Friday, December 23, 2011

Holiday Powder!

So the Holiday Season is upon us. Merry Christmas everyone!

The past couple of weeks have been the epitome of early season training. Not a lot of snow on the ground and the backcountry has just been a little too dangerous to really do anything of great fun so we have been in conditioning mode for winter. Well it seems to have finally hit this week!

This year's Winter Solstice decided to make sure it would be noticed and remembered as a day that still holds clout when the Solstice graced us with a foot of new snow, the weather gurus estimated 3" - 5". Love it when they are wrong like this, bless their hearts, he he. Winter is full on now with bell to bell face shots accompanied with burning quads fueled by whoots and hollers. The sounds of "so sick" and "hell yeah" were echoed all day in between shit eating grins and experiences that make us remember that life is meant to be lived to it's fullest. Can't wait to experience this with my kids! :-)

Some how Brad Biolo and I managed to be one step ahead of the crowd this particular day and while everyone was waiting around for chairs to open we happened to be getting first tracks in all the zones we were hitting. Making a few laps, never crossing a track, and then head to a new lift just as they were opening it. Make a few more virgin laps and then on to the next lift, that was the progress of the entire day until around 3:30pm the quads, glutes and calves screamed for forgiveness. OK, time to rest and fuel up there is always tomorrow!

This past few weeks also saw new product being delivered from sponsors. Core Concepts shipment came in and I must say that this year's line is SICK! Diggin the new Entourage and the changes to the Stripes sweater are bomber. Again every piece is well made and stylie. Don't forget that you can get all of their products at 50% off when you go to www.corelayers.com and enter code "jturn50" upon check out. Use it up and tell your friends too!

Mystery Ranch Backpacks also has made sure that my travel and adventures would be well organized with new travel bags and accessories. Check them out at www.mysteryranch.com, guaranteed to be the BEST hand made backpacks and bags you have ever used!The Spandura line is killer and really stoked on my One Man Duffel!

All right enough for now...

P.S. There will be a Jamie Pierre Memorial Fundraiser for the wife of the late Jamie Pierre, Aimee, and their kids Clementine and Royal. Please contribute and help with some form generosity for this incredible woman and her kids!!!

Merry Christmas and Face Shots to All.

Turns


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Skiing Magazine Dec 2011

Here is another published photo from our Alaska trip this past winter. This was taken while on our recon mission of Manitoba Mountain on the Kenai peninsula. Great photo by Tom Winter and published in the Dec 2011 issue of Skiing magazine! Thanks for all the support and don't forget to get in motion with the Mountain Rider's Alliance, we are changing the face of ski areas!



Winter is underway...

So as the world continues to spin and as the the winter sets in we find our selves in the Holiday Season! For most that I know this is a fun, family filled time of the year and not only a time of reception but also a time of reflection and thankfulness, a conscious acknowledgment of the gifts and blessing that each one of of us have. This winter is starting off particularly tough for a few that I know and for the ski community with the loss of our friend Jamie Pierre and then his mother, Pam Pierre. I pray that the times get easier and sympathetic for the Pierre family and the blessings just pour into them. They are an incredible family that has endured a lot in a short amount of time. I am thankful for my family and for this life that I have been gifted with. Donations can be made at Wells Fargo Bank to "Jamie Pierre Memorial Fund" for the benefit of his wife Amee and his children Clementine and Royal. The snowpack here in the majority of the Northern Rockies is pretty rough starting as well with a large layer of faceted snow acting as the bonding zone between the snowpack and the ground. What that basically means is that we have a lot of great snow sitting on top of a layer of 6"-8" of Styrofoam packing peanuts. Please be careful out in the backcountry while traveling around. Think avalanche in all conditions and watch and listen for whooomps, cracks, faceted layers, and all other tell tale signs to a suspect slope. There is a lot of "season" to go so we can always ride tomorrow and live today! Go take an avalanche course and save your life as well as your friends! Thanksgiving was good and I hope it was well for all of you as well. Big Sky Resort opened for the season on Thanksgiving morning so I took the fam up to the snow, I skied the groomers for a while then played in the snow with the kids and the sleds for a bit. Turkey dinner was great that night and of course I ate too much! Again thankful for all the blessings and people in my life! Freezers are full of elk and all we need is some snow on these meager snow packs that we have, Christmas is right around the corner and we have a chance to show all how thankful we are for our lives! What are you doing for Christmas Season? New Year's Eve? Have any ski plans? If in this part of Montana then hit me up also I will be in California from Dec 26th - Dec 30th. Looking forward to seeing the family and also some maritime snow love! Don't forget Moonlight Basin is having some great Holidays Specials so don't miss out at www.moonlightbasin.com P.S. Order gifts for your loved ones and yourself from www.corelayers.com and enter code "jturns50" when checking out and get 50% off entire order! Happy Holidays! Ski ya later, Turns

