By Sara Marino EBS CONTRIBUTOR
The Upper
Beehive Basin trail may see more visitors in the summer, but winter is a
magical time to explore this spot for a unique backcountry experience, be it on
skis or snowshoes. Backcountry winter recreation has inherent risks, keep these
tips in mind to help make a safe and memorable day.
Getting there
Follow the
signs to Big Sky Resort and continue 1.5 miles past the resort entrance and
turn right on to Beehive Basin Road just past the brown U.S. Forest Service
Beehive Basin trailhead road sign. Continue up this windy road for 1.8 miles
until reaching the trailhead on the left.
Many a
vehicle has slid off the final steep windy section in the winter, so use
caution. Be prepared for icy roads, have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with snow
tires, and remember that downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic.
The first
mile of the trail is a Forest Service easement located on private property.
Respect the landowners by staying within the blue blazes mounted on wooden
posts that mark the private property boundaries until you reach Forest Service
land.
Be avalanche
aware
In the
2019-2020 winter season there have been 12 avalanche fatalities in the United
States as of Jan. 20. While you can’t predict exactly when or where an
avalanche will occur, you can take several steps to reduce your risk.
Bring the basic
safety gear of a beacon, probe and shovel, and know how to use them. Big Sky Community
Organization and Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center have teamed up to
install a beacon station at the Upper Beehive Basin trailhead. It serves as a
safety reminder by displaying a red “X” if you do not have a working beacon and
displays a green circle if your beacon is functional and turned on.
Before you
head out, check the GNFAC website at mtavalanche.com for a daily condition advisory.
Educate yourself. Take an avalanche course, be it the first time or a
refresher. Learn more about what to look for and how to dig a snow pit to gauge
the stability of the snow you want to ski or board. Again, the GNFAC website is
a good resource to find a listing of educational opportunities.
Be
prepared
Sometimes
outings don’t go quite as we expect, so be prepared. Never go it alone in the
backcountry. No matter how experienced you are, if something goes awry, you
still need someone to get help. And tell someone at home what your plans are.
Watch the
weather and be prepared for conditions that can go from bad to worse quickly.
Bring enough layers of clothing to keep you warm, and don’t forget a snack and
hydration. Consider wrapping your water bottle in a sock to keep it from
freezing, or pack a thermos with your favorite hot beverage. Bring snacks that
are easy to eat and have a low-moisture content like dried fruit, jerky, string
cheese and chocolate.
Most
important, bring your sense of adventure and positive attitude. Discover how
fun a winter adventure can be, stop and look for animal tracks in the snow,
breathe the crisp, fresh air and appreciate the beauty around you.
Visit bscomt.org to learn more about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs.
Sara Marino is the Big Sky Community Organization community development manager. BSCO engages and leads people to recreational and enrichment opportunities through thoughtful development of partnerships, programs and places.
