Big Sky Ski Team

Skiing Powder on Marx

The BSSEF Big Mountain Freeride Team caught some fresh on Marx today. Here are the photos:

Here is Melissa Cronin's report:

After three days of lift closures due to extreme weather and wind Big Sky and the Big Mountain Free Ride Team were in their glory. Today was one of those days that we all live to ski, with great snow and sapphire skies. Coaches Kelli and Krog along with Packy Cronin and Maryanne Amsden escorted the team to the south shoulder of Marx for training in skiing good powder. The team ripped it up leaving their signature on a nearly blank canvas. Krog and Kelli also used the opportunity to continue their avalanche safety awareness and to look at the results that the Big Sky Ski Patrol have seen after five days of intensive control work. Good work team! Thank you Packy Cronin for taking picture today.

Skate Skiing in the Cold

From Melissa Cronin:

Lousia Locker and Frances Cronin skate skiing in the cold temps on December 26th. Way to go girls!

(Photo by Garrett Cronin. Click on photo to view larger version.)

Big Mountain Freeride Team Hits the Slopes

Here's Melissa Cronin's report on the BSSEF's Big Mountain Freeride team:

The Big Mountain Freeride Team has been having a great time and learning a lot this week. On Saturday, December 27, the team worked on honing their avalanche skills and transceiver searches. Thanks to Nick Artmatage of Big Sky Ski Patrol for helping out with both classroom and beacon searches.

The team made the most of a blustery day on Sunday, December 28, when they met up with Kreston Rorig and discussed safe route finding and the mechanics of avalanches, many thanks to Kreston. Coach Krog and Coach Kelli made the rest of the day full by utilizing all remaining open lifts to work on good technique. The coaches and Kreston helped the team with endurance, speed, line selection, zipper lines, and catching air safely. Packy Cronin took a few pictures today of the kids catching air near Iron Horse lift. Some of the young athletes went big and did some sweet tricks or grabs. Everyone landed their boosts with style.

There is already a noticeable difference in the skiing ability of these young athletes. Good work Coaches Krog and Kelli!

Here are the photos:

Team Photo on Saturday, 1/3/09

Be at the Race Shack at Big Sky Resort before 9:00AM next Saturday, 1/3/09, for this year's team photo.

Nordic Training Calendar Updated

The Nordic training calendar has been updated.

Freeride Program this Weekend

Here's the latest from Kelli Rohrig:

Tomorrow morning, we are extremely fortunate to have Nick helping us out and giving us a brief avalanche tutorial.  Nick, who is one of the forecasters, will also be taking us outside and helping us fine tune our beacon skills along with other important skills.  Nick will be joining us 9.30-11.30 - all parents and interested parties are invited to join in on the action.

For Sunday, we will be having an on-mountain session with one of the other Big Sky patrollers.  Our subject for this outing will be route finding, route descending and avalanche awareness while descending.  Either Frank De Silva or my husband Kreston will be our patroller of the day.

Big Sky Snow Pack on Track with Last Year

Last year's snowpack at Big Sky Resort was epic--the second snowiest season in 20 years or so.  According to SkiReport.com, we're looking good for this season, as well.  Here's a comparison of this year's reported base to last year's:

Saturday Buddy Werner/Devo Training Canceled

Due to bitter cold and wind chill warnings, Jeremy Ueland has canceled training for the Junior Development and Buddy Werner programs for Saturday, December 20th.  A make-up date will be scheduled.  The weather is expected to improve tomorrow.

Apres Ski at The Cabin on 12/27/08

All BSSEF parents, coaches, and board members are invited to join us for apres ski at The Cabin Bar & Grill, which is located in the Arrowhead Mall (above Lone Mountain Sports) in the base area of Big Sky from 3:30PM to 5:30PM on Saturday, 12/27/08.  This will be a fun opportunity to kick off the season, meet the coaches, and get to know other parents.  If you would like to make dinner reservations for that evening, give Curly a call at The Cabin at 406-995-4244.

Parent Orientation Meeting on 12/27/08

All parents of BSSEF athletes are strongly encouraged to attend a brief orientation meeting starting at 9:30AM in the Mammoth Room on the second floor of the Mountain Mall at the base of Big Sky Resort on Saturday, 12/27/08, which is the first day of the YSL (long) program.  This is a great opportunty to learn more about BSSEF's programs and to meet other parents.  We look forward to seeing you there!