“I’m in love with Montana. For other States I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it”. – John Steinbeck
I have always loved mountains for as long as I can remember. Starting at the mere age of three, I begin skiing with my parents which over the years blossomed into a life long love of  downhill skiing. Today, decades later I’m in my parents boots and am skiing with my own children. It is quite a joy to see them go down the hill and develop the same love of the mountains and great outdoors as I have.
This week we are in Big Sky, Montana for our first-ever family ski trip. We’re here for an entire week of Spring skiing and you couldn’t ask for better weather. It has been absolutely brilliant. Bursting mountain blue sky, bright, joyous sunlight and deliciously soft, silky snow. What more could you ask for than a stint enjoying Big Sky’s bliss? Not much in my opinion.
Big Sky Trial Map. Photo source: visitmt.com
In the morning, we signed our kids up for ski lessons so we could have a nice three hour ski date. Here is what we saw…
The conditions were wonderful albeit slightly hot for skiing. But no matter. It was simply stunning outside. I convinced my husband to take the gondola up to the very top. Little did he know what he was getting into…the only way down was a black or double black diamond.
But the views on top were out of this world!
We took the double black diamond face. It was steep, but wow what a ride!!! I screamed the whole way down and pat myself on the back for being able to do a double black at 41! Woohoo!
Then it was time to pick up the kids and have lunch. We were all starving! We had a few hours left of great family skiing after lunch before it was time to head back for the day.
I did a few runs on the “big” mountains with six-year-old Sophia and she was certainly proud that she could do it, as was I.
Then it was time to head back. The feet and legs were sore. Thankfully we had a few more hours of gorgeous sunlight to soak in and relax. Â Wow, what a day!
Stay tuned….I’m not checking comments or reading blogs this week while I’m here in Montana but will be playing catching up when I return next week.Â
Fabulous pics, Nicole. What a great and beautiful place to spend a week. 🙂
Thanks! It has been so wonderful and just what the doctor ordered to cure my mind, body and soul! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! I’ve grown up skiing at Whistler and love every minute of the mountain air. Glad to see you do as well, and great that you get to experience it with your kids. Enjoy your holiday
I would LOVE to go to Whistler! That is on my list. I have only been to Banff and Lake Louise for hiking but fell in love with it. I’m hoping we can make it there someday with the kids.
Where do you live now?
We live in Vancouver, Canada – still close to Whistler, but not the same as being right beside the mountain =) It’s a beautiful city though…
You should definitely come to Whistler — even in the summer, that’s actually my favorite time to visit there. So much to do.
I would love to visit both Whistler and Vancouver. Someday! I’ve heard they are both wonderful and beautiful!
So jealous. I lived in Bozeman during college and miss the constant sun and powder!
I bet it was amazing living in Bozeman! I love it out here. What a great place. We are headed home today but I want to come next year if we can swing it. I love how much less developed it is in Big Sky as compared with Colorado. No lift lines either! We had the place almost to ourselves!
Stunning vistas, and how marvellous it must be to do a black run. I tried skiing for the first time last year (at 48) but the boots just killed my feet. *envious* 😀
Thanks! I grew up skiing just like my kids are. Starting young is a good way to learn. 🙂 I love it!
Nice photo’s, looks like you had a wonderful time! I can relate to the appreciation of “big blue skies”, I lived in Alberta for 32 years and I do miss it. thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much! I have been to Banff and Lake Louise and loved it. Such a beautiful part of the world. 🙂
Fantastic photos Nicole! I LOVE that blue sky 🙂
Beautiful precious family time – enjoy!!!
Thanks so much Anne! It was such a wonderful trip. So many memories and so special. 🙂 Heading home this afternoon and the kids want me to make them a scrap book!
Gorgeous pictures!
Thanks! 🙂 A beautiful place!
I am really afraid to break my leg but your post is inspiring..Scary – you must be a great skier ?
Thanks! I’ve skied my entire life starting at age 3. We started our kids young too. To me, it’s like riding a bike! 🙂
I love to ride a bike long distances but thats as bold as I get : )
A double black…I am definitely impressed! We spent two years in Yellowstone and fell in love with Montana. 🙂
Yes Montana is so lovely! I think I skied the best I ever have, and it felt good at age 41! 🙂 I’ve skied all my life and finally this year I was able to pass my dad (70) on the slope. Either he is slowing down or I’m speeding up!
Probably a little of both! 🙂