Big Sky!

Joe was wondering if his memories of the place were enhanced by nearly 8 years of skiing other more inferior areas. Big Sky with its 3500 plus acres is bigger than Snowbasin which is really saying something. Its 4300 foot vertical drop rivals that of Jackson Hole! Plus, Philster has never dumped in Montana! No, I told Joe, Big Sky will not let us down.

With the threat of war in the air, traveling the nation's airports was filled with a little bit more tension than even after 9/11. At O'Hare some of us were made to go through a much more extensive security procedure than we were accustomed to. Everybody it seemed had to remove their shoes, and a good number of people were searched. In Bozeman on the flight home, ALL bags were opened, even check in baggage. I guess at a small airport like this they can afford to do this. On the other hand, they probably don't have all of that sophisticated scanning equipment. After getting the A-OK at check in, we once again had to remove shoes and carry-ons were tested for explosive residues. An extensive wanding also ensued.  Bottom line here is no matter where you are traveling, leave some extra time for security, especially now during and even after the war.

We also were at the mercy of the weather. Not so much at Big Sky, but in Denver. During our trip, Denver International got socked with over 30 inches of snow. This resulted in our trip being extended an extra two days. Not that we minded! The weather in Big Sky was absolutely fabulous.