Trail Report: The trail, groomed for both snowshoeing and skiing, starts out almost unbearably straight, following the boundary of Yellowstone National Park and National Forest land. Then it winds around taking in big views, drops down a hill, and ends at the lovely Baker’s Hole.

It’s 2.9 miles each way.

CARVE This tour can be done as a car shuttle or out-an-back trip.

Getting There: The trail can be accessed at the north end of Boundary Street, the truck pullout on Highway 191/287, and Baker’s Hole Campground. I recommend parking on Boundary St. along the side of the road, being careful not to get in the way of any plowing efforts. (If you plan to leave a vehicle at Baker’s Hole, drive north from West Yellowstone on Hwy 191, 2.8 miles to a plowed pull-off on the right (east) side of the road.)

Skiing: Look for the trailhead signs at the corner of Boundary St. Pass through the opening in the fence and head north along the National Park Boundary. Gray pylons line the east side of the trail.

After about 1.5 miles of perfectly flat, perfectly straight skiing, a steep cliff drops off in front of you. Head to the left (west) and follow the ridge for approximately another 0.5 miles enjoying views into Yellowstone National Park and of the Madison River below. You’ll see Sled Hill on your right.

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

SLEDDING THE DAYS AWAY

Lunch anyone?

A typical table for two at the Baker’s Hole Campground north of West Yellowstone.

Sledding is the perfect winter activity. The heartpumping climb to the top of a hill counts as your daily cardio, and the thrilling descent boosts endorphins. As long as you don’t hit a tree or take a bone-breaking spill, it’s all fun and games.

People all around the world hop on toboggans, flexible flyers, saucers, inner tubes, and garbage bags to careen down snowy hillsides. And they’ve been doing it for a long time. Originally sleds were developed to haul loads over snowy terrain and were pulled by people, dogs, horses, or oxen. Sleds were found in Viking ship excavations and used in ancient Egypt to pull construction materials across the sand.

Sledding got competitive in 1883 in Davos, Switzerland where an Australian student won the world’s first known international sled race. Now sledding is seen in the Olympics as bobsled, luge, and skeleton.

Around Montana, you can find people sledding on almost every hillside covered in snow. It’s not just kids that like to fly down hills; parents and grandparents often join in. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment other than a sled and a helmet.

More than half of all sledding injuries are head injuries and sledders are more likely to be injured in collisions than skiers or snowboarders, so put a lid on that noggin.

Look for a hill that is totally covered in snow and without protruding rocks or plants. It should be steep

enough to get good speed on, but not so steep you can’t stop in an emergency. A long runout is preferable to hillsides that end near a street, parking lot, pond, or big rock.

Whether you want to race your friends, gently glide through the snow, or dart down something steep, there is a sledding hill near by just for you. Below are five suggestions to get you started.

PEETS HILL

The best known sledding spot in the Bozone, this is also the place where you are most likely to break your back. It’s called “Hospital Hill” for a reason. Wait until the hill is totally covered in snow—no protruding grass or rocks—then make the climb to the top and hurtle yourself down. There is at least one big bump where the walking trail crosses the hill, and a berm at the bottom meant to stop wayward sledders, but if you get enough speed, it serves as a ramp. One year, college kids were seen riding a couch down the hill, making Peets Hill the one sledding hill where you have to dodge furniture.

Warm up and recoup in the warming hut at the bottom of the hill. Look for the big hill on South Church, just beyond the Peets Hill parking area.

LINDLEY CENTER

A little more family-friendly than Peets Hill, but still

AWARD WINNING

HANDCRAFTED

BEERS

fun, the Lindley Center Hill gets lots of snow and has several runs. Perfect for a little “whee” before or after cross-country skiing the Lindley Park Trails. Outhouses are located in the Lindley Center parking lot. Park at the Lindley Center and walk (outside the ski trails) toward Highland Boulevard, or on Ellis Street on the east side of Highland Boulevard, north of the hospital.

GALLATIN REGIONAL PARK (THE DINOSAUR PARK)

A huge dirt pile, now covered in grass, makes for a fast sledding run. Slide off any side, but watch out for ponds at the bottom of the north and east sides. The north side holds snow even after a week of sunny days. Stay and walk your canine pals around the lake, or scramble up the climbing boulder behind the playground for even more fun. Parking area is on the north side of Oak Street, east of Ferguson Avenue.

