Fresh turns are just one of the allures of skiing and riding in the backcountry. During trying times, recreating in the outdoors can have tremendous benefits on both mental and physical health. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER
After the recent closures of Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort
due to COVID-19 concerns, many skiers and boarders weren’t ready to relinquish turns
yet to be had in the still-snowy mountains of southwest Montana.
With lifts retired for the season, skiers, boarders and
snowmobilers have taken to the backcountry in pursuit of the tail-end of a
season cut short. Recreating outside can offer invaluable benefits during
trying times such as mood-boosting elevated serotonin and endorphin levels.
However, those getting out in the backcountry are no longer in controlled
terrain and are more vulnerable to a number of hazards.
To Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, more traffic in the backcountry means more triggers. According to the National Avalanche Center, over 90 percent of avalanche accidents were triggered by the victim or someone in the victim’s party. With people being the predominant initiators of avalanches, greater numbers of people amount to increased risk.
Backcountry skiers dig a snow pit and test snowpack stability on a west-facing aspect at Beehive Basin. Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center advises backcountry travelers to continue to take necessary precautions, even as sunny spring days offer a false sense of security. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER
Chabot warns that in busier locations, such as Bridger Bowl
and Beehive Basin, people should consider not only the threat they pose to
themselves but also to those around them. “The danger exists not only for the
people that would trigger and get caught, but if it’s crowded, we’re now
putting other people at risk because there might be people underneath us.”
This time of year, it is especially critical to take
necessary precautions in the backcountry as the snowpack transitions from
winter to spring conditions, a trend GNFAC forecasters are already taking note
of. Chabot says that a wet snowpack is a weak snowpack, a reality that grows
more prevalent as the sun rises higher in the sky and reaches the surface of
the snow in greater concentration.
“We are seeing some smaller wet avalanches, but we are
warning people that as the temperatures get warmer, if they are sinking into
wet snow, it’s time to go elsewhere,” Chabot said.
Other threats particularly partial to the warming season are cornices. While the big overhangs of snow are dangerous throughout the entire year, they reach an ominous phase in the spring after building up all season and weakening with the warming temperatures. According to Chabot, new backcountry travelers have a tendency to underestimate how far back a cornice’s breaking point extends. This is a hazard that demands acute attention and consideration so as not to send a bomb-like cascade of snow down on others, Chabot said.
The skin track at popular backcountry locations such as Beehive Basin show shines of frequent use, especially since traffic from closed ski resorts has moved into the backcountry. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER
A backcountry skier breaks trail through fresh snow at Beehive Basin. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER
Spring conditions play a mentally deceiving game, as well.
“We tend to equate snow stability with our feelings. ‘It feelsgood,
it’s such a beautiful day,’” Chabot said, having observed the pattern of eager
snow sportsmen and woman each year. “Well, the snowpack doesn’t care.”
During this time of changing conditions and heavier backcountry traffic, it remains as essential as ever to retain best practices when moving through uncontrolled terrain. Chabot emphasizes the continued importance of reading the advisory, carrying rescue gear, going with partners and using the GNFAC as a resource.
“We’re here to help [backcountry travelers] make good
decisions,” Chabot said.
For more information and to check the avalanche advisory, visit mtavalanche.com or call the advisory phone at (406)-587-6981.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get
more
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary.Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm