We were here for the legendary 2013 Sweet Corn Festival. A backcountry ski, snowboard, and snowmobile celebration held each spring at the north east entrance of Montana‘s Yellowstone National Park. No sooner did we pull in when our neighbors welcomed us with PBR’s and high fives, which is all you really need to feel at home and welcome here in Montana. Ready for the weekend, we headed to The Minor Saloon to kick things off. Since we were without snowmobiles, finding a tow out beyond Daisy Pass was high on our list of priorities for the night. Fortunately we ran into fellow Moonlight Basin rider Mitch Casey and Cooke City local and Radbot Steve Popovich. Within minutes Alex and I had secured rides out for the morning.

Following a long night, the morning arrived way too soon. With hopes of endless powder and dreamy lines awaiting us, rally mode set in after some strong coffee and oatmeal.  With our first glimpse of the Cooke City and the Beartooth Wilderness, we knew we were in for a stellar day. Deep pow, clean take offs, and untouched landings were all on the menu. The semi low visibility confined us to the trees, where we played mini golf for the majority of the day. Sneak peaks of what was hiding beyond the wall of snow fueled the stoke for what would hopefully lay ahead in the coming days. Pulling back into town, there was a slight feeling of relief. Knowing that our good friend Matt was in the hospital due to a  recent snowmobile accident just a day prior, we felt fortunate to be back safe, sound, and ready for another long night of Corn Fest.

After an even longer night, morning was upon us before we thought about going to bed. Some how through the dancing and mingling we had conjured up snowmobile rides out with the Red Bull crew. Score! This time the weather proved to be even more unpredictable. Full on blizzard and pounding snow for an hour and then… bluebird!! I was absolutely stunned at the huge terrain that surrounded us(but if anyone asks, the people where mean and the skiing sucked!). With a small weather window, we ran laps for as long as the light would hold. The snow was quite nice(almost a foot had fallen overnight), and with the light, it was all that I had hoped for and more at the 2013 Sweet Corn Fest!

Chance Lenay trany finder.

Pow, split boards, long tracks, and good friends to watch your back. All the makings of a epic day!

It’s spring somewhere… but not where Alex Bueking is skiing.

In Montana everything is bigger, including the Norwegian fireplaces. Toasty!

Just because we slept in a dump doesn’t mean we’re not civilized. BC picnic with the Red Bull crew. Big thanks for the hospitality!

Mitch Casey teeing off.

The art of the tailgate. Easy living!

Already thinking about next winter? Get a jump on next season and save big! 2013/14 Moonlight Basin Spring Season Pass Sale. We even have  a Pay In 2 Plan! Click HERE for more info.

Pat Gannon earning points on all fronts by getting the shot & calling his mom while sending The Toad!

Prizes Include:

• 1st Place: $100 gift certificate at the Jack Creek Grille and 2 2013 Moonlight Basin lift tickets.

• Runner Up: $50 gift certificate to the Moonride Rental & Repair Shop.

• Best Photo: $25 gift certificate to The North Slope Deli.

Hellfire Instagram Scavenger Hunt Shotlist:

1. Photo of you or your partner posing with a mountain goat and a Moonlight Basin sticker.

2. Find and photograph the Moonlight Basin Dead Head sticker on the Headwaters hike.

3. Photo of you or your partner pole-whacking the cornice along the Three Forks run of the Headwaters.

4. Photo of the shot-ski in action at the Headwaters Grille or Jack Creek Grille.

5. Photo of you or your partner using the bolted rope repel in the crux of Class 4 in the Headwaters.

6. Photo of your first Moonlight Basin run claimed on ClaimMYrun.

7. Photo of you or your partner stopping to call your mom at the top of the Tetris Piece

8. Photo of you or your partners doing some après ski Marco Polo in the hot tub/pool at Moonlight Lodge

9. Photo of you or your partner presenting gifts of beer/food to Ski Patrol for all their hard work and keeping raw big mountain freeriding accessable here at Moonlight.

10. Photo of you or your partner with a 4 leaf clover(it is St. Patrick’s Day weekend after all!).

Tune in here for the most up to date snow conditions, videos, and venue details.

Last Updated 3/18/13

Images and info courtesy of MSI. More event photos and video coming soon!

