Adventuring for a White Christmas
Things have gotten off to a slow start here in the great state of Utah this winter. Amongst all the bitching and griping of low snow , I have to remind myself and others that there are only two types of ski days, Good ones and Great ones!
For every grey cloud, or lack there of, a silver lining & opportunity await. With little snow at the mothership , the only logical thing to do was set off on a solo shot in search of the fresh that had fallen in Montana a few days prior. I loaded up the faithful adventure companion “Melissa”, juiced the ipod, waxed the “big girls” and set off with a sense of excitement like that of a small child on Christmas morning.
Approaching the small town of West Yellowstone on Christmas Eve day was magical. The aroma of pine from wood burning stoves filled the air and a sense of quiet and calmness dripped deeper into my spirit as each mile passed. The snow began to appear heavier in the fir’s the deeper I drove into Yellowstone N.P. and I knew I was in for a special Christmas Eve tour.
Pulling over on a shoulder , I gazed up at a lovely knoll that was primed for a beautiful tour and some epic meadow skipping. For three hours I skinned in a blissful quietness and tried to soak up the almost incomprehensible beauty that surrounded me. The snow was more than I could have hoped for, after three weeks of groomed bombing, my sticks finally got buried in the big white love.
Christmas Eve brought together good friends and a lovely candle lit church service in beautiful Bozeman, MT. God and I have an agreement, I visit his “brick office” twice a year, the rest of the time I believe he peers over a cloud high above and laughs at the adventurous soul dancing in this playground. He must have been content with my year, as the gift I received on Christmas Day was more than I had could have asked for.
That gift was just an epic bluebird day at Big Sky with a joyful first tram trip up the infamous Lone Mountain. I have seen this peak many times, but the chance to finally to ski off her on Christmas was epic. The first turns into Lucky Bowl were butter! The sun hung high, smiled and embraced us in her warmth and let us play until the legs gave out! The powder was boot deep, the rocks were covered and the PBR was cold….We’ll go ahead and label this 36 hour sling shot ski adventure as a great ski day!
PS…..Did you just hear that whisper on the wind? I believe it’s Jackson going into a winter storm warning and gently calling my name;)
"Melissa"
Yellowstone National Park Christmas Eve Tour
Christmas Sunrise
Lone Peak at Big Sky
Christmas Day at Big Sky
