Before You Go
The Hare's Winter Field Journal
Our snowshoe hare has spent a great many winters in Big Sky, and he takes notes. Here are the things he wishes every visitor knew before they arrived, plus the trail markers locals check before heading out. Read it once on the plane and you'll land ready.
Field Notes
NOTE NO. 1
Dress like an onion.
Layers, not one big coat. A base layer, something warm and a shell you can unzip. Skip cotton; it stays wet and cold. A hare is never too proud for a neck warmer.
NOTE NO. 2
The air is thin up here.
Big Sky sits well above 6,000 feet. Drink more water than you think, go easy on day one, and remember that one cocktail at altitude feels like two.
NOTE NO. 3
The canyon has moods.
The drive up Highway 191 through Gallatin Canyon is gorgeous and often icy. Fill up in Bozeman, give yourself daylight, check the road report and expect little or no cell service.
NOTE NO. 4
Sunscreen in January.
Snow reflects the sun right back at you. Goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen, every day, even when it's cold. A white coat only protects so much.
NOTE NO. 5
Moose have the right of way.
Always. Give wildlife plenty of room, never feed it, and enjoy the view from a distance. The hare speaks from experience.
NOTE NO. 6
Respect the boundary ropes.
Inside the resort, ski patrol has you covered. Beyond the ropes is avalanche terrain. Read the daily avalanche forecast and only go with training, gear and a partner.
NOTE NO. 7
Cold phones nap early.
Batteries drain fast in the cold. Keep your phone in an inside pocket, bring a small charger and download your maps before you head out.
NOTE NO. 8
Slow down to mountain time.
Some kitchens close early, the line moves at its own pace and everyone says hello. Lean into it. That's half the magic.
Trail Markers
Where the hare checks before heading out
Conditions change by the hour, so go straight to the source. Each link opens the official site.
In an emergency, call 911. These are independent public resources. Powder Day Concierge isn't affiliated with them.
That's the whole journal.Pack your layers, check the markers, and leave the rest to the hare.
Craig & Jill