The results are in, and it was a close one. Coming in first overall for the women was Hadley Hammer out of Jackson Hole, WY. Hadley was the last woman to ski today and still managed to choose an original line featuring an air at the top, clean fast turns to the looker’s left side of the venue and a big air near the bottom. She skied flawlessly without hesitation throughout both days of competition earning a total combined score of 150.00.

Local Montana skier and Moonlight Basin wildcard Sasha Dingle skied a super aggressive line linking several features and a significant straight-line which positioned her on the second podium spot. She had a total combined score of 139.67. Rounding out the ladies’ podium, Katrina DeVore from Aspen, CO took third overall by executing technically strong, fast and fluid runs. DeVore’s total score was 132.00.

Hammer, Dingle, & DeVore on the Moonlight Basin podium(photo: A.Jimmerson).

The men’s field was stacked with talent. An extremely narrow margin of 0.33 points separated the first and second place overall finishers. Skiing out of Vail, CO, Patty Baskins did it all. Baskins demonstrated he is a highly skilled big mountain rider and masterful freeskier. He effortlessly linked several features while introducing style elements like an off-axis 360 to his run today and a giant mute grab yesterday. Baskins’ creative style earned him the top score of 154.00.

Following Baskins closely in second place, Christian Boucher-fondly known as “Little C”- demonstrated strong intelligence with his line choice and skied a completely solid run. Boucher was awarded with a score of 153.67. In third place, Randy Evans out of Bridger Bowl, MT topped off a sweet and smooth run with a giant crowd-pleasing back flip at the bottom.

Baskins, Boucher, & Evans take the men’s Subaru Freeride Series Stop #1 podium(photo: A.Jimmerson).

In addition to podium awards, several riders were nominated for the coveted Sick Bird presented by Backcountry.com. The Sick Bird award is highly revered by the big mountain freeride community and is granted riders who challenge not only themselves but also the sport through their athletic performance. The 2013 Moonlight Basin Sick Bird was awarded to Conner Pelton. Pelton was smooth and quick through a super exposed “billy goat” section, which lead to a big air through a straight-line. He finished his run with a styley cork-360.

Sick Bird award presented by Backcountry.com recipient Connor Pelton(photo: A.Jimmerson).

3/16/13

The judges are still working on the results, and rightfully so. Rumor has it that it’s going to be a close one. In the meantime here are a few images curtousy of Patrick Larson of today’s action to tide you over.

Firm, fast, and fluid, seemed to be the key to success oday.

One of today’s victims of the hell that is the Headwaters.

Making it look easy… and it wasn’t.

Class 4 was nominated for the Sick Bird numerous times today.

Tip of the cap to all of today’s competitors. They stepped up and slayed big features despite the firm conditions.

Day 2 venue.

3/15/13

The judges had their hands full with Day 1 qualifiers. The field of competitors put their heart and soul into their runs. Firm conditions did not deter many athletes from putting it on the line and rising to the challenge. Here is a quick recap of the day’s highlights. Click HERE for more images and results from FWQ.

Pat Gannon stepping up and sending The Tetris Piece.

… and the crowd goes wild!

The judges keeping a close eye on the competition.

FWQ competitor taking the leap off of the Lillie Pad.

The ladies were the first to go, and waisted no time slaying Hells Half Acre.

One of the gnarliest falls of the day. Believe it on not he skied away from this.

3/13/13

Temps have been hovering in the upper 30′s with calm winds and overcast skies. Snow conditions have been reported as variable, with mostly buffed, chalky, carveable snow and areas of softer creamy snow and firm wind affected sastrugi.  Zones I and II of the Headwaters are closed to the public until after the event. Headwaters Bowl to Firehole, and Obsidian are still open and skiing well. MSI has accessed conditions and determined the venue boundaries for day 1(see below). Ski patrol has been working hard to make improvements to the Headwaters hike in preparation for our guests. Expanded trails, switchbacks, rope lines, and additional signage have been added.

Hot off the presses! Day 1 venue released.

Headwaters view from the North side of Lone Peak.

View of Three Forks above the Elbow Room.

View of Jack Creek to Whitetail from the North.

View of Firehole to Jack Creek from the North.

