PureWest - Skiing

Moonlight Basin offer "Ski with a Local" Mountain Tours

Jason Frey — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:07:00 GMT

"Ski with a Local" Mountain Tours

If you are interested in finding the best gladed tree runs, the finest groomers, or knowing about our secret powder stashes – don’t miss your chance to Ski with a Local. Whether it is your first time or you have been here many times before, our seasoned Mountain Ambassadors will provide you with a personalized tour of what makes Moonlight Basin special. Don’t miss this Moonlight Basin Experience!

Madison Village Base Area everyday and the Moonlight Lodge on Saturdays starting December 12
10:30am and 1:30pm

Spanish Peaks a "Featured Destination" by Houston Lifestyles Magazine reposted by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:32:00 GMT

THE CLUB AT SPANISH PEAKS OFFERS BIG FUN IN BIG SKY

Big Sky, Montana: Pure and simple. Natural and unspoiled. The quintessential American wilderness. Roughly four million acres of National Forest, designated wilderness and national parks define Big Sky and in the midst of this gem of unblemished wild country sits The Club at Spanish Peaks. The Club is a 5,700-acre private enclave in a very privileged neighborhood; however, make no mistake, every visitor to this amazing resort will receive a genuine Montana experience, unpretentious and authentic, even down to the architecture and amenities.

Geographically, it is sheer isolation — with easy access. To the west stretches the vast Lee-Metcalf Wilderness. To the south awaits the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yellowstone National Park, to the north the Gallatin National Forest and the Spanish Peaks, and right next door, one private lift away, the largest and tallest ski terrain in the U.S. — Big Sky Resort. Yet, less than an hour from the Bozeman airport, The Club at Spanish Peaks is easy to reach. Guests and homeowners agree: this place is impossible to forget for several reasons.

One of the best is the skiing. Not only do these slopes rival anything you’ve ever experienced at your favorite ski resort, many believe it is better. For one thing, Big Sky skiing is less crowded. A ski pass here gets you more skiable acreage with a lighter population of skiers than anywhere in the United States. To put things in perspective, on a big day, Vail may have 25,000 skiers vying for space on the slopes; Big Sky (on its biggest day) will have perhaps 5,000 skiers on more skiable acreage.

Additionally, the slopes are phenomenal, and there are runs for every level of ability. Unlike many popular resorts, here you’ll find tons of beginner and intermediate slopes — boulevards and long runs that are wide open and packed with great powder. Advanced skiers won’t be disappointed either. Plenty of challenging black slopes with twists and turns and moguls and jumps allow chances to catch plenty of air.

If you love golf as much as skiing, don’t worry. You won’t have to split your passions. The Club at Spanish Peaks offers you opportunities to nurture both. Course designer Tom Weiskopf declares the course at Spanish Peaks “golf in a true alpine environment.” By design and by virtue of the gently rolling alpine meadows, the course has become one of the best in the Rocky Mountains. Travel and Leisure Golf ranked the course No. 7 in its 2009 January/ February issue; Golf Digest ranked the course No. 1 in Montana as voted by the magazine’s course panelists; Golf Digest ranked The Club at Spanish Peaks No. 2 in the country for best new private golf courses for 2009.

The consensus speaks volumes, and when you play the course, you’ll understand the buzz. Fairways transition beautifully to flowering alpine meadows. Most holes are free of home sites, providing pristine, 40-mile views. Once you take your eyes off the view and concentrate on the game, you’ll find a par-72, 7,200-yard course that is both challenging and infinitely enjoyable for players of all abilities.

In addition to offering one of Montana’s very best skiing/golf/sporting club experiences, Big Sky’s Spanish Peaks community is also one of the few private operators licensed to take guests overnight into nearby Yellowstone National Park on horseback. Book a two-, three- or four-night trip into the backcountry of Yellowstone where less than one-tenth of 1 percent of tourists to Yellowstone ever visit. You will venture deep into the national park guided by the trusted, knowledgeable staff of Spanish Peaks.

