Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/20776
SKI ACROSS M 15 DOWNHILL SKI AREAS COMPILED BY ALEX YUDELL Montana has a lot to offer in the way of ski areas (15 in all). The small ski areas are unpretentious, each unique in its own way. The value of many of the areas is excep- tional compared to the popular ski area giants, falling short only in the latest fashion. This article intends to bring you up to speed on each of the mountains, what to expect there, and what not to miss on your trip. Check Web sites for current ticket prices. Remember that a season pass holder at any Montana ski area only pays the half-day rate at any of the following areas. TURNER MOUNTAIN WHERE: SIZE: Libby # LIFTS: 2,110 ft., 20 trails 1 TERRAIN: u10% n20% l70% YEARLY SNOWFALL: 250” VIBE: Always uncrowded, here you’ll find mostly local indus- try workers, including loggers, miners, and farmers. With substantial vertical and high proportion of advanced runs, Turner should not be overlooked. DON’T MISS: Pizza and Brewskis at the Red Dog Saloon on the way home. www.skiturner.com DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL See and feel the excitement of downhill skiing and snow- boarding! Go to www.distinctlymontana.com/downhill111 SNOWBOWL WHERE: SIZE: # LIFTS: Missoula 2,600 ft., 39 trails 2 TERRAIN: u20% n40% l40% SNOWFALL: 300” VIBE: When Snowbowl gets a dump, the terrain here is sec- ond to none, with 2,600 ft of sustained pitch vertical. DON’T MISS: The view of Missoula is majestic from the peak of Snowbowl. www.montanasnowbowl.com LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN WHERE: SIZE: Conner # LIFTS: 1,800 ft., 45 trails 5 BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN WHERE: SIZE: Lakeside # LIFTS: 1,440 ft., 24 trails 3 TERRAIN: u15% n70% l15% SNOWFALL: 250” VIBE: Cruise blue groomed runs above beautiful Flathead Lake at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. The namesake Lake- side run is a locals’ favorite. DON’T MISS: The views of the Glacier, Mission, and Whitefish mountain ranges from the top. www.blacktailmountain.com TERRAIN: u20% n60% l20% SNOWFALL: 300” VIBE: At Lost Trail you won’t find fancy ski clothes or equip- ment, just down home skiers who like to ski powder—deep powder. Like many of the other smaller ski areas Lost Trail is closed mid-week, so Powder Thursday is the best day to find the goods. DON’T MISS: The abundant natural hot springs down the road would make for a great two-day trip. www.losttrail.com DISCOVERY SKI AREA WHERE: SIZE: Phillipsburg # LIFTS: 1,670 ft., 63 trails 6 TERRAIN: u20% n30% l50% SNOWFALL: 210” VIBE: While it appears that Discovery does not get as much snow as other areas mentioned, the snow tends to come in big dumps. Discovery is halfway between Bozeman and Mis- soula, so it’s a great place to meet your Griz friends for a day. INSIDER’S GUIDE TO 60 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011 DOUGLAS WALES