Freeride World Qualifier Wildcard Sasha Dingle making her way out to Jack Creek.

Returning FWQ athletes are sure to appreciate the new rope lines and other trail improvements.

Moonlight Ski Patroller Merik putting in a long day on the pick axe getting ready for the event.

If you see Merik this weekend be sure to buy him a beer… He earned it!

Trail expansion across the top of the Headwaters hike.

Not a feature to be taken lightly. The Tetris Piece as seen from below in Rock Creek.

The Toad as seen from above.

The Toad as seen from below in the Headwaters Bowl.

The Whitewaters(Class 6, 5, & 4) as seen from below in the Headwaters Bowl.

3/11/13

Trace of new snow in the past 24 hours, 12-24 degrees at the Headwaters lift, and WNW winds 15-45 mph. The forecast is calling for a 50% chance of snow Tuesday with a high of 24 degrees. Ski Patrol will be closing the Headwaters and Dead Goat hiking areas to the public starting Wed, March 13. MSI is scheduled to come that day to inspect and determine the boundaries for the venue. Zone Zero(Headwaters Bowl, Alder Gulch, and Cold Springs) and Obsidian will remain open. Ski Patrol has asked that skiers and riders be respectful of these boundaries and let the venue heal for our competitors. Tune in for more condition updates Tuesday afternoon.

The clouds lifted giving us our first glimpse of the venue this morning.

View of Jack Creek to the Elbow Room from the buttress down.

View of Hells Half Acre to Class 4 from the buttress down.

View of Class 5 to Dead Goat from the buttress down.

3/8/13

Snowing and socked in most of the day. Weather stations reported +4″ today and 5-8″ in the past 72 hours. High of 26 degrees in the Headwaters, NW winds 5-10 mph, and a 61″ mid mountain base. Although the visibility was low, spirits were high, and conditions didn’t seem to slow many of the local FWQ hopefuls down.

Pat Gannon seding The Toad during one of today’s practice runs.

3/7/13

4″ overnight and South West winds loaded the Headwaters. Reports of boot top deep turns from the first buttress down.

Six Class to Third Fork.

Jack and Rock Creek.

The Wishbone.

The Dance Floor above Hellroaring and Hell’s Half Acre.

The Equal Signs coming into the Elbow Room.

The Tetris Piece.

3/6/13

To celebrate our collaboration with ClaimMYrun, we are holding the Moonlight Basin ClaimMYrun Video Challenge. The first person to upload 20 ClaimMyRun Moonlight Basin trail map videos by April 14, 2013 6pm MST will WIN a 2013-2014 Moonlight Basin Season Pass! All you need to do is:

·         Create a profile on ClaimMYrun

·         Shoot and upload 20 of your best Moonlight Basin videos to our ClaimMYrun Video Trail Map

·         Share it to get the most views

The winner will be announced this Fall, and contacted via ClaimMyRun. For more information, visit us at moonlightbasin.com. What are you waiting for? Put all that GoPro and Contour footage to good use and claim Moonlight as Your Mountain!

Click HERE to start claiming!

“After scouring the western United States resorts [in 2011], we found many good options to host a qualifier, but we chose Moonlight Basin over the rest based on their unique terrain and resort culture that embraces freeskiing” said Event Director Bryan Barlow.

This winning combination of western ski philosophy(as in wild west), raw big mountain terrain, and genuine Montana hospitality has been capturing the hearts and minds of skiers and riders for years, and helped foster a growing and healthy freeskiing community. One that is thrilled and honored to partake in this new era of the  Freeride World Tour.

This season the event is back as a 4-star qualifier. With the newly unified merger of North Face Masters of Snowboarding, Swatch Freeride World Tour, and Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, Moonlight Basin‘s event is part of the Subaru Freeride Series, a series made up of three 4-star Freeride World Qualifier events in the United States.

Even with all the tour’s changes, one thing remains the same. It’s desire to bring the best freeskiers and riders in the world together to compete for one true title. Moonlight Basin‘s attitude remains the same as well.  As the host mountain we are excited to roll out the red carpet and welcome the athletes, friends, and fans of the freeride community to our home.

Come watch the competition and cheer on the skiers from the finish line in Stillwater Bowl on Friday, March 15 for qualifying runs and on Saturday, March 16 for the finals.