Developer Dean Genge admits that Spanish Peaks is a unique place due to its popularity with families and its unpretentious approach to resort vacations and resort living. Given the variety of activities that are available, this is no surprise. Genge says, “Authenticity and unpretentiousness have been the bedrock values of this community from its inception, and all of our members reflect these values. Though our members are all accomplished and successful in their own right, each is dedicated to preserving the core experience, which is a focus on family.”

“The Club at Spanish Peaks,” Genge continues, “is luxurious and well-appointed by anyone’s definition, but it’s also calmer than many comparable destinations — less society, yet more social; a good feeling place; not to see and be seen, but to go and have a great family vacation.”

Luxurious and well appointed, it is. The architecture of the community is consistent and reminiscent of old, northern, Rocky Mountain lodges. Genge stresses, “Not faux European or hi-rise stacked condominiums, but very much a log and timber stone expression.” The buildings are meant to be indigenous and grounded, as if they sprung up organically, and the central gathering place of the community is the 32,000- square-foot clubhouse. The ultimate in mountain retreat convenience, booking a suite in the clubhouse lets you play all day to your heart’s content, with the knowledge that when you are done, you are only steps away from a snug and peaceful night’s sleep. Both grand and grounded, the clubhouse sets the tone of the Spanish Peaks lifestyle.

You can simply sink into one of the sumptuous leather chairs overlooking the Spanish Peaks mountain range after a thrilling day outdoors. Or you may choose to stop by for some “19th hole” story-swapping in the handsome lounge. Need some gear? Visit the sports shop for the latest equipment and apparel. It’s all right here, your own private sanctuary just a few steps from the high-speed quad and the 18th green.

If you desire more private lodging opportunities, there are homes on the property and each is privately owned, with many available for rental. Currently, a number of cabins are scattered throughout the private valley, ranging in size from three to six bedrooms. Additionally, there are custom homes available for sale or rental — up to seven bedrooms — for large family gatherings. Each single-family residence is convenient to the clubhouse and ski lifts, and each is beautifully and lavishly appointed.

Of course, if you are staying in a home, you may choose to dine in; however, should you decide to take the family out for dinner, you have equally inviting options. The Clubhouse offers casual fare in the Pub or mouth-watering alpine cuisine in the Main Dining Room. For a distinctive evening, gather your group and dine in the Clubhouse Wine Room, a 1,300-bottle wine cellar and tasting room.

For the more adventurous, Sacajawea Camp, located at the bottom of Big Sky’s ski terrain, is a sanctuary. The yurt-style mountain camp has warm fireplaces, comfy leather couches and first-class, on-mountain dining. While it may seem
surprising that such fine cuisine can be presented in the wilderness, the Sacajawea Camp staff puts together perfection. Also, getting there is half the fun. Four draft horses pull sleighs full of hungry riders to and from the site with bells jingling and the Milky Way zooming overhead down the tree-lined ride. No wonder Sacajawea Camp is a favorite!

Obviously The Club at Spanish Peaks offers a great family vacation experience — one that is truly unique. However, it is above all a private club and visitation is exclusive to members, guests of members or guests of the club. If you are interested in learning more about the lifestyle opportunities of this wonderful wild wilderness retreat, contact The Club directly and obtain an invitation to visit.

For more information, call 406-993-5400 or visit www.spanish-peaks.com.

By Cheryl Alexander

Moonlight Basin announces "Family Nights" for 2010-2011 Season

Jason Frey — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:10:00 GMT

Moonlight Basin is a place where families come together. Join us at the Madison Village Base Area to enjoy night sledding, fun crafts, games and make-your-own-pizzas.

5pm-8pm

Prices - TBD

For questions and reservations, contact the Mountain Concierge at (406) 995-7716.

Join us for other Family Night with Moonlight events this season:

January 15
February 19
March 12
March 19

Moonlight Basin Hosts "Turkey for a Ticket" Food Drive

Jason Frey — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:06:00 GMT

Donate a Turkey and ski for FREE!
Moonlight Basin is hosting its 4th Annual Turkey for a Ticket food drive to benefit the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. With record level of need in our community, don’t miss this chance to help a neighbor and earn a lift ticket. So gather your friends, family and co-workers and get involved! It is a fun event for a great cause!