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Life in Ski South West Montana

So life continues to rock on here in south west Montana. Everyday brings me closer and closer to achieving my dreams of having this website and magazine up and in full throttle. Everyday I am meeting more and more incredible people to share my journey with and to be included in theirs is a huge blessing! I believe that we have something to learn from every person that we come into contact with! Whether we have our eyes, ears and hearts open to their message is another matter altogether.

Yesterday was Ski South West Montana athlete Paul Herberger's birthday and the day before was his girlfriends birthday so we celebrated out on the town and once again had an incredible time! My body was actually sore from all the laughing, boogieing down and over all good fun that we had! Today was another day of great progress and meetings for Ski South West Montana and the future looks very bright!

Forecast calls for snow here in the valleys next week and skiing is right around the corner! Hunting season starts this weekend and all my projects that I am involved with seem to be just exploding! I again just have to thank all my great friends, support crew, sponsors and family for all the support and am stoked on all the now contacts that seem to fall into place daily! This world is amazing and I couldn't ask for a better life although we all have our problems and the roller coaster ride of life and emotions it really is all about what we make of them. Do we pick our selves back up out of the dirt and learn from our mistakes or do we lay on the ground looking at all the crap surrounding us, I believe we are made to fall so we learn how to do it better next time! Hindsight is always 20/20 so take a brief glimpse back and learn and then watch for the next step and the open doors! The doors are always opening so take advantage of what you have been blessed with and don't stay stuck in the doorway trying to figure out whether to stay or go right or go left, just do it! Commit, enjoy and live life!!!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

This season's first published shots! Mountain Mag 2 page spread!

Here is the 2 page spread with my first two published shots of the season, so stoked. Thanks Mountain Mag, Tom Winter, Mountain Rider's Alliance, Icelantic Boards, Zeal Optics, Core Concepts, Columbia, Leki, Swany, Bern Helmets, DownUnder Insoles, Main Street Fitness, Mystery Ranch Backpacks, Moonlight Basin, Dry Guy & Crash Pads for all the support. Looking forward to another great season!!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Montana and Africa: Africa Postponed until October 2012

I love this early fall weather! Yesterday I was with a client and we were working with her horse and it started sprinkling, yet there were no clouds in the sky, at all! Kinda felt like Hawaii, in the Rockies! Temps are reaching the low 40's at night and the days are in the mid 80's!!!! Makes working horses easier that is for sure, just ask them if you don't believe me.

Hard at work getting ready for the o3 Foundation's Mt. Kilimanjaro climb for the KIDz. Loving every minute of getting this endeavor into fruition, yes I will have a blast but the deeper meaning of it all is that these underprivileged kids that we are raising money for will actually be the benefactors and get to learn to enjoy the outdoors and life as I have come to love them. Such passion can evolve into such a greater cause that will benefit mankind to a great extent, who knows which one of the KIDz will be the next Einstein or Bill Gates! If you have it in your heart please take time to make a pledge to the o3 Foundation and help the parent-less children that we have in our country. If we want to change the world we should start within our own borders and now you have a chance to make a difference!

Here is a pledge form that you can print off and get back to me! We are not asking for your next paycheck but how ever much you may be able to provide, it will go a long ways for those who have nothing! Thank you in advance from the KIDz.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Diamond City Mike for Sale: DC Mike is SOLD!!!

Here is a nice little gelding that I trained this spring, he has about 45 days on him and is such a great horse that if I had the money I would keep for myself! This horse has been all over the mountains and for a three year old he blows everyone away because he is usually the most well mannered of all the horses on the trail. Don't miss on on Mikey, give me a ring for a test drive or for more information!

What a willing little guy and you definitely want him in your family! He had never seen bridges before the ones in this video! Badger, King, & Hancock lines just to name a few!
Contact me for a test ride or information, today! 406-285-1754

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Saint Bernard pups are on the Way!

My Saint is about to give birth to a new batch of pups. Let me know if anyone is interested in these incredible snow dogs!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Kilimanjaro Climb 2011 for O3 for the Kidz

Here is some big news, finally able to release!

