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The mountains were quite intimidating for me. I am not a great skier, but I can maneuver my way to the bottom without seriously injuring myself – that being said, the biggest hill I had ever been on is just that… a HILL. The mountains in the summertime have always taken my breath away, but this was a whole new experience.
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We started at Moonlight Basin the first day there. The temperature was in the twenties and it started snowing halfway through our day, so it was amazing. The whole group was extremely patient with me the whole time.
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Moonlight Basin is the backside of Lone Mountain and is the less popular and a little smaller resort in the Big Sky area. The very top features the Headwaters which are ridiculous narrow rocky chutes that are clearly labeled double black diamonds and they require hiking to get there. As we hit the slopes, we kept looking up at the headwaters and just imagining how insane it must be to do what Brady does. He is a little more hardcore than little old me.
My first experience with lifts on the mountain was awesome. We rode the main lift called the Six Shooter – its nickname is the “flying couch.” Here’s all six of us on the lift. And yes, I only have one pole – Justin had to climb in waist deep snow to get the other one. I was a little bit distracted having all six of us on one lift together.
This is the spot that you can ski across that looks up at the headwaters (photo below). We watched one or two crazy people come down. There was not quite enough snow on some of them for it to be safe. This mountain is a big beast.
This was at the top of my favorite run called Horseshoe. It ran on the outer limits of the resort and had some incredible views of the valley and the peaks beyond Lone Mountain. Another favorite of everyone was Meriweather.
I was a little sore the next day, but I was extremely proud of myself for getting up there and doing it. I know with 100% certainty that I will never be brave enough a good enough skier to attempt the headwaters or anything crazy like that, but I truly enjoyed the length of these runs and had a blast just cruising. It’s going to be extremely difficult to ski at the hills around here anytime soon.
Now that sounds like a great trip Steph. There's definitely something for every type of skier here at Moonlight, and a lifetime of adventure to be had. Meriweather is definitely one of our favorites as well. Did you make it up to Lookout Ridge? Some super fun blue runs & amazing views of the Spanish Peaks and Fan Mountain from there. Think a lot of people don't head over that way because the Lone Tree lift looks kind of intimidating, but don't be fooled. Great cruisers off the ridge.
Hope you come back and ski again with us soon. Let us know the next time you're in town, and if there is anything we can do during your stay. Until then… We'll make a few turns for you 🙂
Omg! Looks like the best skiing conditions. I just started skiing almost 4 years ago, and I've grown to love it!! Especially now that I have boot warmers!