Please visit the Gallatin Valley Food Bank website to view their current wish list.

Location
Donation drop-off located at Madison Village Base Area for all donations.
*Off site drop off available at Albertson’s Bozeman for Season Pass Holder and Corporate donations. See below for details.

Donation Details
Donations will only be accepted on Friday, December 17th at Madison Village Base Area from 8:30am-1pm. *Off site time, see below.

Individuals – receive a free lift ticket (valid on December 17 only) with donation of 20 cans of food OR one frozen turkey.

Moonlight Basin or Biggest Skiing in America season pass holders – receive a voucher for a single day lift ticket with donation of 20 cans of food OR one frozen turkey.
Voucher valid all season long with the exception of resort blackout dates: 12/19/10 – 1/2/10 and 2/19/11 – 2/21/11.

Corporate donations – Employees can team up to make donations on behalf of their business:

Receive one lift ticket voucher per 20 pounds of food OR one lift ticket voucher per frozen turkey (each turkey will be counted as 20 pounds)
Minimum donation must equal 80 pounds to receive vouchers
Business to make one-time drop off only – cannot make multiple trips throughout the morning
Vouchers valid for one adult lift ticket 12/17/10 – 12/25/10 and 1/3/11 – 2/5/10
No limit on amount of donation

Midweek Pass Giveaway
Moonlight Basin will raffle off a 2010-11 Midweek Season Pass to day visitor participants. The winner will be announced at 1:30pm on the deck of the Headwaters Grille; must be present to win.

Offsite Drop-Off Location
Albertson’s Bozeman is happy partner with us to be the donations drop off point on December 17. Donation drop off will be set up at the front of the store between the two main entrances from 7:30am – 11am.

This location will serve as a drop off for season pass holders and corporate donations only. All individual donations must be made on the mountain.

Take the Family Skiing to Big Sky, or Even Perhaps Somewhere Else

PureWest Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:30:00 GMT

FTF Lynn O'Rourke Hayes Lynn O'Rourke Hayes is editor of FamilyTravel.com.

Western ski resorts pull out the stops to show families a snow-filled good time. Here are five places where fun and deals abound.

1Keystone, Colo. With 3,148 skiable acres, this Rocky Mountain resort 90 minutes west of Denver invites kids to join them in Kidtopia. (The website also suggests, "Parents can come, too, if they behave.") The high-altitude playground atop Dercum Mountain is sure to delight kids with the Snow Fort, slides, disco tubing and clever mazes. Kidtopia Festival weeks, designed to coincide with school holidays, provide family fun with parades, teen gatherings, movie nights and special discounts and offerings.

Lodging: 1-800-328-1323. Lift tickets: 1-800-344-8878. Contact:www.keystonekidtopia.com.

2Beaver Creek, Colo. It's all about kids during this Rocky Mountain resort's Beaver Creek Loves Kids tribute to junior snow riders. Join other snow-loving families during the event Feb. 27 through March 11 and enjoy free kids' lift tickets, ski and snowboard lessons, gear rentals and some meals. A slew of other family-friendly activities will be available, including the Nature Valley NASTAR Family Challenge, an acrobatic performance, music, story time, snowshoe tours and arts and crafts. Available for kids 12 and younger. Some booking restrictions apply.

Contact: 1-800-404-3535; www.beavercreek.com/ bcloveskids.

3Big Sky, Mont. Despite its impressive expanse, many families enjoy Big Sky skiing because of the uncrowded runs, easy access to Basecamp activities and family-style lodging and dining.

Plus, two kids younger than 10 ski free with every paying adult. Enjoy terrain parks, sleigh rides, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowmobile rides. New this year are the area's fourth and fifth zip lines. Two family members can ride Twin Zip at the same time and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.

Contact: 1-800-548-4486; www.bigskyresort.com.

4Jackson Hole, Wyo. Enthusiastic junior skiers and their families can join Olympic downhill gold medalist Tommy Moe for a customized tour of his home-mountain terrain in the towering Tetons. Consider a day heli-skiing, then explore the backcountry on snowshoes, on a snowmobile or by paragliding. This design-it-yourself trip combines deep powder and high-altitude exploration with commentary by a skiing legend. At day's end, relax in the heated pool and luxury accommodations at the Hotel Terra.

