45 October 22 - November 4, 2021
2021 GIFT AND GEAR GUIDE
BY MIRA BRODY
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT
“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” – William Blake Most of us live in Montana to enjoy life in the mountains, and with those skypiercing peaks comes the great, white blanket of winter. Whether you enjoy an adrenaline-fueled day charging cirques and ridgelines or cozying up by the fire with a mug of cocoa and a book with the mountains in pleasant view from your window, Explore Big Sky’s 2021 Gift and Gear Guide has a little something for everyone, with local artisans, business owners, culinary artists and culture in mind. Stay warm and happy shopping!
Jelt Belt: Mountain Venture Adjustable Stretch Belt
$36 Jelt Belt’s Mountain Venture Adjustable Stretch Belt was built for the adventurer in your life. With features that meet the needs of any day chasing peaks, whether that be on skis, snowshoes or on foot. Strong, flexible and lightweight, this belt can be worn by men or women with up to a 50-inch waist size, includes a grippy gel that keeps it in place with or without belt loops and is strong enough to carry some of your essential gear, such as bear spray or two-way radios. The waterproof webbing is made from recycled plastic bottles, offering a nod to Mother Nature.
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Explore Big Sky
Black elastic and buckle with dark taupe mountain design Made for men and women Minimal, non-metal buckle snaps into place Grippy inner gel means it can be worn with or without belt loops Elastic material made from recycled plastic bottles Waterproof One size fits everyone, up to 50 inches Belt: Recycled polyester/rubber/nylon Belt width: 1.5 inches Weight: 3.1 oz. Proudly made in Bozeman, Montana and sold online or at Grizzly Outfitters in Big Sky Town Center.
This belt was made for adventure. Take your Jelt Belt out for a mellow ski tour in the backcountry and enjoy Big Sky’s Beehive Basin in the quiet of winter. BEEHIVE BASIN SKI TOUR Distance: 7 miles, out and back Vertical gain: 1,650 feet Duration: 2 to 3 hours Beehive Basin is a popular trail year-round, but the winter months do offer a bit more solitude. Pack your avalanche gear and a trustworthy friend and prepare to see some stunning, jagged peaks of granite that surround the Big Sky area. From the parking lot, your hike in follows private land for about a mile—be respectful and stay on the marked trail. There are approaches from both the west and east side from here, often already marked by skin tracks—the west side offers some low angle terrain for those getting warmed up. Traverse across a prominent meadow and pick your track up to the ridgeline. The east side offers a variety of downhill terrain with multiple tree runs and drainages. You can continue the traverse from the ridge and drop into the prominent Bear Basin as well, with breathtaking views of the Spanish Peaks. All of these routes are prone to avalanches—check the forecast with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center before you head out and always be trained in avalanche safety protocol.
Duckworth: Women’s Comet Tunnel Hood & Men’s Comet Hoody
$150 Get back to basics with the Duckworth Comet Long Sleeve Crew. In both men’s and women’s cut, the Merino Wool base layer top keeps the chill out, even on the coldest Montana winter days. Duckworth’s Comet fabric is a natural-technical mash-up, combining a pure, 100 percent Montana-grown Merino Wool outer layer and a polyester inner layer that creates a hydrophobic, sweat-wicking shirt that keeps you warm no matter how rigorous the activity. Durable, soft, anti-odor and hooded, the Comet Long Sleeve Crew will stave off the chill from the slopes to keep you warm all the way to the Après celebrations.