I have been invited to go to Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with the intention of raising upwards of $500,000.00 for the benefit of the 550,000 orphaned children of the USA including the 1,500 children that were left parentless after the 9/11/01 attacks on the World Trade Center!

This climb will include some of the worlds most elite athletes in today's sports world! I feel very honored to be a part of this team and am looking forward to unrolling out the banner and unveiling this non-profit corporation on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro on Oct. 22, 2011!

I have included with this post a pledge form for those who can find it in their hearts to be able to donate a little bit of financial support for the orphaned children! Please open your hearts to helping those who are in far greater need than you or I, together we can make a huge difference on the lives of these young people across the world!!!

Please feel free to contact myself or the O3 Foundation for any other questions. Thank you!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Intrepid Farms' Midnight Sonata

This beautiful Morgan mare named Intrepid Farms' Midnight Sonata is now in training with me. She is from Santa Ynez, CA and is available for purchase. Art Perry has done an incredible job with his Morgans and she is no exception! This little 3 yr old mare is a very intelligent and quick learner adapting to the Montana lifestyle quickly and learning the basics with out any resistance. She is a nice willing filly and will make someone an incredible show/trail horse. Good head ready to go any direction you want to take her. Stay tuned for updates on her training and please give a ring if interested. You won't be disappointed, get her today before someone else does!!!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Dog days of Summer

Whew, these hot dog days of summer are keeping me thinking of the snow, luckily the horses get me into the backcountry so I can still play in the snow at times! Love my office view (from horse back) and invite any of you who want to come enjoy some good ol Montana lifestyle to come on out and take a ride with me! Maybe we can see some elk, bears, moose or buffalo! This place is paradise and each day just gets better and better!

Looking forward to riding with Richard Winters in Choteau, MT on the 13th & 14th of Aug! A do not miss event on advancing horsemanship so get ahold of me and Ill get you all the info!

Keep it real and stay cool!

Turns

Monday, July 11, 2011

GVBCH Poker Ride 2011 & Joe Turner on Channel 7 News

Here is the clip from Bozeman's Channel 7 News featuring a short clip of myself and a description of the event! Enjoy and see you next year at Bridger Bowl!


Hail that just fell from a afternoon storm!

GVBCH Poker Ride 2011

Here are some photos from this years GVBCH Poker Ride at Bridger Bowl, Montana; as usual I had a great time and even won a few prizes this year! We had a great little group as the Pre-Ride Crew (to make sure the trail was free and clear before competitors rode) and the little colt, Diamond City Mike, that I was riding did excellent.



I have 60 days on this little guy and he was one of the best horses on the ride! We did lots of walking, jogging, trotting and cantering using loose reins and even asking for collection at times all the while we were in a group or we would hold back and ride solo, working on not being herd bound and having self-confidence! Big strides for this little guy and another notch under his belt. He will make someone a great partner some day! Thanks to Spalding-Laboratories for their support, without companies like them and all the other great sponsors that we had we could not make this event work!

See ya next year at Bridger Bowl

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Hot weather makes me think of Skiing!!!

All this hot weather is making me think of the snow so thought I would post this picture that Tom Winter took of me while we were doing preliminary research work at Manitoba Mountain in Alaska. Great work Tom!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

1st day of Flight School.

What an incredible day! Beautiful day to be in the Montana sky. Thank you Sam Steensland for a safe and fun trip on my first day of flight school.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Student building a relationship with his Paso.

He has been trying for 3 years to be able to ride this horse confidently and safely, good work Tom! No more having to pack your horse now he is a riding horse!!!

Tom is a new student of mine, he has had this horse for over three years and just has not had the success partnering with this horse like he does his other three horses. This picture is after our second session together and they are now doing incredibly well!

 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Swany Photos 2011



Hey everyone,

Just wanted to get these out for your viewing pleasure, just kidding. Here are some images from this years publishing's for Swany America, you all know who they are. They make the best gloves on the planet, and if you don't know now you know!!!

Check out Swany at www.swanyamerica.com

Thanks for stopping by and see you soon,

Turns

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Icelantic Website Photo


Here is a picture of me that is used as one of the title banners for the 2010 - 2011 Icelantic Website. Photo by Jeff Nass with Sphinx Mountain of the Madison Range, South West Montana in the background.

