By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
On the first weekend of February, the Big Sky Skijoring Association held its annual Best in the West Showdown. For its sixth year, the event, which collaborated with the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation gathered spectators, more than 150 teams of skiers and riders, freestyle snowmobilers and even the showdown’s first mini pig fan.
On Saturday, Feb. 3, the day began with some much-needed snow in Big Sky Town Center. After a week of carting snow to the course in an otherwise dry and warm winter, precipitation and cooling temps began the weekend in classic Montana winter style.
Each division opened with prayer over the course and competitors, and community members sang the national anthem to begin the afternoon open division.
Overall, Richard Weber riding Frank’s and Beans, toting skier Tyler Smedsrud, won the open; Kevin Derzapf on Neato with skier Ty Free won the sport division; Tyler Smesrud riding Three with skier Dennis Alverson, took first place in the Switch-a-roo. Cortney Andersen on Moon pulling snowboarder Jakobe Chacon won in the snowboard category. In the novice division, Karli Lloyd on Russell with skier Tyler Boody had the quickest time; and Josey Woodring with Dennis the Menace brought skier Kate Thompson in for a winning time in the junior division.