WATER WORKS HILL, LIVINGSTON

You have to pass through Livingston on your way to Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone, anyway. If the wind hasn’t blown the snow away, you can join the locals in pushing the white fluff off the slope with their sleds, leaving dead grass and dirt in their wake. The good news is that sleds still work on smooth dirt. Park on South 9th Street and River Drive.

In true Livingston redneck style, you’ll also spot sledders dropping off the road between Highway 90 and the 333 eastbound onramp. The atmosphere’s not great, but nothing is more convenient for getting in a few runs on the way to Bozeman.

SNOWBANK, MILL CREEK

Ski tracks follow the Madison River at the end of the Boundary Trail at Baker’s Hole Campground.

P R O U D LY E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 9 8

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

Well worth the drive, sledding across from the Snowbank Campground is a rip-roaring treat. The hill is fast, and sometimes bumpy, but plenty of runout means you’ll stop before flying into the parking lot. Probably. You can usually find a campfire ring for s’more roasting, and plenty of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, if you want a multi-sport day. Stop at Chico afterward to soak your bruises in hot springs and spirits.

Drive up Mill Creek Road, off Highway 89, until you hit a gate. Turn left into the parking area. u — By Melynda Harrison

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Rosie strikes a pose along the Lick Creek Trail in Hyalite Canyon with Shelley Banta and Oreo the black Lab.

‘The Nordic Rose’ Name: Rosie Age: 9 years old Breed: Airedale Owner: Shelley, John & Zoë Banta My Origin Story: I was born in a remote mountaintop home in Colorado, so I have true backcountry street cred. My owners were subjected to rigorous pre-adoption interviews, including their recreational intentions for my upbringing. It has been a match made in doggie heaven. I share the household with a black Lab named Oreo and we’re fine on the trails together as long as he remembers that I’m the boss.

My Motto: “Go big, then go home.”

Winter Pursuits: What’s all this nonsense about Nordic skiing being “pedestrian” and “tedious?” There’s nothing more graceful than a skate-skier gliding rhythmically over a freshly groomed trail — or a sight more aesthetically pleasing than classic skis zipping along twingrooved ribbons of white.

Winter Tip: It’s important to make sure your human and canine companions don’t get lost — or slack off. I serve as the sweeper during our Nordic tours, positioning myself at the rear of the pack.

Favorite Adventure: Sure, the Lick Creek trail offers spectacular views of the Hyalite drainage, but nothing beats the aerobic workout of a fast-paced skate-ski tour in Sourdough Canyon to the 5-mile bridge and back. The wind in my fur feels liberating as I scoot along the downhills, sweeping my owners back to the trailhead.

My Quirk: My tightly coiled fur collects snowballs like a Swiffer collects dust, so I arrive home with thick clods of snow clinging to me. While everyone else is warming by the fire, I am relegated to the mud room until the snow is melted. I consider it a form of hairstyle discrimination. u

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Safety first Penn, Seamus and Rosie agreed that “safety first” is an appropriate motto for two-legged and four-legged recreation in the backcountry during winter. They advise not to subject your furry friends to extreme cold — and to watch for signs of frostbite and dehydration.

When you make choices about appropriate terrain and avalanche danger, you’re making them on behalf of your dog as well.

The story of a 3-year-old black Labrador named Lizzie serves as a cautionary tale for dog owners who recreate in avalanche terrain. In 2008, on a ski tour of Mount Blackmore with her owner, Lizzie wandered over to a cornice on the ridgeline. The cornice sheared off 8-10 feet from its lip, triggering an avalanche that swept Lizzie away in a churning cloud of powder. Lizzie’s owner desperately searched the slopes for two days before resigning himself to the fact that Lizzie likely hadn’t survived. Miraculously, Lizzie had not only survived the avalanche, but managed to fend for herself over a seven-day period in the backcountry before being found by an ice fisherman at Hyalite Reservoir.

One final bit of advice from our powder hounds; when things get “ruff” this winter, head outside for adventure. You’ll wag more and bark less.

Head down a wide hill and into a little chute between trees and you’re in the campground. Follow the unplowed road past summer campsites. There are nice picnic spots in the campground for a snack or lunch break (You may want to dig out a picnic table). Pick up a second car here or turn around and return the way you came.

Baker’s Hole was named after George Baker, a railroad engineer and occasional fishing guide in the 1920s. You may spot moose, bison or elk near the river. The upper Madison River is a spawning ground for brown and rainbow trout that swim up from Hebgen Lake to lay their eggs.

RIVERSIDE TRAILS

Trail Report: These loops start in West Yellowstone and head to the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park.

Enjoy great views of the Gallatin Range and the likelihood of spotting elk, bison, moose, bald eagles and waterfowl.

There are a couple options: The Access Trail is 1 mile each way and you’ll need to use it to access either loop (hence the name.) The Downriver Loop is 3.7 miles from Access Trail junction and the Upriver Loop is 1.6 mile loop from

Access Trail junction. You can ski either one or link them together.

Getting There: The trails start on the east side of Boundary Street between Yellowstone and Madison avenues.

Look for the trail sign through a gap in the snowbank.

Skiing: From the trailhead ski east along the power line on the very flat and very straight Access Trail. At 0.25 miles you’ll pass a trail register and at 1 mile you’ll reach the junction with the Downriver and Upriver Loops, as well as cutoff trail (actually an unplowed road) that meets up with the West Entrance Road.

Downriver Loop: Veer left at the junction and glide down the hill toward the Madison River. You’ll cross an open meadow at the Barns Pools (where the grooming stops) and then wind along the Madison River. The Barns Pools are named for the barns that used to stand there.

This is where the Yellowstone Park Company kept their stagecoach horses. Later the barns were used to service buses heading into the Park.

At 1.25 miles from the junction look for a sign that reads “Cutoff.” If you ski past the cutoff, continue for 1.3 miles until the trail loops back to the top of the hill. Watch for the orange

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

markers on the trees. It is 1 more mile to the Access Trail.

Upriver Loop: Ski to the right on the road briefly, looking for the trail through the trees on the left. The trails winds through lodgepoles on a bench above the river. At about 0.5 miles drop down a steep 60 yards. In another 0.3 miles you’ll reach the Madison River. The trail follows the river downstream to the end of the loop and a mellow climb back to the bench where you’ll meet the Access Trail.

RENDEZVOUS SKI TRAILS

Trail Report: The Rendezvous Ski Trails are “where gold medal grooming and reliable snow come together to create a Nordic skier’s dream.”

Getting there: Drive to the south end of Geyser Street in West Yellowstone. There is a parking area, trailhead archway and a warming hut.

Skiing: The Rendezvous Ski Trails consist of over 35 kilometers of gently rolling, beautifully groomed trails that wind through tall stands of lodgepole pine and open meadows.

All trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. Grab a map and purchase a trail pass at the entrance. u

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d SKI TIPS

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By Karin Kirk

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‘Seamus the Peak Bagger’

STEEP SKIING TECHNIQUES

ou’re showing your out-of-town friend the magnificence of the Schlasman’s lift, proudly pointing out sporty lines left and right (notwithstanding that you may or may not have actually skied them successfully). You depart the lift, make the quick right, and face a sea of daunting moguls as the fall line drops steeply out of sight.

“How’s this snow?” your friend inquires, trying a little too hard to sound casual.

“Oh, you know, rocky,” you reply as you tighten your boot buckles a notch.“Well then you’d better show me a clean way down, or you’ll owe me a beer for every rock I hit.”

While PBRs are cheap, this route was your idea and it’s up to you to show your friend a smooth line. Now is the perfect time for a handy move I call the “schmear.” It’s a way to take the edge off steep terrain, allowing you to ski it directly, yet conservatively.

The schmear, also called the “slarve” — sliding carve — was made popular

by Shane McConkey when rockered skis first emerged. While a normal turn makes an arc in a continuous C-shape, a slarve adds a downhill drift at the end of the turn. While you’re drifting, you are also checking your speed, getting over your feet, and buying yourself some time to scout rocks and other nasties in your path. It’s a highly adaptable move, with many uses in steep, off-groomed skiing. Thus it’s become one of my most frequently taught tactics.

Here’s how you set it up. n Enter the turn as you typically do: plant your pole, imagine how awesome you look, and let your ski tips seek the fall line. n By the bottom of the turn get your skis a little more across the fall line than they would be in a normal turn. n Flatten your skis to get them to slide. This a key point. If your skis are digging into the snow with a high edge angle, they’ll grip rather than slide. When they grip, they’ll go across the hill, which isn’t particularly helpful. You want to go down the fall line, not across it. This is es-

pecially true when you’re on the spine of a long bump. You can flatten the ski and schmear right down the whole thing, while in perfect control. n To get the skis to flatten, you need to balance over your downhill foot.

