17 minute read
GIFT & GEAR GUIDE
BY MIRA BRODY
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“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!
$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.
• 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.
• Composition: 100 percent Montana Merino Wool outer layer, 100 percent American Polyester inner layer • Weight: 275 gsm
A SOUTHWEST MONTANA TRADITION: TREE HUNTING
Now that you’re armed with a great Duckworth base layer, it’s time to follow a longtime southwest Montana tradition—venturing out into the woods and cutting your own Christmas tree. While friends and family may argue over exact qualities that make for the perfect holiday tree, nothing beats a brisk hike or cross-country ski into your favorite National Forest to find it.
First, be sure to acquire a tree permit from recreation.gov. There, you can also find helpful maps for where to hunt down the best tree nearest to you. Forest Service guidelines ask that you not cut trees from campgrounds or parking lots, trailheads, picnic areas or within 200 feet of any streams or lakes.
Once you’ve chosen a location, pack a sled, gloves, warm layers and a small saw and head out for your tree hunt!
Hey Bear: Hey Bear Beanie, Mizu Camper Mug, Hey Bear Cotopaxi Backpack, Hey Bear Vest
$35-177 Hey Bear is more than just a retail store—it’s an educational bear safety platform. We believe that living with bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a privilege. To protect ourselves and the wildlife we share a home with, Hey Bear, named for the phrase hikers often shout to scare bruins away before an adverse confrontation, aims to educate and inspire recreationists about how to coexist with bears in bear country, and also works with local organizations to give back to nonprofits that provide conservation efforts.
To support Hey Bear and our mission, we produce high-quality, sustainable and functional outdoors products for you. Here’s what we recommend for the outdoorsman and women and conservation-focused friends and family in your life this holiday season.
HEY BEAR BEANIE, $35 Stay cozy this winter with a colorful Hey Bear beanie.
HEY BEAR MIZU CAMPER MUG, $38 Whether it’s filled with warm coffee, a cider or a hot toddy, the Hey Bear Mizu Camper Mug will keep your favorite adventure beverage toasty.
HEY BEAR COTOPAXI BACKPACK, $95 Whether skinning up a snowy mountain or out on your next hike, this colorful Cotopaxi backpack will keep your belongings safe and dry in a stylish pack during your next venture.
HEY BEAR VEST, $177 A new Hey Bear addition, this lightly insulated, core-warming vest combines recycled polyester insulation and repurposed taffeta for reversible and convenient color-blocked protection. An elastic-lined hood keeps your head toasty, and dual pockets keep your hands warm.
The next time you’re out in bear country, remember these tips to keep yourself and the bears safe.
BEING RESPONSIBLE IN BEAR COUNTRY:
• Hike in groups of three or more. • Make noise. We recommend yelling “Hey Bear!” • Store food properly when hiking and camping. • Carry bear spray, keep it within reach, and know how to use it. • Take a bear safety class with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. • If you see a bear from afar, stay 100 yards away. • If you encounter a bear and it moves toward you, move slowly away and speak to it in low tones. • If a black bear charges, hold your ground and fight back. • If a grizzly bear charges, lay flat on your stomach, protecting your neck and head with your arms and do not move. • Never run from a bear.
Range Meal Bars: Alpine Start & Fresh Tracks
$7-35 Range Meal Bars were formulated with endurance in mind. Between completing his engineering degree at Montana State University back in 2017 and fueling for weekend mountain adventures, Range Meal Bars founder Zach Hein knew he needed something that was durable, compact, convenient and nutritious. After years of tweaking the formula until he got something consumable and high-quality, Range Meal Bars are today available in 30 stores across the U.S. and are used by Olympic Gold Medalists, hunters, skiers, thru hikers, U.S. Special Forces, climbers and those in pursuit of mountain sports. Each bar is 700 calories packed with all natural ingredients you can actually pronounce, stays soft even in chilly temperatures and is barely bigger than a deck of cards. Single bars can be purchased for $7, or $35 for a six pack to keep you moving all winter.
ALPINE START
A medley of chocolate, peanut butter and coffee. The coffee used in this bar is single origin from Colombia and roasted in Massachusetts with 100 percent renewable energy. Gluten free and vegan (with the exception of honey).
FRESH TRACKS
Sweet and savory with molasses, ginger and sea salt. The sea salt for Fresh Tracks is harvested in Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast with a percentage of profits going to the Elakha Alliance, which works to protect habitat along the Oregon Coast. Gluten free and vegan.
“I chose to take Range Bars along for the real test: fly fishing for striped bass a few miles off the South Jersey Coast … in November. Air temps in the 50s, ocean temps about the same, the fish, big. No time for any sort of food preparation out here, we need no-fuss calories to keep us going and Range Meal Bars delivered. With 19 grams of protein and the combined flavor combinations such as “Fresh Tracks (molasses ginger and sea salt or chocolate) and Alpine Start, (chocolate, peanut butter and coffee), this gets no better. So whether you’re packing for a day on the water or strapping your skins to your skis, The Range Meal Bar will keep you fueled up, clear headed and ready to drop that line or stick that fish!”
