As it remains right now it doesn’t seem like winter is ever going to turn on for this season, at least not in Montana. I moved here to ski and with the absence of any over-the-head pow days this year I’ve been searching for ways to make the poor skiing just a little bit better.
At Bridger Bowl, MT we have resorted to huge party laps as one way to increase the fun factor of a bad day. Skiing in big groups of people is potentially frowned upon at bigger resorts but Bridger provides the perfect opportunity for skiing with all your homies, to which I am no stranger. This way, at least when the snow is less than forgiving you can watch all your friends do it with you.
Another great option is grilling in the parking lot. Grilling brings a nice apres feel to a generic ski day without the traditional cost. Spending an extra hour in the parking lot to hang out gives you something fun to look forward to while you lap the same ice-groomer for the tenth time of the day. It also means carrying one less snack in your pocket while you ski and spending a little extra time with your friends while enjoying a semi-questionable hotdog and a lukewarm beverage from the car.
Crazily enough folks have even been losing their skis for snowboards. When the skiing is offering much to be desired, switching one snow-sliding discipline for another can be great fun. Same with trying something else out like ski blades or telemark skis.
We’re all waiting for the storms to finally turn on; getting glimpses of hope with a couple inches every few weeks. But as temperatures continue to be record highs morale is reaching a record low. Montanans, and skiers all over this year, are dreaming of those days we used to have. Snow so deep you’re almost scared and suddenly all the snorkel jokes don’t seem so far out of reach. One day these deep storms might return, but for now we can only do our snow dances and make new fun at the resort.
Inventing ways for the accessible groomers to become challenging again is how we’ve been keeping the winter spirit alive in Montana. At Bridger Bowl you can find Montana State students planning next years ski trips and actually attending the classes they’ve registered for this year while they rip snowboards in groups of thirty waiting for food in the parking lot. It’s all good fun!