If you haven't been on a pair of Icelantic Boards yet then you are going to have your mind blown this coming season and now we have the untouchable Gypsy to add the the best quiver in the world! www.IcelanticBoards.com

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Tom Winter Interview from Alaska

Here is an interview/video that I made with Tom Winter sitting on a glacier in Alaska in Feb 2011. Listen as renowned photojournalist Tom Winter gives us his two cents on the Manitoba Mountain Ski Area Restoration Project in the Kenai Range in Alaska. This project as well as many others being undertaken by the Mountain Rider's Alliance is going to change the infrastructure of the whole modern day philosophy on snow-sports and recreation destinations. It is time to ski for skiing not for the hot chocolate and massage & facial. The only powdering for my nose should be all over my goggles too!!!

MRA Alaska: A few minutes with renowned photojournalist Tom Winter. from OneDegreeTV on Vimeo.

Fresh Morel Mushrooms right out of the yard!

Beautiful morning here in South West Montana. View from the front porch!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Galcier World Photography - Craig Moore's Photos From Winter 2010-2011

Hey everyone,

Here are some images that Craig Moore captured this past winter. What do you know, there are a few images of yours truly right in the middle of the batch. Great work Craig!

http://photos.glacierworld.com/Client/MysteryRanch/15963253_kPAKR#1197557325_xxdfV

If you have any photo needs or happen to be in the Whitefish area hit Craig up at www.glacierworld.com.

Enjoy the photos,

Turns

Thursday, June 9, 2011

A little video from January.

Here is a little video that I made this past January, hopes it helps cure the flood season blues. Hope you enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/20008266

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Light Hands Horsemanship 2011 Clinicians & Staff






After yesterday's onslaught of moisture I was glad to be able to get out and get a little work in with the horses this morning, boy is it sure wet out there! Well of course true Montana style spring we got to see another dropping of the sky and it poured again most of the afternoon. Again another day in the office.

Alas not all is lost, since the work is piled deep I continue to work away at tidying up winter video edits and finishing up skiing contracts. I was also able to get this photo touched up of my annual trip to the Light Hands Horsemanship clinic in Santa Ynez, CA. I can't wait until next year. Thanks again everyone for such a great event!

See ya tomorrow,
Turns

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Another Day in the Rain!

Hey everyone,

Well the last few days have been phenomenal 70 to 80 degree weather and got to get some good riding in on these fresh colts, now it is pouring with the forecast saying 100% chance of Heavy Rain today with rain for the rest of the week! So over it!!!

I can say that I can't wait to work with the horses again (and there better be lots of Powder falling in the mountains) so I can get ready to hit the trails and get to some good skiing in on routes embedded deep in the back country of south west Montana! I have had my eyes on some of these gems for a few years now and they are looking like it is going to be a ripe year for harvesting some big lines! Only time will tell.

Anyone want to join in on the fun? If you have had some back country descents that you have been drooling over and would like to cut down the approach by going in on horseback, just let me know and we can get it worked out. Maybe you have a favorite? If you want to spread the love then post a story and pics of your adventures, here!

Regardless it is spring in the Rockies and we have lots of playing to do. Heck maybe I'll even go get out on river in one of my kayaks, everything is under water any ways!!!

Stay dry and until next time,

Joe "Turns" Turner

Friday, June 3, 2011

Welcome to my new Blog!

Hey everyone,

Thanks for checking out my new blog. Please become a follower and continue to support.

I am a professional telemark athlete by winter and a horse trainer in the summer. That means during the colder months I travel the globe skiing for movies, magazine, catalogs and any other need that needs epic images of breathtaking circumstances. Warmer months find me working with horses and their owners, I provide colt starting, behavior problem correction, restarts as well as teach clinics and seminars focusing on Horse Psychology and Herd Behaviorism's and how they pertain to training.

Stay tuned because I will have giveaways and prizes coming soon and will be able to notify everyone of summer and winter time travel plans, clinics, seminars or guided adventures. Please drop me a note to get on the winter or summer newsletter.

Thanks and feel free to just say hi or start up a discussion. Looking forward to our adventures together!

Best,
Joe "Turns" Turner

MRA's Alaska Recon 2011 Webisode #4

Here is a video I made with Dave Scanlan as he fills us in on the details of the Manitoba Mountain Ski Area Restoration Project on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Check out the best ski area in the world slated to open in the Chugach of Alaska!

Follow along as we plot this ski area and watch the growth from start to finish. Understand the environmental and social benefits and implications this project has on the local economy and environment.

MRA is here for the future!

Learn how to play your part and help support the Mountain Riders Alliance and the Manitoba Mountain Ski Area Restoration Project.



MRA Alaska Webisode #4 from OneDegreeTV on Vimeo.