Click HERE and stay tuned for FWQ news and specials!

Stitchtagram:

Put that smartphone to good use and make something unique that your lady will love in the lift line. Simply submit some of your favorite Instagram photos of good times and adventures spent together to Stitchtagram, and they will do the rest. They’ll make your memories into a throw pillow, tote bag, wristlet, or coin purse. Think this is stupid? That’s because you’re a guy. Trust me. We girls love this stuff, and she’ll think you spent hours combing over pictures, memories, and picking out the perfect gift. Jerk!

Love Is In The Air Basket:

This one is perfect for the ski stud on the go. Pick your lady up a little something special between pow laps or at après. Head downstairs to the spa at Moonlight Lodge for a gift basket designed with her in mind. A 50 minute massage,  aromatherapy pillow, Bissinger’s chocolates, a potted rose plant, and a cute little”With Love” book to boot. A little TLC goes a long way, fellas! We may be strong independent women who live in the mountains, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to be made to feel like a lady. Wrap up her massage session with a signature drink in front of the Jack Creek Grille‘s enormous fireplace.

Ski Date:

Let’s face it. What your girl wants most is some QT with you. Take her on a ski date and do something you both enjoy. Yes, this may mean going at her speed, lapping her favorite runs, going in when she’s cold, snuggling up by the fire with some snacks and drink specials at Jack Creek Grille, etc. You’ll still be on the hill doing what you love with the one you love. She’ll be thrilled, and deep down so will you.

Click HERE to get your Love Is In The Air gift basket!

About The Author:

Liz Welles has been skiing since she was 3 years old. With a strong ski racing and coaching background, she has honed her skills here at Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resorts for the past 8 years. Her sponsors include Smith Optics, LEKI poles and gloves, Powderhorn Apparel, and she is a Moonlight Basin Athlete Ambassador.

Hey Ladies! Are  you looking for a great way to increase your knowledge of Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Montana’s famous terrain while sharpening your skiing skills? Then check out the Wednesday’ s Moonlight Ladies clinics; a progressive 6-week program…taught by women, for women. Come check out this unique women’s-only on-snow series, taught by the best instructors that Moonlight Basin’s Snowsports School has to offer. This clinic is sure to help you fine-tune your skills, with video analysis and feedback included. It’s a great way to learn the mountain and gain the skills needed to take your ability to the next level, not to mention having practically the entire mountain to yourself!

I had the opportunity to make a few runs with the gals of the first session as they sought out fresh turns all over the mountain. Talk about wide-open spaces… We may as well have had our own private mountain! They don’t call it the Biggest Skiing In America for nothing. We found fresh corduroy hours into the day(not something I have experienced anywhere else in the country) and the unparalleled views of the northern Madison mountain range are something you won’t find anywhere else in Big Sky.

Moonlight‘s even thought of the little ones. Workshop times are set up to coincide with their Skiwees program and Moonlight Kids daycare. The first session is already underway, but you can still join at a pro-rated price. The second 6 week session runs from 2/29-4/3 and is only $295(lift tickets not included).

So ladies, if you’re ready to level up on your skiing in an all-female environment, come join Moonlight Ladies on Wednesdays. Send your husbands off with a hall pass and a free Ski with a Local Mountain Tour, and get ready to shred with the gals!

Click HERE to take your skiing skills to the next level!

About The Author:

Liz Welles has been skiing since she was 3 years old. With a strong ski racing and coaching background, she has honed her skills here at Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resorts for the past 8 years. Her sponsors include Smith Optics, LEKI poles and gloves, Powderhorn Apparel, and she is a Moonlight Basin Athlete Ambassador.

With it’s fresh format & jam style atmosphere, this event is designed to bring out all that’s fun & true in snowboarding.  Instead of having three rails in a row, we put them side by side to create a rail zone. This boosts the energy level and fun nature of the contest because everyone is together, riding, hiking, and watching in a big group. The judges only care about stomped tricks, so there’s no need to worry about falling, & everyone is super supportive. Not to mention that the venue on Cup-A-Joe, just a snowballs throw from the fire pit, playground, & deck at the Headwaters Grille, creates a fun & festive vibe for spectators & riders alike.

