Ski Bum's Guide to Bozeman by kcrae2

Ski Bumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Guide to Bozeman

KASEY CHAMBERS

Ski Bumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Guide to Bozeman

KASEY CHAMBERS

What are you

looking for? WELCOME LOOK THE PART SWIG & SWALLOW SKIERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARADISE NIGHT OUT

PLAYING TOUR GUIDE ABOUT THE AUTHOR THANKS

Welcome to

Bozeman

To follow the snow, you decided to make the (almost religious) migration to the mecca that is Bozeman, Montana. Welcome! Bozeman is a true ski town nestled among two great ski areas, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort, and surrounded by world-class backcountry

terrain. Here you can check off legendary lines from your list, get sick turns in within a hour from town, and be in awe of the powder-packed peaks. But can you manage to live the ski bum lifestyle in a place where the Rich â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Famous call their playground? Luckily for you, Bozeman is packed with ski bums just like you trying to make ends meet and still get to

jam-pack as many days into the season as possible. With this simple guide, you can learn

about cheap eats, mountain secrets, best local beers, where to find a hottie, and even what

to do with your family when they come to visit. So make sure your skis are waxed, the PBR is cold, and snow report is on. Here is your guide to being a Bozeman ski bum!

Look the

Part

Bozeman is a mountain ski town, and like any other ski town, calls for proper attire. Shredding the gnar has a style all it’s own, but what do you wear when not ripping down the slopes? FLANNEL & MORE Let’s just get one thing straight — flannel is a must. It is basically the unofficial flag of Bozeman. Flannel is not just fashionable, but it is often a necessity as layering up in a mountain town is needed. Feeling chilled? Throw a flannel over a simple t-shirt or under a thermal vest. And feel free to vary from the traditional red and black checkers, flannel now comes in a multitude of colors. Cover those butts with denim, Carhartts ®, or thermals. As a ski bum and some-what functioning adult, you know the importance of a good pair of socks. Remember to pick up at least a couple wool ones for keeping those toes warm on and off the slopes. As for shoes, choose some with good traction to combat the ice and mountain trails.

TOP IT OFF Hats are popular in Bozeman no matter the season. They act as your own personal self expression, yet are also functional. After all, how are you going to show off which brewery is your fav hang or which bike shop you go to? BEST LOCAL “THRED” SHOPS

• CHALET SPORTS | your gear & clothes 1-stop shop • SCHNEE’S | a Bozeman staple • REVOLVER & EVERGREEN | get classy

AU NATURALE

TYPICAL DAY

NIGHT OUT

THE SLOPES

HIT THE SLOPES Just like any sport, skiing has a certain look that comes to mind, but skiing is so much more diverse. Whether you are a racer, a bid mountain free rider, snow bunny, or a park rat, there is a certain aesthetic that is expected. We can all agree that a good gear is a requirement. Bonus points for duct tape holding it together!

GET DRESSED

Living in a mountainous, ski town calls for certain items. Here are the TOP 5 MUST-HAVE’S for your Bozeman, MT closet.

These are just-off-the-slope hair must’s.

Stylish & functional.

You live in a mountain town, enough said.

Whether its a beanie or flat bill, you gotta cover up those greasy locks.

Swig &

Swallow

Bozeman is a blooming “foodie” paradise, with locally owned options ranging from classy establishments to hole-in-the-walls all offering an array of tasty menus. SICK OF INSTANT RAMEN?

TOP 10 BZM CHEAP EATS

As a ski bum in a town with ever raising prices, it can be daunting to grab a bite to eat out on the town. And instant ramen can get old fast. Surprisingly, Bozeman has a ton of options for those of us who are on a budget (because that ski pass won’t pay for itself). There are food specials every night of the work week, which best of all, come with beer! Regardless, there are so many spots in town to chow down on the cheap. Let’s grab a bite!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MO’BOWLS MAMA MAC’S WESTERN CAFE TACO MONTES STACEY’S OLD FAITHFUL BAR CAT’S PAW BREWSKER’S COLUMBO’S ROOST WHISTLE PIG