Contact: 1-888-983-3742; www.epicquest.com/trips/ snow/rockies/jackson%20hole.

5 Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho. All season long, this picturesque and historic resort will be celebrating its 75th year. In addition to a day on the slopes, families can enjoy tubing on Dollar Mountain. Speed down one of three 600-foot lanes, then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Hop aboard the horse-drawn wagon and snuggle under blankets as you head to dinner in the cozy Trailside cabin. This Sun Valley tradition, along with renowned ice-skating shows, are always family favorites. Kids 15 and younger ski and stay free when sharing a room with a paying adult.

Contact: 1-800- 894-9931; www.sunvalley.com.

Lynn O'Rourke Hayes is editor of FamilyTravel.com.

Old Moonlight Basin Review

PureWest Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:34:00 GMT

FEBRUARY 20, 2006

The fantasy began when I pulled up to the base of the Yellowstone Club, an hour south of Bozeman, Mont. The concierge staff took my keys, my boot bag, and my skis. Then they parked the car, unzipped my ski bag, placed my skis on the snow near the lodge, and planted a pole on either side. All I needed to do once I was ready to hit the slopes was step into the bindings and go the short, flat distance to the nearly empty chairlift. As I watched the staffers lay out my gear, I thought to myself: http://www.purewestproperties.com"Those guys are crazy! Somebody's going to steal my skis.http://www.purewestproperties.com"

Unlike the ski areas I typically frequent, however, theft is not a worry at the Yellowstone Club. Nor are lift lines or lack of powder. Of course, you do need a minimum of $3.5 million in net worth and an invitation to join. The fees break down into a $250,000 initiation charge and $16,000 in annual dues. Plus, you're required to buy a homesite for $1.1 million to $3.2 million, and eventually you have to build a house. One original owner recently sold his property and chalet for $12 million. For the price, members of this 14,000-acre club and their lucky guests get a ski experience most people only dream about.

Well, you might come close at the majestic Moonlight Basin Resort, just 10 miles up the valley. Moonlight Basin, which shares a knife-edge ridge with the popular Big Sky Resort, offers high-end amenities similar to Yellowstone Club's. But there are some big differences: The terrain is more challenging, it sells condos and cabins as well as $1 million-plus slopeside properties, and it's open to anyone who buys a $40 lift ticket.

Neither resort follows existing models. Yellowstone Club comes closest to an exclusive private golf community, but no one else has included a massive ski area as part of the package because of the high capital and operating costs. Moonlight began as a real estate venture in 1992 and opened its ski area in 2003. From Day One, its purpose was to preserve as much of the environment as possible. Moonlight attracts the same kind of serious skiers as Telluride and Aspen, Colo., and Whistler in British Columbia. But it's authentic Montana all the way, from its steep powdery slopes and superb tree skiing to the lodge that boasts a two-story-high stone fireplace with stuffed mountain goats perched along the side.

When I visited Yellowstone Club in late January, a clear blue sky and 15-degree temperature greeted me, along with Hank Kashiwa, director of marketing and a former pro ski racer. As we set off, it became immediately apparent we would have the mountain virtually to ourselves.

ROLLING RUNS
Most of the front face is marked by rolling, intermediate-level runs, known as http://www.purewestproperties.com"groomers,http://www.purewestproperties.com" that are fun to ski. But the real pleasure is on the back side, where Kashiwa took me to some powder glades. At one point on a run called Middle Ching, we stopped to catch our breath, then continued down until we burst through the last thicket of trees and floated through untracked snow.

Yellowstone Club is the fantasy-turned-reality of billionaire timber and real estate baron Tim Blixseth and his wife, Edra. The couple established the club in 2000 in a land swap with the federal government. So far, only 20% of the property has been developed. The club also sports a golf course designed by retired pro golfer Tom Weiskopf. It funds its own fire district that houses three gleaming trucks, and the head of security was a personal secret service agent to former President Gerald Ford.

