d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • w i n t e r 2 0 1 5
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WEStErN moNtaNa
maVErICk mouNtaIN, DISCoVEry,
moNtaNa SNoWboWL, LoSt traIL
BESt BlaCK dIaMond tErraIn: While all of these mountains offer decent
expert terrain, only
dISCovEry SKI arEa offers an entire chairlift dedicat-
ed to steep black and double-black terrain. The north-facing Limelight
chair features steep trees, narrow chutes and cliff drops that will have
even the most seasoned experts wanting more — especially on a pow-
der day.
BESt IntErMEdIatE tErraIn: loSt traIl'S Saddle Mountain chairlift fea-
tures 1,200 vertical feet of mostly intermediate runs, perfectly suited
for those skiers and riders looking to challenge themselves. The gentle
slopes are also great for working on those powder turns without com-
mitting to steeper, black diamond terrain.
BESt BEgInnEr tErraIn: My young son linked his first snowboard turns on
dISCovEry SKI arEa'S Gold Bug run, one of the best green trails in the state,
so I'm a little biased here. The wide open slopes on the Jubilee chairlift —
including Gold Bug — give beginners the confidence to move up to the
plethora of awesome blue runs available at Discovery as well.
BESt aPréS SKI Bar: The Last Run Inn at Montana SnowBowl has
achieved legend status within the state's ski community. The wood-
fired pizza alone is worth a drive up to the base area — even if you
aren't skiing.
BESt SKI and SoaK oPtIon: This region has numerous hot springs to
choose from, but a ski and stay package at
JaCKSon hot SPrIngS gives
you the most options. Staying here allows for hitting both
loSt traIl
and
MavErICK MountaIn in the same weekend, without breaking the
bank. With Elkhorn Hot Springs the most rustic and Fairmont the
priciest, Jackson falls right in the middle and offers decent rooms,
a nice restaurant/bar and excellent soaking.
