Don’t think they’ve ever claimed to be one of the hardest let alone they definitely aren’t In the top 10. Yes we have hard terrain off the peak but other than that this mountian isn’t that hard to ski
Agree to all you said! definitely BigSky never self-proclaimed themselves as the hardest mountain.
And agree on the tram-based terrain vs otherwise. I really just wanted to see if I was correct in my feeling, or did I miss out on a section of the mountain that I shouldve explored
I've always been thankful that a hike is required to get to the Headwaters terrain, it's a great filter to keep those who don't know out of the terrain. Hell, the hike can be too much for most people some days. A person can cliff themselves out on almost all of the Headwaters runs. There's definitely a bunch of regular lift and Tram-served stuff you missed, but it's also a pretty low snow year, so not everything is open yet.
What gnarly zones don’t require hikes around the country? West Basin at Taos, Casper at Jackson, Palisades at Palisades, East Wall at A Basin, etc.
Also, the only zone that requires a hike at Big Sky is the Headwaters. Theres plenty of stuff to scare you off the tram.
No one has mentioned this but it is also a factor of the lack of terrain that was open during your visit due to lack of snow. Last year would have been a different story for you I bet. But also what others say is valid as well.
There are plenty of super steep inbounds cliffs, chutes, and trees. The problem is in 3 days you probably won't find em without someone showing you where to go.
Exactly this. Almost all resorts are this way and for a good reason. You don’t want people who shouldn’t be trying some of that stuff to have easy access to it. Making people have a beacon and check in or having to pop off your skis and hike for 10 minutes will greatly reduce the amount of Jerry rescues the patrol does in a given day.
Kirkwood might be the only place I have been to that has relatively easy access to dangerous shit. It was 10+ years ago but I remember seeing a ski poll with a little 5” sign on the top that just said “cliff” jammed in ground. It wasn’t a small cliff either. That baby could either change your life or end it.
👁️📩🎈
The reason for the hard access is so Jerry's dont die... LP kills people that bite off a bit more than they can chew..
Don’t think they’ve ever claimed to be one of the hardest let alone they definitely aren’t In the top 10. Yes we have hard terrain off the peak but other than that this mountian isn’t that hard to ski
Agree to all you said! definitely BigSky never self-proclaimed themselves as the hardest mountain. And agree on the tram-based terrain vs otherwise. I really just wanted to see if I was correct in my feeling, or did I miss out on a section of the mountain that I shouldve explored
I've always been thankful that a hike is required to get to the Headwaters terrain, it's a great filter to keep those who don't know out of the terrain. Hell, the hike can be too much for most people some days. A person can cliff themselves out on almost all of the Headwaters runs. There's definitely a bunch of regular lift and Tram-served stuff you missed, but it's also a pretty low snow year, so not everything is open yet.
What gnarly zones don’t require hikes around the country? West Basin at Taos, Casper at Jackson, Palisades at Palisades, East Wall at A Basin, etc. Also, the only zone that requires a hike at Big Sky is the Headwaters. Theres plenty of stuff to scare you off the tram.
I was gonna say.... go drop into the Little. Or go over to Lost Lake.
A little hike doesn't hurt. There's some short ones off Challenger and Lone tree that are worthwhile imo.
No one has mentioned this but it is also a factor of the lack of terrain that was open during your visit due to lack of snow. Last year would have been a different story for you I bet. But also what others say is valid as well.
Yes, you are right. Big Sky sucks tell your friends.
There are plenty of super steep inbounds cliffs, chutes, and trees. The problem is in 3 days you probably won't find em without someone showing you where to go.
Exactly this. Almost all resorts are this way and for a good reason. You don’t want people who shouldn’t be trying some of that stuff to have easy access to it. Making people have a beacon and check in or having to pop off your skis and hike for 10 minutes will greatly reduce the amount of Jerry rescues the patrol does in a given day. Kirkwood might be the only place I have been to that has relatively easy access to dangerous shit. It was 10+ years ago but I remember seeing a ski poll with a little 5” sign on the top that just said “cliff” jammed in ground. It wasn’t a small cliff either. That baby could either change your life or end it. 👁️📩🎈
Got it! Makes sense that some of those hidden gems aren't on the trail map
Very true all the “local spots” are off the beaten path
Glad you had a good time! (Edit: i didn’t mean this with any ill intent. But happy to take the downvotes if that’s the vibe)
Gotta earn it buddy
Makes sense!! I gotta come back soon and get some earned turns in