Best of the NW blog

I’m speaking with Alpinist and Protect our Winters Athlete Advocate Graham Zimmerman about skiing, wilderness and building strong people, with strong communities with a voice. Here is the full interview uncut and unedited.

After barely missing a spot to the Olympics Nick Michaud turned his focus to coaching a diverse population of Nordic skiers.

Shannon Griffin shares her love for Bridger, gives us some great ideas on where to go exploring at different skill levels and some new changes for this season.

The Director of Mountain Sports School at Big Sky Christine Baker lets us in on the changes and opportunities skiing at Big Sky this season.

Biathlon Program Director Seth Hubbard talks biathlon rifles, training and how this captivating sport came into being.

Former BSF Freestyle Coach and Vice President of Outdoor Pursuits at Yellowstone Club - Dan Lakatos schools us on the progression of freestyle skiing and Montana’s special place in the Yellowstone Corridor.

Photo editor of Outside Bozeman Magazine and Backcountry Skier Simon Peterson shares why he’s not good about keeping secrets about great ski lines in the mountains around Bozeman.

Right next to Bridger Bowl, Crosscut Nordic (formerly Bohart Ranch) has big expansion plans.

Heidi’s enthusiastic mantra “ski into your best self” describes her commitment the Nordic ski community in Bozeman. As the lead instructor for the adult or “masters” programs she gives some pointers of how to get on the ski trails and continue to develop skills and fitness regardless of experience.

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Doug Chabot talks avalanche awareness and how to start your backcountry skiing out on the right foot.

Bozeman has played a prominent role in avalanche safety in the United States. Before working for the National Avalanche Center Karl Birkeland founded the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in 1990.

Jim & Claudia Schaeffer (my folks) spent winters in the late 70s working at the new Big Sky Resort and off hours exploring Yellowstone National Park on backcountry skis. The meadows and ski basins along corridor from Big Sky to Yellowstone have a timeless feel not having changed much over all those years.

Splitboarder and Doctor of Physical Therapy Jason Lunden, shares how to be physically ready for the ski season and safely find powder stashes.

Visit excelmt.com for ski specific physical therapy and come back to TheLastBestSKI.com for more interviews and the scoop on skiing SW Montana. Until next time. Happy Trails!

Justin Bigart and friends started going lighter and faster on his backcountry setup which led into training for and racing in the European derived sport of Ski Mountaineering or “SkiMo".”