Avoid leaning your body toward the hill, as we sometimes tend to do when skiing cautiously, because that will give the skis a high edge angle. So stand over that downhill ski and relax your grip on the snow. The feeling you’re after is reminiscent of a slow-motion hockey stop, except you don’t actually stop. n Stand up tall, look down the hill, and plan your next move. Don’t drift for too long because it bleeds all the energy out of the turn and can make your skiing bland. Use the schmear only as much as you need it.

One of the things I love about this drifter-turn is that it allows for careful, tactical skiing without traversing or “shopping” for turns. It allows you to keep moving down the hill while still keeping your options open. It’s also handy for flat light, iffy snow, or very narrow spots.

Better yet, the slarve can be seen in just about every high-end ski video that crosses your Facebook feed. You did see the one with Angel Collinson slaying Alaskan spines, didn’t you? She tosses her skis sideways at key moments to adjust her line, avoid sluff, or position herself right where she needs to be. This move can be used in a calm, rational manner, or as a full-tilt, hard charging tactic. Watch from the Schlasman’s lift and you’ll likely see schmears of various shapes and sizes. Take the cue from your fellow skiers and add this skill to your repertoire. That way you can toast a day of clean, fun runs instead of feeling bad about all your new core shots and a friend who will no longer follow you anywhere. u Karin Kirk is a ski instructor and Ridge Guide at Bridger Bowl. She definitely does not buy beer for companions who hit rocks; that’s their problem. Karin can be reached at karin@kirkframeworks.com.

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BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

Name: Seamus Age: 2 years old Breed: Springer Spaniel Owner: Terry Cunningham My Origin Story: I was born in the shadow of a bentonite plant in Lovell, Wyoming but at 7 weeks, I was whisked away to Bozeman, where my owner pointed to the mountain ranges that encircle the valley and promised me that I’d one day stand atop every peak we could see. Two years later, we are 41.6% of the way to our goal. It’s time to shake the lead out; I’m not getting any younger.

My Motto: “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

Winter Pursuits: We go lower-angle in the winter due to avalanche concerns but nothing beats breaking trail to a windswept summit until there’s nothing above you but blue sky. I enjoy all winter pursuits except ice climbing; the only thing more boring than belaying someone is staring at someone as they belay someone.

Winter Tip: My owner needs showshoes, but my webbed feet do just fine in backcountry terrain, provided my toe-hair is trimmed and a little Musher’s Secret is applied to my paws.

Most Memorable Adventure: A spring trek from Swan Creek to Grotto Falls via the Gallatin Crest and the summit of Hyalite Peak. My owner turned this 18-mile hike into a 21-mile hike by missing a key trail junction (I know, pretty lame), but it was all worth it when we reached the summit of Hyalite Peak. We even spotted a Teton or two in the distance. I glissaded down the peak’s northwest facing snow slope like Bode Miller on a Super G course.

My Quirk: I find Nordic skiing a tad tedious, so I liven things up by finding a 2-foot long stick, racing ahead, dropping the stick into the classic tracks, waiting for my owner to ski over it and repeating this for mile after mile. It’s a trick that never gets old; at least not for me.

Initiate your turn off the back of the bump.

Flatten the skis and let them drift downhill.

Seamus the peak bagger” with owner Terry Cunningham.

20% OFF LASIK SURGERY UNTIL APRIL 1, 2016

2 Stay balanced as you scope your next turn.

You have lots of options from this position.

Drift only as long as you need to, then move into your next turn.

LASIK 4

SEE LIFE CLEARLY

3 ON A SIDE NOTE ...

Got a question or a burning pet peeve related to skiing? Send it along to Miss Mountain Manners at: karin@kirkframeworks.com and it may be featured in the next issue of Carve.

Celebrating 20 Years in Business!

Call today to schedule your free initial screening 406-453-1613 or 1-800-541-2417 Mark F. Ozog M.D. | 1417 9th Street South #100 | Great Falls, MT 59405

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POWDER HOUNDS

BY TERRY CUNNINGHAM

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wo of Bozeman’s defining traits are its outdoor sports culture and its reputation as a dog-friendly town. It’s only natural, therefore, that dogs can be found in the winter backcountry with their human companions, “getting it done.” For this article, we interviewed three of Bozeman’s most prolific Powder Hounds. Here are their stories.

‘Powder Penn’

Name: Penn Age: 6 years old (roughly) Breed: Mixed Owner: Lukas Geyer My Origin Story: Four years ago, I was found running loose, covered in dirt and animal funk at Missouri Headwaters State Park. It took the staff at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter two days to clean me up, which earned me the name Pigpen. The nice couple that adopted me changed my name to the more dignified “Penn” and introduced me to a life of structured outdoor adventure. I’ll never “stray” again.