The club plans to cap memberships at 864 homesites. So far, there are 250 members, including Microsoft (MSFT ) founder Bill Gates, former Vice-President Dan Quayle, and ski film pioneer Warren Miller, for whom the club's epicenter, a massive timber frame lodge, is named. The food at its three restaurants is five-star quality. I especially liked the cauliflower soup and glazed elk.

Moonlight Basin is a more accessible fantasy. The resort has been a labor of love for local owner Lee Poole, who with investors purchased the Moonlight Basin Ranch 14 years ago. http://www.purewestproperties.com"Our vision was to protect as much property as we could through conservation buyers,http://www.purewestproperties.com" Poole says. The land sits on the north side of the 11,166-foot Lone Peak, looking out into the majestic Lee Metcalf Wilderness area. On a clear night the cabins are bathed in the shimmering light of a moon that seems so near you can touch it with a ski pole. It might as well be a world away from the hustle and bustle of Big Sky on Lone Peak's south side.

The mountain's skiable area, 1,650 acres served by six chairlifts, is rather modest by major ski area standards. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in skiing quality. The lower half of the mountain is full of long, intermediate runs sprinkled with some serpentine tree skiing. The top half is carved out by the fearsome Headwaters, a towering cirque of heart-pumping chutes bearing names like Don't Tell Mama and Hell Roaring.

The Headwaters elevates Moonlight Basin into that rare group of lift-served playgrounds for hard-core skiers. Ski areas have been opening up more such challenging terrain in response to growing demand. This winter Moonlight Basin and Big Sky are offering a Lone Peak Pass that provides access to 5,300 acres of skiable terrain across both resorts and a mighty 4,350 vertical feet of skiing. Big Sky skiers can sample the Headwaters, and Moonlight Basin patrons can drop over the ridge and take Big Sky's Lone Peak Tram. From the top, they can plunge down the seriously steep North Summit Snowfield back to Moonlight or try their luck on Big Sky's precipitous Dictator Chutes.

WINDS OF HELL
On my last day, high winds prevented me from making it up the Lone Peak Tram, so I tried more of the 16 Headwaters chutes. After riding the short Headwaters chair, I hiked the ridge to the entrance of Hell Roaring. With the winds still blowing and a light snow falling, I stared down at the yawning void. I had only one modestly flat spot to click on my skis, and I had to do it carefully or risk losing them. Falling was not an option. A tumble would likely mean colliding into the flesh-scraping andesite that bordered the narrow runnel I was about to descend.

Once I took off, the snow was so soft that any fears of a bone-jarring fall evaporated. It was just one sweet turn after another, baby, until my thighs screamed for me to stop. I met my partner for the day, Moonlight's marketing director, Rich Hohne, who was waiting at the bottom of the gully. We looked at each other and grinned. There was nothing more we needed to say.

Moonlight Basin Ski Resort, Big Sky, Montana Ski Options

PureWest Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:32:00 GMT

Moonlight Basin Real Estate Ski Options

Moonlight Basin Real Estate is some of the best ski in ski out property in Big Sky. If you like to ski, Moonlight Basin has multiple Big Sky real estate options to choose from. Here are just a few of the ways to get into a ski in ski out property in Moonlight Basin:

Cowboy Heaven Cabins- these cute little log cabins are right on the ski run of Powder River giving you access to both Iron Horse ski lift and the awesome Moonlight Lodge with the towering stone fireplace, spa with heated pool and delicious food choices from the bar, Timbers restaurant or the snack station located close to the ski ticket window. The rental pool is great for these units also make it much less of an investment in Moonlight Basin real estate.
Cowboy Heaven Condos- These spacious condos have alot of appeal and are located right of the access run from the Moonlight Lodge. These are a great way to get into a ski property without the maintenance issues of owning your own single family ski in ski out Moonlight Basin Real Estate.
Moonlight Mountain Homes- These stand alone units don’t have quite the ski access as the Cowboy Heaven Cabins, but very close. They have a lot more space than the Cowboy Heaven Cabins and almost as good ski access.
Cowboy Heaven Lots- There are 3 phases to the Cowboy Heaven single family lots in the Moonlight Basin Real Estate market. Phase one was the first to be offered and has long sold out. The owners in phase 1 are VERY excited to have purchased those lots years ago. When they were first marketed back in early 2000, they sold for about $700K. Now the value is many times that, even in a down market. Phases 2 and 3 have less desirable ski access but have more privacy and less exposure to the harsh alpine environment of Big Sky at 9000′.
Strawberry Ridge- these are larger acreages for the owner who values privacy more than amenities and easy access. These parcels are for the owner who relishes space, privacy and views, but still wants access to Moonlight Basin for skiing and golfing. These are the lots to purchase should you want a Montana Ranch but don’t want to be too far away from the premium amenities that Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin offer