WEEKLY DEALS | LOCAL FAVORITE SPOTS | BREWERIES

WEEKLY

DEALS M BUTTER CURRY & BEER Saffron Table | $12

T RAMEN & BEER Montana Fish Company | $10

W BURGER & BEER Copper Bar | $12

TH PIZZA & PITCHER Spectator’s Bar | $29

STEAK, FIXINGS, & BEER Pourhouse | $14.75

KNOW THE DEALS Most places have some good daily deals that the locals definitely love to take advantage of. From lunch specials to happy hours, here are the must-know’s: • JURASSIC SLICES Bridger Brewing | $4-6 |M-F |11am-4pm • CHICKEN ON A STICK Roost | $5 | Daily • “HAPPY HOUR” BURGER U Burger | $3 | Daily | 3-5pm always check social media for the deals!

• CHEAP EAT •

$5 Chicken on a Stick

BREWSKIS & DAY DRINKING Bozeman has become a mecca for Montanamade microbrews, ciders, and liquor. Within the Bozeman area (including Big Sky and Livingston) there are just over 15 breweries, 1 cider house, and 3 distilleries. These places act as the social gathering places for many Bozemanites. Let’s be honest, what’s better than a cold, local beer surrounded by friends after a day on the slopes?

TOP 5 BEERS

In a town with so many local breweries it is hard to know where to start. Here are some the tastiest options that you gotta try!

1 SUMMIT DOG DOUBLE IPA | 8.2% ABV | 79 IBU | Outlaw Brewing 2 MIDAS CRUSH AMERICAN IPA | 6.9% ABV | 65 IBU | Map Brewing 3 WORKING GUY’S CREAM ALE | 4.8% ABV | 0 IBU | Beehive Basin Brewing 4 MTN MAI TAI FRUIT WILD ALE | 6.7% ABV | 14 IBU | Mountains Walking 5 ANTILOGY BLACK IPA | 7.7% ABV | 65 IBU | Bridger Brewing

Skierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Paradise

5,850 ACRES | 4,350 ft VERTICAL DROP | 400+ in ANNUAL SNOW FALL | 26 CHAIRLIFTS

Big Sky Resort Referred to as “the biggest skiing in America”, Big Sky Resort has the largest terrain for Bozeman-area commercial skiing. It has become a favorite for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. LONE PEAK What puts Big Sky Resort above the rest is its tram and Lone Peak, offering true big mountain skiing. Unfathomable steeps and often virgin snow can be found 300 degrees off the Peak. Being one of the stops on the Freeride World Qualifer, Lone Peak offers challenging terrain, drops, gulleys, and chutes for the skier looking for legendary terrain. Skiing the tram is seen as milestone for any Bozeman local. It is what separates the “boys from the men.” Remember you avi gear!

300 NAMED RUNS | SUMMIT ELEVATION: 11,166 ft | 38,300 SKIERS PER HOUR | 1 PEAK

GOT THE RUNS? Located just over an hour outside of Bozeman, Big Sky covers all the bases when it comes to run offerings. From beginner to double blacks and expert-only runs, Big Sky is extremely versatile for all levels of skiing. Powder stashes can be found well into the later half of the day consistently. In fact, there are more snowcovered acres than skiers most days of the season, averaging about 2 acres per skier.

Local’s Favorites

2,000 ACRES | 2,600 ft VERTICAL DROP | 300 in ANNUAL SNOW FALL | 8 CHAIRLIFTS

Bridger Bowl Located on the east slope of the Bridger Mountain Range, Bridger Bowl is about 25 minutes drive from Bozeman. Located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, offering 4 natural bowls, on a powder day expect long lines, traffic, and full parking lots. No matter what, Bridger will always be Bozemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mountain. LOCALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOUNTAIN Bozeman Bowl is truly a ski area for the people. It is actually a part of a non-profit and operates under a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

People flock all over to ski the legendary Coldsmoke snow. Whether you are a local or a tourist visiting, Bridger Bowl offers a smalltown ski experience only found in Montana.