My Motto: “I go bow-wow for the pow-pow.”

Winter Pursuits: Nothing beats bombing down a slope of untrammeled powder in the Bridgers or the Northern Gallatin Range. I try to stay ahead of Lukas, disappearing into clouds of fluffy backcountry snow in a race to the bottom. During shoulder seasons, you’ll find me shredding pow at Bridger Bowl. I’m cool with Nordic skiing, but I find it somewhat pedestrian.

Winter Tip: Breaking trail uphill is no fun. Leave that chore to your human companion. Follow in their packed skin tracks – if you can bear their pace — and save your energy for the downhill.

Most Memorable Adventure: A multisport spring tour up Mount Blackmore from the closed gate at the mouth of Hyalite Canyon. We biked up the road to the trailhead (I ran), skinned up to Blackmore’s summit (I hiked), skied back down (I plowed through cold smoke) and biked back to the gate (I trotted). It was 25 miles roundtrip with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.

Runner-Up: Lukas fell while Nordic skiing along the Grotto Falls Trail and broke his ankle. He claims I wasn’t much help as he limped back to the car on one ski, but I was giving him silent encouragement. After all, I didn’t want to miss dinner.

My Quirk: I am terrified at the sound of gunfire. One time, I hid in a culvert for hours after hearing shots in the distance.

When I’m around, please hold your fire, Rambo.

“Powder Penn” enjoys the scenery as his party approaches the saddle between Mount Blackmore and Elephant Mountain.

Penn patiently waits for his human companions to lay in a skin track.

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By Doug Chabot

SNOW SAFETY

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

SKETCHY SNOWPACK

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his winter’s snowpack has been described in the avalanche advisories as bad, poor, weak, unstable, dangerous, and tricky. The reason is simple: the early snows in November transformed into sugary grains of angular facets that do not bond to each other and are exceptionally weak. These facets are the foundation of our snowpack.

This foundation is weak, crumbly and poorly supports December’s snowfall. As an avalanche forecaster I pay attention to the snow’s water weight. More water weight equals more stress on the weak layer. If we melted all of December’s snow it would measure 7-8” of water.

That’s is a lot. A rule of thumb is 1” of snow water weight equals a foot of new snow which compresses down with the next storm falling on top of it. Lots of snow on a weak foundation creates avalanches, and the last two weeks of December saw many avalanches and several days of avalanche warnings and “high” danger.

This occurred because November’s snow grew into weak facets from a combination of shallow snow and cold temperatures. This turned into depth hoar, an advanced and exceptionally weak stage of faceting that we haven’t seen since 2010. The metamorphosis from a snowflake to depth hoar occurred in a matter of weeks, but reversing that process—turning depth hoar into strong, stable snow can take months.

This season the depth hoar is exceptionally dangerous because it underlies our snowpack in every mountain range.

When it avalanches it brings the entire winter’s snow with it. The weakest of the weak already avalanched around Christmas, but there are many hills still close to avalanching. Like the straw that broke the camel’s back, the weight of one person can be the trigger. Depth hoar will not feel the weight of a 200-pound skier standing on an 8-foot deep snowpack -- it’s just too deep. But that same person on a 2 foot snowpack can easily impact that layer. Snow depth in the mountains is variable: it might be eight feet deep in the center of the slope and 2 feet on its edges. If a skier or snowmobiler hits a thinner spot, the depth hoar, which blankets the whole slope, will collapse

GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER

The weak snowpack cracks under stress on the slopes of Mount Ellis south of Bozeman.

and propagate a fracture up and across the entire hill. This is a common way that large and deep avalanches get triggered.

It is also how people on flatter terrain at the bottom of a slope can trigger an avalanche far above them. A snowmobiler died outside Cooke City on Dec. 19 when an avalanche was triggered this way.

Our daily avalanche advisories give warnings on the likelihood of triggering avalanches. This season large snowstorms will create especially dangerous hair-trigger conditions for avalanches.

During times of high instability Mother

Nature gives us clear warnings that are hard to miss: avalanches occurring on their own, cracks shooting out like lightning bolts from our skis or sleds, and collapses or audible “whumphs” as we travel. These indicate that slopes are unstable and teetering on avalanching.

The signs of instability are obvious and welcome; they keep us alive but once they are gone decision-making gets tricky. Slopes may “feel” stable when they are not. A sunny day, thousands of feet of powder, tracks on the slope, no recent avalanches, a feeling of being on

top of the world and in control tell your brain “Go for it. It’s fine.” Maybe, maybe not. Avalanches involving depth hoar are deep and usually deadly.