These are just a few of the best ski properties in the Moonlight Basin Real Estate inventory that can be purchased very competitively right now. Make sure to take a look at the other options to Moonlight Basin Real Estate too.

Moonlight Basin/Big Sky Ski Reviews

PureWest Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:18:00 GMT

Welcome to Big Sky

The vastness of the Big Sky and the unique scenic beauty will envelop your senses and revitalize your soul. Then once you strap on your skis and explore the mountains, you'll feel as if this winter paradise was reserved exclusively for you. Ski Big Sky and discover acres of terrain on three immense mountains that provide you with enough variety and expanse that standing in lift lines is an anomaly to Big Sky visitors. Big Sky Lodging options vary from slopeside hotels and Condos to private homes.

Your Big Sky Vacation

Ski Moonlight Basin offering 80 mapped trails, chutes and glades, making more than 1,900 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 4,150’. New this year, Moonlight Basin, together with neighboring Big Sky Resort, is offering joint lift tickets.

The Lone Peak Lift Ticket gives skiers and riders access to a vast 5,300 acres of interconnected trails and lifts, all with one pass. Big Sky skiing has captured the ski world's attention with its awe-inspiring Lone Peak Tram to the 11,166 foot summit of its mountain namesake. The tram has bestowed the honor upon Big Sky of having the total most vertical feet of skiing in the United States and offers 360° views of Yellowstone Park, the Tetons and all three bordering states.

This expanded advanced and extreme terrain provides white-knuckle descents for even the most seasoned of skiers. Combine all these inviting ingredients plus our special family lift ticket program of children 10 and younger skiing free and you may realistically never want to leave.

With all this in mind, come experience your physical and spiritual awakening this winter at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. Let one of our mountain travel specialists design the right Big Sky ski vacation or Moonlight Basin ski vacation for you which will make this ski vacation to Montana a memorable one.

Ski.com Traveler Reviews

Average Overall Experience*

4.9

Excellent

3.7 Accessibility
4.4 Family friendliness
4.6 Value
3.4 Nightlife

3.6 Off-mountain activities
5.0 Terrain variety
4.1 Park and pipe

(1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = average, 4 = good, 5 = excellent) Post your review of this resort

*Based on the average of all Overall Experience ratings given in 7 Ski.com Traveler Reviews.

Unwind & enjoy the awesome skiing that Big Sky/Moonlight Basin has to offer

5
Excellent

Big Sky/Moonlight Basin was absolutely perfect for our family vacation.
The skiing was amazing on all levels, views were breathtaking, the weather was superb, lift lines were non-existent.
See full review >>

Best ski resort ever!!!

5
Excellent

First time skiing in montana,,,,we skiied both runs,big sky/,moonlight basin

the most beautiful place on earth...wide open and almost empty trails, freindly helpful staff.

will be back again..for sure~~~
See full review >>

Best skiing in America

5
Excellent

I have been skiing for 35 years and I would say that this mountain has been one of if the best mountain I have ever skied, there is no such thing as a lift line you feel like this is your own personal mountain, ample trails for every ability.
See full review >>

The Biggest Skiing in North America

4
Good

I visited Big Sky for the first time in January, 2010. I had some pretty high expectations and I'm happy to report that the resort blew them away. The lookers left side of the mountain is perfect for intermediates and beginners and the famous Lone Peak is a big mountain skier's Mecca. Get the combined lift ticket and acess even more fantastic...
See full review >>

Great snow and terrain at Big Sky

5
Excellent

Big Sky never has any lift lines. It snows often and the powder lasts with the small crowds on the hill. There is lots of challenging terrain. There is plenty of ski in ski out lodging but you can save money by staying in the Meadow Village about 6 miles away.
See full review >>

Moonlight Basin Ski Resort, Big Sky, Montana

PureWest Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:16:00 GMT

With a grand total of 97 slopes to ski on; there are more than enough slopes for every capability. This ski hill has a vertical drop of 4,166 feet, which is sufficient for a great top to bottom run. Moonlight Basin has a much higher than average part of challenging ski trails and a much lower than average part of blue and green ski trails. Moonlight Basin is a conventional size ski mountain featuring a heap of vertical feet when you compare it to other ski hills in the region.

Moonlight Basin has scores of different runs and a decent quantity of good ski lifts. No other ski hill for 25000 miles has a more sky-scraping drop from top to bottom. Moonlight Basin boasts stronger than average snow each winter season.

With the skiing territory being 1,900 acres being without skiable land won’t happen. There are 7 good ski lifts here, and they will get you up the slope effectively. This is a great ski hill with lots of different trails; it won’t leave anyone bored. Skiing and snowboarding in this part of the country is lots of fun all ski season long. This is an amusing ski resort with a heap of difficult trails. This ski mountain gets so much snow, 33 feet per year, and that is a tremendously great depth.

The delightful attractiveness of the Montana hills and the good feeling of gliding down the ski runs are good attractions for scores of ski folks. These ski slopes are reasonably insane.

Yellowstone Club Developer Blixseth Seeks Judge's Ouster in Bankruptcy Case

PureWest Blogger — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 06:55:00 GMT

By MATTHEW BROWN

STORY TOOLS

BILLINGS, MONT.

Real estate mogul Tim Blixseth is acting as his own attorney as he seeks to disqualify a bankruptcy judge who slapped the former billionaire with a $40 million fraud judgment.

Blixseth founded Montana's Yellowstone Club, a private ski resort that fell into bankruptcy after Blixseth pocketed hundreds of millions of dollars.

His move to oust U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ralph Kirscher comes after an appeal's court last month faulted the judge's approval of the club's 2009 sale. That $115 million deal passed control from Blixseth's ex-wife, Edra Blixseth, to Sam Byrne of Boston-based CrossHarbor Capital.

On Monday, Tim Blixseth alleged he was cheated in the deal -- and that Kirscher allowed it to happen. Tim Blixseth said he filed the disqualification motion himself because his own attorneys and others he had contacted in Montana feared retaliation if they took the case.

The motion alleges that Kirscher showed a pattern of "disdain" for Tim Blixseth and was biased in favor of Edra Blixseth, who has been targeted in an FBI investigation into potential bank fraud.

Tim Blixseth also said the judge and at least one member of his staff had inappropriate communications with Tim Blixseth's legal adversaries -- although he added that he knew of no intentional wrongdoing by Kirscher.

"I am strictly calling attention to what actually happened -- the facts," Tim Blixseth said Monday. "He didn't allow my due process, Fifth Amendment rights. That doesn't make him a good guy or a bad guy. He's just wrong."

Bankruptcy Clerk Bernard McCarthy said Monday the judge would have no immediate comment on the allegations.

"Any comments to make, the judge will make in open court," McCarthy said.

Kirscher -- Montana's sole federal bankruptcy judge -- will hear the disqualification motion, although any decision he makes would be subject to appeal. The judge on Monday gave parties in the Yellowstone Club bankruptcy and related cases until Dec. 6 to weigh in on the disqualification motion.

The move to disqualify Kirscher is not expected to interfere with a hearing scheduled Dec. 2 on Tim Blixseth's appeal of the club's sale to CrossHarbor.

In remanding that case back to the bankruptcy court for reconsideration, U.S. District Judge Samuel Haddon wrote in an Oct. 29 ruling that Kirscher did not give adequate public notice before approving the sale.