After the awards ceremony everyone is invited to come inside at the Headwaters Grille for après ski music & fun. Come join us at Moonlight Basin this Saturday, January 19 for some fun in the sun at the 2013 Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam!

Click HERE for all your registration information, discounted lift tickets for competitors, & more!

In this installment of North Side Spotlight  we catch up with 2013 Smash Life Bank Slalom champion & Moonlight Basin Athlete Todd Kirby. Kirby, along with Jason Robinson, Shane Stalling, Lucas Debari, Alex Yoder, & a deep field of riders, friends, & fans gathered at neighboring Big Sky Resort to rally & celebrate the memory of our late friend & snowboarding legend Aaron Robinson(aka A-Rob).

MB: Congratulations on your win on this year’s Smash Life Banked Slalom. You are the reigning champion! Tell us about this event & why it’s so special to you?

TK: Yeah, it was  super fun weekend! After last year’s win here at Smash Life it has become one of my favorites. Great course, good vibes, & all in the name of A-Rob & the Plant A Seed Foundation. Honored to be here. I think the caliber of riders & character of people this event attracts speaks volumes about Montana, Smash Life, A-Rob, & the whole Robinson family.

MB: How was the course this year?

TK: FAST! You could say the course had a lot of… character. When I got to the bottom I told Jay Moore from World Boards that I think I just blacked out… Once I dropped in everything just hit me soo fast. The upper berms had great flow, & I was able to pump to gain speed, but the bottom half… I have no idea. Blacked out after the rocks. Really just pinned it & hung on for dear life! Never come into a finish line that hot before.

MB: What was the highlight of your day?

TK: That would have to be the parade of mountain goats across the top of the A-Z’s & Headwaters. 15 of them lined up on this knife edge, soaking up the sun, & watching over all of us. It was so surreal. They stayed for the entire race, & then dropped into Moonlight. It was amazing! Definitely felt like A-Rob was looking after us.

MB: What other plans do you have this season?

TK: Lots of travel, filming, events, and snowboarding with friends. Obviously looking forward to exploring more of Moonlight. You guys have such great terrain & a real mellow vibe over there. As for events… It really all depends upon snow & my schedule. There’s the Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam coming up January 19th at Moonlight. Red Bull is hosting an event at Snoqualmi in February I really want to go to. Hopefully I get another invite to Super Park in May. Still need to squeeze in some classes at Montana State University as well. Lots going on as always. My schedule is pretty fluid

Good luck to Todd at this weekend’s Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam Saturday, January 19.  Click HERE to watch video of last year’s event or to REGISTER FOR FREE.

Todd Kirby is the newest member of Moonlight Basin’s Athlete Team. Todd’s other sponsors include: World Boards, Phar North, Ride Snowboards, Gatorade, Coal Headwear, & VonZipper.

Despite all of her good fortune and fame Heather remains the same humble, hard working, Montana sweetheart all her friends and fans have come to know and love. We caught up with Heather for a few laps while she was home here at Moonlight Basin, and squeezed in a quick Q&A between runs.

1. Role model or super model? Role model

2. Guinea pig or powder pig? Powder Pig

3. GMO’s or organic?  Organic

4. E-Mo or Yo?  Umm…neither?

5. Technicality or style?  Style for sure

6. Early bird or night owl?  Early bird

7. Fold or all in?  All in…unless it’s a card game and then I get nervous

8. Ski or snowboard?  Yes please!

9. Cats or dogs? Love them both

10. Tell us a little about your experience with the Freeride Team today?

I had such an amazing time with the Moonlight Basin Freeride Team today!  They were such an energetic awesome group of kids, and they are such great skiers!  The coaches were fantastic; great energy, and somehow kept 22 kids in amazing organized chaos!  The crew showed me their favorite spots and I tried to keep up

Click HERE to see video of Heather’s day skiing with the Moonlight Basin Freeride Team!

Heather McPhie member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, and is a hard charging, fun loving  girl from Bozeman, Montana. Her sponsors include: Moonlight Basin Resort, Red Bull, Outlaw Partners, Full Tilt, Oakley, Moment, and Lululemon Athletica. Follow Heather‘s adventures at heathermcphie.com or on Facebook and Twitter.