Smith Exploits: Super experience at Yellowstone Club

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to ski and tour YC thanks to Patti Hilla. YC is the largest and most exclusive ski and golf community in the US, encompassing 12,000 plus acres and 2,200 skiing acres with 14 lifts. The are 500 plus members/property owners. Our host/guide for the day was Hank Kashiwa former US ski team member, Olympian and pro ski racer. We started our day at the magnificent Warren Miller lodge. Warren is a long time ambassador/resident of YC. Scott Schmitthe extreme skier legend is the ski ambassador and Patti's husband.

Our ski day was partly sunny and 25 degrees. Our skiing began with riding the manicured groomers on a tour of the ski area. While most of the homes are large single family estates some of the newer homes are more modest but still exceptional in quality and all have incredible views. No lift lines with skier count averaging 175/day. Some lifts are pulse lifts starting when a skier arrives. Scattered around the mountain are Comfort cabins or Sugar shacks, small warming cabins stocked with treats and refreshments. It is not all groomers, as many steep schutes exist. To Hank's delight we asked to ski one. There was several inches of new snow and the steep run skied superbly. We also skied some treed powder runs which were very fun. Lunch was at the recently expanded Rainbow lodge which was renovated at a cost of $35 million in an mountain contemporary style. Beautiful building, great views food and staff.

After lunch we did a video interview with Hank, a link is below. Hank is the nicest most knowledgeable person and of course a great skier. Then some more runs and a full tour of the Warren Miller lodge, which is incredible. A special day for Kelley and me. Thank you to Hank,Patti and Scott.

Video Hank Kashiwa at YC

Warren Miller Lodge entry and gathering spot