Our entry level of risk is higher than past years. We cannot be sloppy. The snowpack structure is poor and deep slab avalanches involving depth hoar are difficult to predict. Thus we preach and practice conservative decision-making and travel habits because the consequences of an avalanche are dire. Skilled and knowledgeable people die in them.

This season may be one in which the big lines and steep slopes of your dreams remain as dreams. This doesn’t mean you should not go out, but does mean you must be extra vigilant about avalanche danger.

When there are no signs of instability and a decision has been made that it’s safe to enter avalanche terrain, stop, find out what’s under your feet, dig and test.

STOP on a slope that’s similar to the one you want to ride. It does not have to be steep, flats will do.

DIG to the weak layer, in this case the ground. Try to find one of the thinner spots resembling a trigger point.

TEST the snow using an Extended Column Test. A shovel, probe pole and six foot piece of string is all you need.

If you don’t know how to dig one, go to mtavalanche.com/stability tests and learn how. It’s easy. If the column propagates a fracture don’t play on the slope. Stability tests only tell us when not to go. They do not give us a green light to go for it. I wish they did, but they don’t.

Do not gamble with your life. Riding and skiing in avalanche terrain with depth hoar on days of ‘high“ danger is like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun. Days of “moderate” or “low” danger is like playing Russian Roulette with only one bullet in the chamber. Wearing an air bag and beacon is sane, standard behavior, but their main function in deep slab avalanches is so rescuers can find your body and relatives don’t have to wait until spring-melt to hold your funeral. u Doug Chabot is director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

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By Dr. Alex LeGrand

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WEAK IN THE KNEES

hen you ask orthopedic surgeons about ski related knee injuries, typically one injury comes to the forefront regardless of whether you are thinking Lindsey Vonn or a once-a-year skier from the Dakotas. That injury is of course the dreaded ACL, often a crash, pop, swelling and a ride down via your friendly neighborhood ski patroller. Although certainly a common injury, and one that is funding my daughter’s college fund, other injuries can also have a big effect on a skier’s and snowboarder’s knees. This column will focus on treatment options for various knee injuries.

The three main bones that make up the knee are the femur, patella (knee cap) and tibia. The ends of these bones are lined with articular cartilage which is the white, smooth covering that allows low friction movement within the joint. Unfortunately, articular cartilage has almost no blood supply and an almost non-existent ability for regeneration or healing. Anything that injures a knee can damage the cartilage.

Common mechanisms include patella dislocations, in conjunction with ACL or meniscal tears or from vascular insults where the blood supply to the bone and cartilage is compromised. In addition, wear and tear over time can lead to thinning or loss of the cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis.

Perhaps the most important point is that not all articular cartilage injuries need formal treatment. Despite the thousands of studies and millions of dollars spent looking into “cures” for articular cartilage defects, no treatment has been shown to reduce arthritis later in life. All of the following treatments have been shown, in the right situation, to reduce symptoms but that should not be confused with preventing further harm or development of arthritis.

Diagnosis can be a significant challenge in the management of articular cartilage injuries. Sometimes x-rays can provide sufficient diagnosis. Typical findings are narrowing of the space between bones. Other times, further imaging such as MRI can diagnose articular cartilage wear. Unfortunately, MRI is less sensitive in diagnosing articular cartilage injuries than it is for showing torn ligaments or menisci. Oftentimes, the diagnosis is not made definitively until surgery is undertaken, typically with an arthroscopy (poke hole surgery where a small camera is placed inside the knee along with other small instruments). Very commonly, a diagnostic scope is used in the initial workup

and diagnosis of suspected articular cartilage injuries. The following sections explore and explain the various treatment options approved for use in the United States that have peer reviewed data to support them.

procedure is the relatively short shelf life of the Denovo graft, resulting in the need for ordering the product in for a planned procedure. The long-term results of Denovo are equivalent to ACI (see below).

