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Big Sky Rippers
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Derek LennonEBS Contributor
The Rippers program is Big Sky Resort’s flagship big mountain program for kids. This local youth program caters to skiers and riders aged 10 and older who want to learn how to safely ski and ride Big Sky’s black and double black diamond terrain, while learning about avalanche safety and developing the skills and techniques to navigate and enjoy big mountain terrain safely.
There are two six-week sessions of Rippers every season and kids are placed into small groups based on age and skill. Each group works with the same instructor every Saturday for the entire six-week session. The first session began Jan. 7 and runs through Feb. 11, and the second session will be held March 4 to April 8.
“Many participants have been in the program for several years, and have been skiing with the same instructor each season,” said Matt Ruuhela, the Rippers program supervisor.
Ruuhela handpicks some of Big Sky’s top instructors to work with the Rippers. Besides perfecting every child’s skiing and riding techniques in big mountain terrain, instructors also work with students to ensure that they are familiar with and understand avalanche terrain, avalanche rescue skills, risk assessment, and big mountain decision making.
The goal is to create ripping skiers and riders who understand, respect, and enjoy the terrain that Big Sky offers.
Every Saturday the participants review avalanche and condition reports, then they explore the mountain with qualified instructors who know the mountain and understand the snow conditions. “This is the ultimate way for kids to safely explore the mountain while developing the skills they need to build a solid foundation for mountain sports,” Ruuhela said. It’s safety, fun, and learning at the highest level.
The Big Sky Rippers program is the perfect option for any advanced level skier or rider. Before signing up for the Rippers, every child must be comfortably skiing terrain like Marx or Cold Springs. This is mandatory to ensure that participants are skilled and ready to meet the objectives of the program.
The Big Sky Rippers Program runs out of both Mountain Village and Madison base areas from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. One Saturday per session, the Rippers participate in Big Sky’s First Tracks Program, where they load the lift prior to the public and get the mountain all to themselves.
If your kids aren’t quite ready for the Big Sky Rippers, there are numerous other local ski programs for kids. Find the perfect program for your child and help them build the skills they need to love and experience all that Big Sky Resort has to offer.
To sign up for the Big Sky Rippers Program, visit bigskyresort.com. If you have questions, contact the Big Sky Ski School at (406) 995-5743 (Mountain Village) or (406) 993-6062 (Madison Village).
Derek Lennon is a skier and writer who lives, works, and plays in the mountains of the world. He is based in Big Sky, Montana, where he lives with his wife Mia and two dogs.
A version of this story was originally published on the Visit Big Sky blog at https://visitbigskymt.com/big-sky-rippers/. Read more interesting content about the area on Visit Big Sky’s blog at https://visitbigskymt.com/category/blog/.
Big Sky Rippers program quick facts:
– Two six-week sessions (Saturdays only).
– Group sizes capped at four.
– Ages 10 and up
– Advanced skiing ability required.
– Beacon, shovel and probe required.
– Participate in First Tracks program one time per session.
– Operates out of the Mountain Village and Madison base areas
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
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February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm