The Last Best Ski - Justin Bigart/SkiMo
Justin Bigart and friends started getting lighter gear and going faster in the backcountry, which lead to training for and racing in the European—derived sport of Ski Mountaineering or “Skimo.”
It was something to do in the winter that felt like trail running. A lot of it had to do with gear and wanting to move quick in the mountains. I went to a Skitrab ski—they are 140cm, they weigh nothing, featherweight. Uphill you can run like you are trail running. You need a compatible Skimo partner. A lot of the races you have to do with a partner anyway. You need someone who has the same risk profile, goals, endurance, willingness to work and get out every day. I really enjoy going to History Rock and getting a bunch of laps in. Being able to move fast in the mountains is the best part.
It is the fountain of youth. I think skinning is the single best way to move the human body.
Justin Bigart leading the bootpack on a lap up the ridge - King & Queen of the Ridge, Bridger Bowl
Laps on Bacon Rind
A cold training day