chadx

Big Sky is a 2.5 hour drive from Helena and is the only place we ski and board. That's not only because of the terrain and lack of crowds, but because we have a place to stay in Big Sky and we get season passes there so any days spent at other ski areas cuts into our 'daily average cost' by not using our paid-for season passes. Unfortunately I've not been to any of the other ski areas that Kinpa noted (which is bad, since we lived in Bozeman for a while and now live in Helena), but I can comment on the one aspect of Great Divide here in Helena since I hear lots of people talking about it. The best advice for there is "bring your rock board". The base is still advertised as 40" deep, but most people tell me you have to watch for rocks, etc. year round, much less that late in the spring. We do get some snow storms through, but we also have a lot of 50 - 60 degree days by then (just had 4 days of 50+ temps and high winds that melted all the snow piles in town, but the mountains still have quite a bit of snow in them). That time of year, it will really be a timing issue. If a storm just came through, you'll be pretty good. If it's been in the 50s for a week, maybe not so much. I wish I could comment on if Great Divide has fun carving terrain, but since I've not been there (and couldn't explain what type of terrain we want to most softbooters or skiers), I can't help there. So, I guess my response if full of no useful information at all, really. :rolleyes: Sorry.

Meeester Darren, As (un)luck would have it, I won't make it to Big Sky this weekend. We were up last weekend and will be up next week starting Friday...which of course does nothing to get us on the slopes at the same time (unless you'll be there until Friday). I'm bummed the timing didn't work out after all that communication. Sometimes that's just the way it goes. Hopefully we'll get to do some runs together sometime. Chad

Hey, that's pretty cool. I especially like the part where I clicked the run button and watched it send the skier icon along your route with the times and everything.

Heya Flashby, Sounds good on the trip. We'll play it buy ear and hopefully be able to meet up. No smartphone, but you can call or text my cell. And just so you know, there is pretty good reception in Big Sky for voice and even better for text. (I think I sent you my number, right?)

Thanks for the update. It will be hit or miss if our schedules sync up, but just shoot me an email or give me a call a couple days before you head to Big Sky and we'll see if it works out. In any case, have a fun trip. Snow should be good out this way. Big Sky had the deepest base Thanksgiving weekend since 1996, so a good head start. The mountain (and the coverage) is skiing like it normally does in Jan. We were up Thanksgiving weekend and we are heading up again Dec. 18. We normally don't go up and ski until after Christmas. Good stuff.

Rynox34, Email sent through Bomberonline. Thanks.

Off to the bay if no takers? The bay linky here

slopetool, I'm up here right now. Getting ready to head out this morning. Will be out there both today and tomorrow. I'll keep an eye out for you. I have brown pants, burnt orange jacket, and black fullface helmet. Chad

Kinpa, I'll have to check my schedule. Is there a session up there then? I haven't been on here much so am out of touch with the upcoming events. yyz and flash, I emailed both of you further contact info for myself. It is dumping like crazy in Montana. Mrs. Chadx and I are heading up to Big Sky this weekend. Not sure if we'll ski and board, but have a few errands and home owners association meetings to attend and will be nice to get away for a long Thanksgiving weekend.

I've not been, but for anyone else that stumbles on this thread and is curious here is there website: redlodgemountain

Email sent with my contact info...

Yes, I would ship to Canada, although it can be somewhat expensive. I checked for one person and it was over $30. PM me a shipping address and I can stop and get a shipping quote/estimate if you are seriously interested. We might be able to work something out on the shipping.

Great. Hopefully we'll make it up over that time line and be able to ride together. If anyone is interested, we rent our 2BR/2BA condo up there, but there are lots of other rentals up there, too. We usually end up staying with some friends up there that we only get to see during the ski season, so end up doing seasonal rentals on our unit. http://www.vrbo.com/109035

For Sale: Giro Remedy S Carbon Fiber Fullface helmet - Size Medium. Brand new in box. Flat black with gray and blue pinstripes. Similar to the regular Remedy S except this helmet is made out of Carbon Fiber so is lighter. 907 grams (32oz) compared to 1050 grams (37 ounces) for the non-carbon fiber. 143 gram (5 ounce) reduction is about 13.6% weight reduction by going with the carbon fiber. Noticeably lighter. Size medium. The box says 21.75 - 23 inches (55.5 - 59cm). I am 23.75" so ended up getting a size large instead, but I have an oblong head so usually end up wearing one size larger. I've been wearing my Large and love it. Visibility is still as wide as my open face and the weight isn't noticable. I thought it would feel like more weight, but really it doesn't. Very happy with it. MSRP is $270. Asking $195 plus shipping. This is a brand new helmet. Never been worn. I live in Helena, MT but am in Bozeman and Big Sky often so can coordinate meeting in either of those places or routes in between.

Email reply sent. Would be good to ride with you and anyone else heading to Big Sky for the '10/'11 season. I'll be up there, for a 3 day weekend about every two weeks.