Big Sky country offers big-time skiing
Ski resorts – some big, and some relatively undiscovered – dot the mountains of Montana, and most are within a day’s drive of Spokane.
Fresh off the opening of a new resort last year, Moonlight Basin, Montana hills can provide skiers and snowboarders with any type of terrain for any level of price to satisfy their winter cravings.
The state’s tourism division offers a central resource to check on various resorts. Call (800) VISIT-MT for a free travel guide or visit their winter Web site ( www.wintermt.com).
Big Mountain
A bustling mountain village, friendly resort town and pristine slopes highlight a stay at Big Mountain, a ski hill that has become a destination resort.
With stunning views of Glacier National Park from its summit and opportunities for off-slope recreation, Big Mountain is home to 3,000 skiable acres and 91 marked runs. Beginning skiers are welcome to ski for free on a first-timer’s hill, and those with skill will find the snow steep and deep in any of Big Mountain’s enormous bowls.
At night, hitch up to a sleigh ride or catch live entertainment in either Whitefish or up on the hill. The Whitefish Winter Carnival in early February features skijoring contests and a winter parade.
Location: 8 miles north of Whitefish.
Nordic: 20K of cross country and snowshoe tracks; $5.
Information: (406) 862-2900, www.bigmtn.com
Big Sky
There’s no comparing to Big Sky for its sheer size and consistently good conditions. The largest ski hill in Montana and one of the biggest in the West, Big Sky is a full-service resort serving up 3,600 acres and 4,350 vertical feet of skiable terrain.
Because of its snow-magnet location, the mountain was already opening for skiing on Halloween this year.
A new lift services the south-facing “Southern Comfort” area. Carve turns on all levels of terrain, or for the more daring, hop the tram to the 11,166-foot summit of Lone Mountain for skiing in the freshest powder. Six miles from the base, the Lone Mountain Ranch provides a world-class cross-country skiing resort, and quick shuttle trips down to Yellowstone National Park.
Location: 45 miles south of Bozeman.
Nordic: Lone Mountain Ranch offers 75K of groomed trails for $18 a day (800-514-4644 or www.lmranch.com).
Information: (800) 548-4486, www.bigskyresort.com
Moonlight Basin
After opening last year as Montana’s first new major ski resort in more than 20 years, Moonlight Basin is moving into its second year with more added to the mountain.
A new quad lift will service the Lone Tree area and provide access to more than 25 recently built trails, bumping the mountain’s total runs to 76 and lift-served vertical descent to 2,070 feet.
While the other side of Lone Mountain teems with skiers at Big Sky Resort, Moonlight offers similar terrain with cheaper tickets. It also has a loyalty program for return skiers: Bring back a used lift ticket from your last visit and get $5 off the current day’s pass.
As the hill continues to take steps to become a bigger resort, enjoy the amenities, like full service day and evening child care as well as dinner theater and a Montana barbecue.
Location: 45 miles south of Bozeman.
Nordic: None.
Information: (406) 993-6000, www.moonlightbasin.com
Blacktail Mountain
While many resorts get bigger and bigger in Montana, Blacktail Mountain is happy with its 24 runs and cheap ticket prices. It’s a true local resort and you’re more likely to stand in line with a native Montanan than a Californian.
One lodge serves guests from the top of the mountain and provides spectacular views of Flathead Lake. With 70 percent of the mountain listed as intermediate skiing and boarding, average skiers will find plenty of great terrain. And the whole family can ski for under $100.
Location: 14 miles west of Lakeside and about 45 minutes from Kalispell.
Nordic: 40K, free.
Information: (406) 844-0999, www.blacktailmountain.com
Bridger Bowl
Right in the middle of Montana’s Snow Belt, Bridger Bowl offers world-class skiing at great deals. The mountain is a nonprofit ski area and that translates into adult tickets for $37 or less and short lift lines.
With two bowls containing more than 69 runs and 2,000 vertical feet of drop, Bridger provides challenging terrain for the most advanced of skiers. Adventurous experts can climb an extra 500 feet for skiing on “Bridger’s Ridge,” where shovels, a partner and an avalanche transceiver are required.
Location: 16 miles north of Bozeman on Montana Highway 86.
Nordic: One mile north of Bridger Bowl at Bohart Ranch, with 25K groomed and tracked trails. Adults $12; youth (7-12) $6; ages 6 and under and 70 and older ski free. Rentals available. (406-586-9070, www.bohartranchxcski.com.)
Information: (406) 587-2111, www.bridgerbowl.com
Montana Snowbowl
Just a quick jump from Missoula, Snowbowl offers some of the best glade and chute skiing in its enormous, south-facing bowl.
The mountain is a local college favorite and its 2,600 feet of vertical drop will put skiers down challenging and dynamic terrain. More than 500 acres of tree skiing, 300 inches of snow each year and short lift lines set this local resort apart
Watch ski jumpers fly off an old-fashioned natural ski jump during the Gelande Championship on Feb. 26. The competition allows only normal alpine equipment and attracts national media attention.
Location: 12 miles northwest of Missoula.
Nordic: none.
Information: (406) 549-9777, www.montanasnowbowl.com
Turner Mountain
Nestled into the mountains north of Libby, Turner is a true local’s treasure. There’s one major chairlift servicing the hill, but don’t think that means limited runs. Turner Mountain boasts more than 2,000 feet of vertical drop and reliable snow. But before taking the kids along, be forewarned: Only 10 percent of the mountain is beginner terrain, and the hill is mostly ungroomed.
The mountain is open Friday through Sunday only, as well as holidays. And remember to bring a checkbook; credit cards aren’t accepted.
Location: 22 miles north of Libby on Pipe Creek Road.
Nordic: Free at the Flat Iron and Rainbow Ridge areas in Kootenai National Forest. The South Flower groomed trail system is four miles southwest of Libby (406-293-7773).
Information: (406) 293-4317, www.skiturner.com