w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m
33
BESt BEgInnEr tErraIn: While all of these resorts — except for Beartooth Basin,
which is for experts only — offer dedicated lifts for newbies, the expanded
beginner area at
BrIdgEr Bowl created by the installation of two new lifts last
season completely changes the nature of the mountain. The new Alpine lift
boasts wide open runs and the new Powder Park lift has easy blue trails for
those reaching for the next level. Add these to the learning zone by the Snow
Flake lift and the green runs accessed by the Virginia City and Sunnyside lifts
and Bridger makes for a perfect place to get started.
BESt aPréS SKI Bar: While the base areas of these resorts have plenty of après
activities, the best place to hang your hat at the end of the day is the
Snow
CrEEK Saloon in Red Lodge. A little bit rough and tumble and a whole lot of
fun, the Snow Creek serves up drinks in a classic powder hound atmosphere —
making it a must for any Montana snow lover after a day on the Red Lodge
Mountain slopes.
BESt SKI and SoaK oPtIon: Lacking any hot springs in the immediate area
of these ski areas, your best bet for a quick soak is to hit
BozEMan hot
SPrIngS after a day at Bridger Bowl or Big Sky. If you're looking for
lodging, a stay at historic
ChICo hot SPrIngS south of Livingston —
about an hour away from Bridger Bowl on the scenic Jackson Creek
Road — is worth the extra drive.
a
p
r
é
S
S
k
i
b
a
r
b
e
g
i
n
n
e
r
t
e
r
r
a
i
n
B
E
S
T
B
E
S
T
BRIDGER
BOWL
SoUtHWeSt
montana
SoUtHWeSt
montana
SNOW
CREEK
SALOON
RED
LODGE
MOUNTAIN
Brian Hurlbut
CONTINUED