CHONDROPLATY

AUTOLOGOUS CHONDROCYTE IMPLANTATION (ACI):

Of all the invasive treatments for articular cartilage defects, chondroplasty is by far the simplest and most commonly performed in the U.S. This procedure is performed through arthroscopy and essentially consists of removing loose or prominent flaps of articular cartilage using a shaver. In concept, this is the equivalent of turning a speed bump into a pot hole. Although the defect remains, often the mechanical irritant (catch or pop) is removed. This procedure works best on partial thickness cartilage lesions where there is a prominent flap. Rehabilitation after chondroplasty is unchanged from a typical scope and usually weight bearing is allowed in hours to days

MICROFRACTURE

Initially popularized at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, microfracture is indicated for small (usually less than 2 cm squared) full thickness cartilage lesions. The procedure again utilizes routine arthroscopy portals and after careful preparation, multiple holes are drilled or punched into the exposed bone. This allows bleeding, along with stem cells from the marrow, to fill the defect and form a cartilage-like scar. After surgery, patients are typically non-weight bearing for six weeks and use a continuous passive motion machine that slowly moves the knee for six hours a day for six weeks.

Full return to activities often occurs after four-five months. Limitations of this procedure is that the surrounding cartilage must be normal, it is reserved for small lesions and current literature has shown very poor results when done on the patella or trochlea (the part of the femur the patella articulates with).

DENOVO GRAFT

Denovo graft is a relatively newer option approved for use in the U.S. It is indicated for articular cartilage lesions of 5 cm squared or less in size throughout the knee. The product is made of particulated live juvenile human articular cartilage that is placed in the defect with a fibrin sealant.

This is typical done through an arthrotomy (open incision into the joint) and can be done as a single surgery. A drawback of this

ACI is indicated for full thickness articular cartilage lesions in the knee, typically for lesions 4 cm-10 cm squared. This procedure involves two surgeries. The first is a standard arthroscopy with a cartilage biopsy taken.

This cartilage biopsy is then used to grow the patient’s own chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage). As a second surgery, through an arthrotomy the new cells are implanted under a biological membrane and allowed to heal with typically weight bearing occurring at six weeks. Although re-operation is relatively common, for larger lesions this has shown significant benefit over microfracture. In most studies looking at ACI, it has been done in conjunction with an osteotomy (see below).

OSTEOCHONDRAL AUTOGRAFT

Autograft refers to the patient’s own tissue and in this case osteochondral autograft refers to harvesting a plug(s) of cartilage and bone and then using it to fill the full thickness articular cartilage or bone and cartilage lesions. Plugs are harvested from a less critical area of the knee but donor site pain is still relatively common. The size of the lesion often limits the utility of this procedure as it is difficult to harvest more than 2 cm squared of plugs. This surgery can be done as a single stage surgery through an arthrotomy and typically early weight bearing is permissible.

OSTEOCHONDRAL ALLOGRAFT

Similar to osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft involves transfer of a plug of bone and cartilage. The difference in this case is the plug, usually a large plug, is taken from a size matched cadaver (recently deceased person) knee. This is usually done as a single surgery through an arthrotomy, not uncommonly in conjunction with an osteotomy. Weight bearing is now recommended within days of surgery. This procedure is the treatment of choice when there are large lesions involving both bone and cartilage. Osteochondral allografting is typically limited by donor availability. Because the cadaver is size matched and fresh (not preserved or frozen), it can be several

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months before a suitable donor becomes available and when one does, surgery must be scheduled within a matter of days

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OSTEOTOMIES

Osteotomy refers to the cutting of bone.

In this setting it is used to address malalignment or diffuse wear on inside or outside of the knee. In principle, osteotomies unload a damaged portion of the knee and transfer more weight to an undamaged portion.

Osteotomies can be used with any of the above cartilage restoration techniques or may be done as a stand-alone surgery. They are often chosen as a stand-alone surgery in the setting of younger (typically less than 50 years old) patients with relatively diffuse wear in one part of the knee. Available osteotomies include distal femoral osteotomies for knees that are too valgus (knock kneed), proximal tibial osteotomies for knees that are too varus (bow legged) or tibial tubercle osteotomies for patellofemoral wear. These are larger, open surgeries that often taken many months to heal from and come with moderate risks of complications.

ARTHROPLASTIES

Arthroplasty is essentially ortho-speak for joint replacement. The definitive treatment for end-stage arthritis is typically some form of arthroplasty. Commonly performed arthroplasties include total knee arthroplasty (TKA, or traditional full knee replacement) and unicompartmental arthroplasty (partial knee replacement). Although certainly not as good as the knees we were born with, these surgeries can be very successful in relieving pain, restoring function and getting somewhat older skiers back on the mountain. For the right patient, partial replacements can offer quicker return of function and higher patient satisfaction.

Typically, every effort is made to avoid any form of arthroplasty in patients less than 50 years old.