— Captain J. Moore, adventurer, Range Bar enjoyer
Once you have your Range Meal Bars packed, take them out to the mountains where they belong with a backcountry ski to Hyalite Peak.
SKI TOUR TO HYALITE PEAK
Distance: 12 miles, out and back Vertical gain: 3,400 feet Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Hyalite Peak is a great hike in the summer months, offering ethereal views of the Gallatin Crest, Paradise Valley and Madison Mountains. The call of high peak bagging doesn’t end in the winter however, and Hyalite Peak, located in Hyalite Canyon’s southern crest, is a wonderful backcountry ski for those looking for something advanced and challenging. Pack your Range Meal Bars, your avalanche gear and a trustworthy partner, and get after it.
From Bozeman, head south on South 19th Avenue and turn left onto Hyalite Canyon Road. Drive past the Hyalite Reservoir dam and stay right at the Grotto Falls fork, parking in the Grotto Falls parking lot.
The trail starts mellow, offering views of ice climbers and frozen waterfalls. Although Hyalite Canyon is popular year-round, unlike in the warmer months, winter is a time where you’ll find yourself alone on the trail more often than not. Your first major climb will bring you to Hyalite Lake, presenting a view of the final, grueling climb to Hyalite Peak. At 10, 298 feet, views from the peak will not disappoint. Enjoy some challenging turns down double-black diamond terrain back to the lake, then a long, medium cool down back to the parking lot.
LMNT: The Recharge Sample Pack
$5 As winter kicks in, you may be experiencing fatigue in the afternoon, perhaps a headache, or even finding yourself stressed more easily. Turns out, you might simply be low in electrolytes. Especially during winter, dehydration is an alltoo-common problem. To start, the average person consumes less than an adequate amount of water. While drinking water alone is important, LMNT’s scientifically formulated electrolyte drink is your missing piece for staying energized while in the mountains this winter.
This holiday season get the LMNT Recharge Sample Pack for the price of shipping ($5) for the athlete in your family. Flavors include: Raspberry Salt, Citrus Salt, Raw Unflavored, Orange Salt, Watermelon Salt, Lemon Habanero, Mango Chili and Chocolate Salt. All flavors are sugar free, gluten free, made with all natural ingredients and meet the requirements of a keto, low-carb and paleo diet.
Want to bump your electrolyte beverages up a notch? Try our signature LMNT cocktail recipe.
THE WAPITI: A MULE WITH A TWIST
• 2 oz. of vodka, bourbon or tequila • 6 oz. ginger beer • 0.5 oz. lime juice • 1 packet of Lime Salt LMNT
Mix all ingredients and serve in a copper mug with ice and a lime wedge.
RegenMarket: The Holiday Sampler
$60 Get your friends and family the best food on Earth from RegenMarket. Inspired by the agriculture that is at the heart of the West, RegenMarket is an online, membership-based market connecting consumers with Montana producers working to grow food with the planet’s future in mind. All products are produced using regenerative agriculture practices, which forms the base of the food chain for humans and land animals, ensuring the highest-level quality nutrients in your food. It’s also the process Patagonia founder and owner Yvon Chouinard believes may just save our planet from the harmful effects of climate change.
Bring a box of sustainable, delicious, organic and high-quality products home with RegenMarket’s Holiday Sampler. For custom boxes, call (406) 599-9123.
The Holiday Sampler includes:
• Breakfast sage pork sausage • 1/3 lb. ground beef • Jalapeño cheddar bratwursts • Green lentils • Sliced smoked ham
While you’re waiting for your holiday sampler to arrive, here’s a delicious and healthy recipe that uses Regen lentils.
CHOCOLATE CHIP LENTIL COOKIES
By Timeless Natural Foods. For more delicious ideas, be sure to visit Mountain Outlaw’s RegenMarket recipe guide. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 7 dozen cookies 1 ½ cups butter 2 ½ cups packed brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 4 teaspoons vanilla 5 eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt ¾ cup Timeless French Style Lentils, thoroughly cooked in 2 cups water, drained, pureed 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 375 F. 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar and white sugar.
Add vanilla and eggs; beat until smooth. Add lentil puree to butter mixture. 2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture and blend lightly. 3. Gently blend in oatmeal, chocolate chips and nuts until evenly mixed. Chill dough until ready for handling. Drop dough in rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5 minutes; turn pan and bake another 5 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned.
Simms: Fall Run Jacket & Women’s Rivershed Sweater
$149.95
FALL RUN JACKET
In August of this year, Simms relaunched a fan favorite, the Fall Run Jacket. This jacket was in our line a few years ago and has now come back due to popular demand. We’d consider it a four-season jacket—not too warm for spring, fall and early summer mornings or evenings, but somehow keeps you warm in the dead of winter. The iteration we launched this summer is extra special because its shell fabric and liner are made from 100 percent recycled material. As you might expect, we utilized Primaloft insulation in this jacket and even the insulation is constructed from primarily recycled material.