75 NAMED RUNS | SUMMIT ELEVATION: 8,800 ft | 100 ft HIKEABLE TERRAIN | 1 GRIZ BAR

THE RIDGE The Ridge is the sought after, expert-level terrain of Bridger that skiers have to work for. Approximately 2 miles across, many skiers hike to access the many chutes, glades, and gullies filled with powder. No hazard markings, no grooming, and no marked trails, The Ridge offers some of the best and most challenging skiing within any ski area boundary. An avalanche transceiver is required for all skiers and to access Bridger’s Ridge Terrain including Schlasman’s Lift. On big powder days, just be ready to hike nose to butts!

Local’s Favorites

FAMILY FUN With such a diverse amount of terrain, there is a little something for everybody, making Bridger Bowl the perfect family mountain.. The terrain’s difficulty level is easy to decipher as it is naturally organized on the mountain’s elevation. Beginner terrain is located low and around the base area, with novice terrain across the lower middle of the mountain. Intermediate runs are wide-open in the mountain’s center and the upper third of the mountain making way for the advanced skier. Finally, mom and dad can leave the kids on the green runs and hit The Ridge for expert runs.

SAFE

SMART

AWARE

EDUCATED

TOGETHER

The Backcountry In Montana, you can usually start getting turns in almost year round. As the snow start accumulating in the mountains, many Bozemanites dust off the skins and hike up. With any backcountry skiing, there is avalanche risk and other dangers. Never go alone, always listen to avalanche reports, be educated, and, most importantly, be safe. LOCAL’S FAVORITES

GET EDUCATED

• SACAJAWEA PEAK

• MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY OUTDOOR RECREATION PROGRAM

• FAIRY LAKE • BEEHIVE BASIN • HYALITE LAKE • BEAR CANYON

• MTAVALANCHE.COM • MOSS • Check online for more! •

GEAR

The most important part of a successful ski season (besides snow) is your gear. Online is always an option, but Bozeman has a great selection of local shops to gear up!

Night

Out

So the weekend has come around and you need to blow off some steam, time to grab a drink! Here are some of the in’s and out’s to the scene. Afterall, Bozeman is a small drinking town with a big skiing problem. WHERE THE HOTTIES AT? Let’s be honest, many of us use a night on the town as an excuse to mingle with the opposite sex, but where do you find these hotties? Being a college town, Bozeman has a very active bar scene. The bars best known for their hook-up culture have a wanna-be club vibe to them. These are the best places to get your grind on:

• ROCKING R BAR | a Bozo classic • POUR HOUSE | it is close to cheap pizza • EL CAMINO | the vibe of a 80’s basement • BAR IX | where you go to get nasty

“ Dinosaurs didn’t drink

and now they’re extinct...

coinicidence?”

KNOWLEDGE FROM A BZN BATHROOM

HEAR SOME TUNES Bozeman has a very active local music scene year-round. From Main Street festivals to bar sets, we know how to bust a move! The music styles range from country, rock, and electronic to a very original sound that is best described as “funk-rock-reggae.” Regardless, we rock!

BEST SPOTS TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC • The Rialto • Filling Station • The Eagles • Haufbrau • American Legion

• BEST LOCAL BAND •

Left on Tenth

CHILL OUT Sometimes all you are looking for is a chill environment to tip one back. Luckily, that is where Bozeman’s bar scene truly shines. We offer a plethora of dive bars and hole in the walls where the beer is always flowing (not always cold, though). Downtown offers a handful of laid-back options. The Cannery and 317 offer a nice change of pace from the usual party-goers. The Crystal, American Legion, and The Eagles can guarantee you a cheap drink. The “Barmuda Triangle” is a locally nicknamed area where three dives share a parking lot, each with their own distinctive flair, smell, and vibe. The Haufbrau never has a bouncer at the door, smells slightly of urinal cakes, and is usually packed shoulder to shoulder on Open Mic Night. The Scoop has free Gardetos™, pool tables, and daily drink specials for your wallet. Last but not least, The Molly Brown boasts the most pool tables in town, jello wrestling, and live poker (if you are feeling lucky).