In summary, when patients have articular cartilage lesions, there are multiple options available to improve symptoms. Although a one size fits all approach is rarely appropriate, careful planning and a knowledgeable surgeon can help patients navigate all appropriate options and find the patient specific option that results in optimal results. u Dr. Alex LeGrand is board certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship trained in sports medicine. He is a team physician for Montana State University and the U.S. Ski Team.

CARVE YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHWEST MONTANA SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

EDITOR/DESIGN/PHOTOS Chris Kerr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jason Bacaj, Doug Chabot, Terry Cunningham, Sean Forbes, Dr. Mike Ferrell, Parker Gabriel, Kim Ibes, Karin Kirk and Dr. Alex LeGrand

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.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS are welcome and can be submitted to Chris Kerr at 582-2643 or ckerr@dailychronicle.com

ON THE COVER: James Mackay catches air in the lower terrain park at Bridger Bowl.

BIG SK Y PUBLISHING, JANUARY 15, 2016

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A skier rips it down The Nose at Bridger Bowl in December.

GET BACK TO YOUR LIFE

MOUNTAIN STATS CLASSIC LINE When it comes time to hit the slopes, it might become time for you to seek orthopedic care.

Trust the pros at Bridger Orthopedic to get you back to your active, pain free life.

At Bridger Orthopedic we have the best team of doctors you can nd; each board certiied and sub-specialty trained to provide you with the best care. They are dedicated to getting you back to the Montana lifestyle you love!

We strive to provide you with the best possible care so you can get back to your life— whether it’s on the slopes, on the job, or on the go.

Find us on Facebook at Bridger Orthopedic and Sports Medicine

THE NOSE TO EXIT CHUTE

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS KERR Every hiker cresting the Ridge at Bridger Bowl faces an important, yet simple decision: either head north or venture south. On a recent powder day last December I decided to try my luck and started hiking south to ski The Nose. The short hike from the top of The Ridge to the Nose has always been one of my favorites regardless the conditions. To the left, wind-swept cornices line the entire route and hang over short powder-filled chutes and snow fields. While gazing to the right offers sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley and its surrounding mountains. Either way, you can’t lose.

Quickly making the 15-minute traverse, I topped out on The Nose. It’s a rocky outcropping in the summer but one that gets completely buried in snow come winter. (Looking to the left while riding the Bridger lift you can see the run is aptly named, it has a broad ridgleline the shoots straight up the mountain and resembles the bridge of well, a nose.)

After soaking in the views for a few minutes I strapped on my helmet and goggles and buckled up my boots for the ride down. Instantly, snow started flying as I made my first turns in the open field. I checked my speed a bit and skied through a short and steep chute-like pinch, then took a hard right through the trees and pointed it again as the run opened up into a powder-filled clearing. They were 10 of my best turns of the season. By the time I made it to the High

Elevation: About 8,700’ Access: Bridger lift to the Ridge hike Elevation gain: Roughly 500 feet Slope: Mid- 30 degrees

Traverse above Exit Chute I had to stop and catch my breath and yell out to the sky. A few other riders came blasting by and I shot a few photos and gladly watched through my lens as the snow billowed over their heads. Hooting and hollering was all that could be heard as they disappeared on the High Traverse.

Alone once again, I took note of the trees surrounding me and their stressed-out limbs sagging under the weight of the 14-plus inches of new-fallen snow. Turning my tips downhill, I pushed off and pointed it through Exit Chute feeling completely content in life. And that’s just the way a classic line should make you feel. u ENDLESS OPTIONS: There are many other places to explore off The Nose, too. From the top, head skier’s left and about a third of the way down Super Couloir awaits. This steep, tight line offers a heart-pounding straight shot into Avalanche Gulch. Another option is to head farther south once atop The Nose and venture into Joe’s Jungle. Joe’s features a more direct line through the trees and ends to the skier’s right of Exit Chute. This route leads to more technical lines off the High Traverse such as the double-black Psychopath run or the slightly tamer Zits. All of these runs off The Nose hold some of the steepest and deepest tree skiing on the mountain and are often the perfect choice on those foggy pow days when visibility is low but your stoke is high.

Every great powder line off the Ridge begins with a single step ... followed by an important decision.

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JANUARY 2016

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THE BEST OF WEST

KICKING AND GLIDING ON THE EDGE OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

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STEEP THOUGHTS: HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TURNS ON THE STEEPS t CLASSIC LINE: THE NOSE TO EXIT CHUTE POWDER HOUNDS: LOCAL DOGS GETTING IT DONE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY 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