The perfect jacket both on and off the water, the lightweight Fall Run Hoody packs a heavyweight warmth-to-mass ratio for less bulk under bibs and waders. Worn alone or paired with a waterproof, breathable shell, the Primaloft insulation is treated for water repellency to keep you warm even when damp from rain or heavy activity. Extremely compressible, it’s the ideal layer for stowing in your daypack or sling pack.
• Primaloft® Black Eco insulation 60g (body) uses 60 percent recycled materials, treated for water repellency. • 100 percent recycled shell with DWR finish for water resistance. • Internal quilting on upper front and back body provides a smooth exterior for abrasion resistance when worn with waders or bibs. • Zippered handwarmer pockets and internal chest zippered pocket on wearer’s right
WOMEN’S RIVERSHED SWEATER
$99.95 Warmth on the water comes naturally with the Women’s Rivershed Sweater, a high-performing jacquard fleece standout that pairs perfectly under waders or a jacket and provides the additional coverage of a tall, plush drawstring collar. The heather jacquard fleece channels warmth against the body and releases necessary moisture as needed. Also featuring a kangaroo pocket to keep hands warm and store small essentials, the Women’s Rivershed Fleece comes equipped with a tall, slouchy collar with a drawcord to provide plush comfort and warmth for the neck and face. • Made from 300gsm • 100 percent heather jacquard polyester fleece
2022 Audi S6 Sedan
Starting at $74,800 Audi as a brand is all about the combination of luxury and performance. There is an incredible level of detail that goes into the design and production of each and every Audi automobile, and the Audi Sport line, particularly this S6, is “ready for the open road, but dressed for the city streets.” The S6 is a twinturbocharged 2.9-liter V6, 444 horsepower, which is effortlessly distributed to all four wheels via Audi’s patented Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system.
Audi Bozeman + The Audi Sport brand is a locally owned dealership, part of Ressler Motors, the third largest local employer in Bozeman. Ressler Group sponsors over 40 nonprofits annually and Audi Bozeman is an active partner with the Bozeman Symphony, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Gallatin Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prospera Business Network, Outlaw Marketing and Bozeman Business Professional Women.
Where will your new Audi take you? Here’s one road trip idea for when the snow thaws.
BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY DAY TRIP
Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in southwest Montana and follows a portion of U.S. Route 212 through Montana and Wyoming. By car, you’ll reach the summit of Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet above sea level and see countless mountain peaks and wildlife along the way.
From Bozeman, take I-90 east toward Livingston. Take exit 333 and drive through the scenic Paradise Valley to Gardiner to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. From here, you will meander for an hour through Lamar Valley, possibly spotting the Lamar bison herd. Exit Yellowstone’s northeast entrance and continue through Silver Gate until you reach the beginning of Beartooth Pass.
From here you will wind through hairpin curves, sprawling vistas and along one of the country’s most beautiful roads. From the summit, you’ll see the Bear’s Tooth, a razor sharp rock formation for which the range is named, and the country’s only summer ski area, Beartooth Basin. Descend back to earth into Red Lodge, a quaint, historic mountain town. Grab a bite to eat and head back toward I-90 to complete the loop.
406 Agave Premium Tequila
406 Agave Premium Tequila believes you should, “Drink with your friends, Tequila is for sharing,” making it the best addition to laughter around a campfire, celebration with friends or the perfect Aprés ski beverage. Each tequila is made at a fourth-generation distillery in Jalisco, Mexico and 406 Agave is the first American company to partner with this unique distillery. With an philosophy of “local to local,” 100 percent of the agave in each tequila is grown, harvested and distilled on site at the Jalisco distillery, and here in Montana they are proudly 100 percent locally employed. The Blanco and Reposado will both be available just in time for the start of the New Year. Try with one of the featured cocktails below.
The Blanco has sweet aromas with a hint of mint and tasting notes of vanilla and clean tropical fruit. It is an incredibly clean and smooth Blanco tequila that appeals to those who love a crisp, fresh flavor on the palate. The Reposado has aromas of caramel, vanilla and honey oak with a complex, smooth and bold taste. A bit more complex than the Blanco, the Reposado is aged for four and a half months in honey oak barrels to give it a rich, warm and bolder finish. Natural vanilla and caramel gives it a signature sweetness and smoothness. To ring in the new year, try these specialty cocktails from 406 Agave.
FEATURED COCKTAILS 406 WINTER MARGARITA
• 1.5 oz. 406 Blanco • 0.5 oz. 5 spice syrup • 0.5 oz. Cointreau • 0.5 oz. lime juice
Mix all ingredients and serve in a rocks glass with ice, anise pod and a lime wheel.
406 CIDER
• 1.5 oz. 406 Reposado • 0.5 oz. applejack or apple brandy • 05. lemon juice • 0.25 oz. cinnamon simple syrup • Splash of unfiltered apple cider • Mix all ingredients and serve in a rocks glass with a dehydrated apple chip.