WEEKLY

EVENTS

1 BINGO Eagles | R Bar | American Legion

2 TRIVIA R Bar | Molly Brown | El Camino

3 BUCKET NIGHT R Bar | Bar IX

4 KARAOKE El Camino | American Legion | Bar IX

5 OPEN MICS Haufbrau | Eagles

Playing

Tour Guide

So your family came to visit and now you have been tasked with playing tour guide. Luckily, Bozeman and the surrounding areas have a “family-friendly” side. BRING IT AROUND TOWN Show them what Bozeman has to offer! The local shops that line downtown Main Street offer a little bit of something for everyone. Also, make sure to check the calendar, since Bozeman always seems to have a festival going on. Stop by Montana State University to catch a Bobcat game

or to check out the federally-protected ducks (no joke). Heck, even go to a local dude ranch and give the family a “real” Montana experience. BEST SPOTS FOR THE FAM

• CACTUS RECORDS | gags & vinyl • HEYDAY | your mom will love it • BMZ FARMER’S MARKET | great for veggies & people watching • HEART RANCH | your city-slicker experience

TAKE A HIKE Not only is Bozeman a mecca of skiing, but it lives and breathes outdoor recreation. Get the family out and about to hike, ice climb, fly fish, float, raft, and more, all within a short drive of town. Stop by the Country Book Shelf to pick up a guide book for more info. Honestly, what’s better than an excuse to get some fresh air in mother nature?

GET OUT OF TOWN

SOAK IT UP

The Gallatin Valley and the rest of Montana have an extensive history and things to see. Jump in the car and take a day trip to see natural wonders, historical sites, and more! • VIRGINIA CITY | a living ghost town • ENNIS, MT | basically it is fishing & whiskey • QUAKE LAKE | see where a mountain literally fell • LIVINGSTON, MT | maybe your mom will see John Mayer?

Bozeman and the surrounding are located on the Yellowstone super volcano. The upside of that? Tons of hot springs! These have become the staple of relaxing in the Bozeman area, whether they are commercialized or still au naturale to hike into. Here are the Top 3: • BOZEMAN HOT SPRINGS | a popular “hot” spot • RENOVA HOT SPRINGS | hike in & get rustic • NORRIS HOT SPRINGS | a good old hippie hang

TOP 5 MUST SEES

If you can’t possibly fit all Bozeman has to offer, here are the things that you can’t miss.

1 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK | The all around people-pleaser. 2 CHICO HOT SPRINGS | Wine and dine with a historic soak. 3 MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES | Why not get a little educated? Plus, dinosaurs. 4 DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN | Something for everyone. 5 HYALITE RECREATION AREA | Get your ass in nature.

KASEY CHAMBERS This book was a passion project to celebrate Bozeman, Montana and the rowdy/dirty/ hilarious thing that is ski culture. Being a Montana kid, skiing was always a part of the joys of winter and the 9 or so months we have winter. I grew up skiing and watching Warren Miller classic ski flicks with my dad. I really got immersed in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ski bumâ&#x20AC;? culture when I attended Montana State University. So, wax up, because it is going to be a great season!

Hey, thanks for SICK PHOTOS | Chase Weissman, Julia Kowlaski, Greg Chambers MUCH NEEDED ADVICE | Jeffrey Conger INSIDE INFO | Greg Chambers, Chase Weissman, Ryan Demars,

Jake Popp, Emma Neilsen

YOUR FACES | Greg Chambers, Ryan Demars, Emma Neilsen,

Whitney Pomroy, Left on Tenth

Bozeman, Montana is a skierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. Many ski bums flock to it to take advantage of the mountains, legendary Coldsmoke snow, and to experience the Treasure State that is considered by many to be the last best place. But, Bozeman is slowing becoming a hideaway destination for the Rich â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Famous, so how does the simple (and broke) ski bum manage to live in such a place? With this simple guide, you can learn about cheap eats, mountain secrets, best local beers, where to find a hottie, and even what to do with your family when they come to visit. So make sure your skis are waxed, the PBR is cold, and snow report is on. Here is your guide to being a Bozeman ski bum!