Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m 29 NorthWESt moNtaNa WhItEfISh mouNtaIN, bLaCktaIL mouNtaIN, turNEr mouNtaIN, Lookout paSS BESt BlaCK dIaMond tErraIn: In this region, whItEfISh MountaIn is the place to go for steeper, more advanced terrain. Particularly on the mountain's north side, experts have plenty of options including Hellroaring Basin and the trails served by Chair 7. The front side of the mountain is no slouch either, and backcountry enthusiasts can leave the ski area boundary for powder shots on Hellroaring Peak. BESt IntErMEdIatE tErraIn: All of these mountains offer excellent intermediate runs, but the blue trails at looKout PaSS will reward skiers and boarders with long, gently sloped cruisers — especially on the North and Montana sides of the mountain. With half of the ski area's trails rated as intermediate, there are enough runs to keep the legs burning all day long. BESt BEgInnEr tErraIn: With several lifts dedicated to beginners-only terrain, whItEfISh MountaIn again rules this category. Chair 3, Chair 6, and Chair 9 all have excellent trails for those perfecting their turns, while the Big Easy carpet is an ideal place to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. BESt aPréS SKI Bar: While the Hellroaring Saloon and the Bierstube — both at Whitefish Moun- tain — are two of the most legendary bars in the state, it's hard to beat the unique view at MulEy'S PuB at Blacktail Mountain in Lakeside. Since the main lodge and parking lot are at the top of the mountain, an après ski cocktail at Muley's includes amazing views of Flathead Lake, the Mission Mountains and Glacier National Park — not to mention good food and locally brewed beer. BESt SKI and SoaK oPtIon: Quinn's Hot Springs, located in Paradise, is an easy hour-long drive to looKout PaSS. With cozy log cabins, a great restaurant, and six pools to soak and swim in, Quinn's should be on everyone's hit list — and ski and stay packages are available to make the decision even easier. b l a c k D i a m o n D t e r r a i n B E S T WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN nortHWeSt montana Panoramic view of Whitefish Mountain, Whitefish lake, and the city of Whitefish by Craig Hebert

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