Lucky Skiing

I’m going to take a second to brag about how lucky I am to live in Big Sky and work with Lone Mountain Ranch for the winter season. Having 85 kilometers of pristine Nordic trails to ski on every day would be enough to keep most people satisfied for the season, but as if that’s not enough, our trails connect to Big Sky Resort’s 5,800 acres of downhill ski terrain. I’m talking about enough area to keep someone on skis busy for season after season.

A short ten minute drive up the mountain from the Ranch will put you right at the base area of the Biggest Skiing in America. With terrain ranging from the magic carpet bunny hills to the steeps of the A-Z chutes and The Headwaters, there really isn’t anything that Big Sky doesn’t have for downhill enthusiasts. Anything, that is, except for world class Nordic trails that allow you to get your legs in shape for those 15 inch powder days that will be here soon.

Enter Lone Mountain Ranch. Nordic skiing, whether classic or skating, is a great way to get your body ready for the demands of downhill skiing. You certainly could spend all day on downhill skis, but after a long summer your legs will usually hate you after the first few outings. A wiser alternative is to come out to the Ranch, free the heel for a few days, and get your legs back in shape while exploring our beautiful trail system. Legs aside, Nordic skiing is also a great cardio workout which will help a lot when you are hiking up ridges to find fresh lines as the season progresses.

If you are a die-hard Nordic skier, I would encourage you to take a day and explore some of the incredible downhill terrain we have here in Big Sky. Likewise, if you spend every day up on the mountain, take a day and come visit us here at the Ranch to get some Nordic skis on your feet. With a full line of rental equipment and experienced instructors, we have everything you need to get back in shape and get ready for the long days of downhill skiing that will be here soon. As a rider who does it all, the skate skiing at the Ranch now is epic-the skating conditions can’t be beat. See you out on the trails.