Big Sky Weekly
Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”
For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, and how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills.
fit for human consumption by Scotty Savage “It’s been dumping lately – why the %^*! is that run closed?” Skiers ask this question at ski areas across Southwest Montana every year, and big snow years like this year bring out the conspiracy theorists. So what really goes on before ski areas drop the ropes for the first time of the year? Fact: Most ski areas operate under the “open it if it’s remotely ready for human consumption” theory. This works out well, as early season skiers generally don’t mind bouncing off of logs and rocks, but they hate having “the goods” withheld. Why else do ski areas love watching guests shredding runs as early as possible?
Skiers and snowboarders compact slopes, creating a supportable base on ungroomed terrain. Additionally, riders break up layers in the thin early season snowpack – this helps reduce future avalanche hazard within the ski area. So it is in both ski areas’ and skiers’ best interests to open terrain as early as possible. You’ve got to love a win-win situation! How do ski patrols determine when a slope is ready to open? Snow stability must be assessed. This may be as simple as having a couple patrollers ski cut a moderate slope below treeline. Or it could involve multiple explosive missions and stability assessments over several days. Once ski area avalanche specialists are comfortable with the snow stability, the run is
checked for significant hazards. Next, the focus turns to determining how the snowpack will hold up to hundreds of riders. Many ski patrols ask a simple question: will the snow conditions allow them to access and transport an injured skier in a reasonable amount of time? If the answer is yes, then let ‘em have it!
three days to get the part and make the repair.
What can possibly go wrong? Mother Nature and Murphy’s Law. Everything can be going according to plan, only to have a nuclear windstorm trash good ski conditions and/or create never-ending avalanche activity. And Murphy’s Law means the day before a scheduled opening, the lift that’s been running oh-so-smoothly since it was maintained in June will blow some obscure seal that requires
Scotty Savage is currently studying his and others’ avalanche related mistakes in an effort to reduce avalanche workplace accidents. Scotty is an avalanche educator for the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. His measurements are 42-31-36, he enjoys long walks on the beach, and he hopes to eliminate world hunger if crowned Mr. America.
SELLERS Wanted BUYER 102 LOOKING FOR SKI-IN SKI-OUT DIAMOND HITCH HOME. Older couple from Florida, who have come to Big Sky multiple times and are looking for a family vacation home at a great price
BUYERS 304 & 305 LOOKING FOR GLACIER / YELLOWSTONE / SILVERBOW CONDO. 2 couples, one from Wisconsin now have a kids in the area and another from SD looking to relocate to Big Sky NEGOTIATIONS PENDING BUYER 106 LOOKING FOR TAMARACK CONDO (preferably off of Ousel Falls Road) Couple relocating to Big Sky who want to get out of the rental market. BUYER 003 LOOKING FOR 3 TO 4 BEDROOM HOME IN MEADOW, CANYON, GATEWAY. Couple from Bozeman looking to be closer to Big Sky, qualified and ready to buy. NEGOTIATIONS PENDING
32 December 10, 2010
BUYER 146 LOOKING FOR MEADOW HOME. Couple that currently owns a condo in Big Sky and is looking for a larger property. BUYERS LOOKING FOR INCOME PRODUCING 2 BEDROOM CONDO. Multiple cash investors if you’re seeing good occupancy with your units. NEW BUYER 100 LOOKING FOR 2 BEDROOM CONDO UNDER $200K. Newlyweds relocating to Big Sky need quick occupancy... quick closing! NEW BUYER 214 WANTS FOR 3+ BEDROOM MOUNTAIN PROPERTY. Frequent vacationers looking to put their money to work for them in a second home.
NEW BUYER 198 IN AN INVESTOR SEEKING HIGHLY MOTIVATED SKI-IN SKI-OUT BUILT PRODUCT. Cash buyer looking for Powder Ridge, Moonlight Mountain Home or Chalet. Quick closing.
Next time you’re longing for that roped off run, know the ski area and ski patrol want you schralping it as badly as you do. If it’s closed, it’s likely closed for good reason. The ski areas and patrols are doing their best to provide powder for the people!
RYAN KULESZA | BROKER
406.539.4666 CELL
Ryan@RiversToPeaks.com TALLIE JAMISON | ASSOCIATE
406.600.8081 CELL
Tallie@RiversToPeaks.com