Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m 35 skiers access to an entire mountain dedicated to fun, un- groomed black diamond runs — and hiking access to the summit of 8,600-foot Mount Lockhart, which is only for those who have avalanche rescue equipment and know how to use it. The resort offers guided excursions to differ- ent zones on Lockhart on Saturdays throughout the season, making Teton Pass a great destination for those interested in the backcountry. BESt IntErMEdIatE tErraIn: Looking at a trail map from grEat dIvIdE reveals a healthy dose of the color blue, as about 40 percent of the ski area's runs are rated for intermediates. If you're above average in your ability but not quite ready to tackle the steeper, black diamond terrain, Great Divide gives you plenty of intermediate options all over the mountain — especially on the trails accessed by the Wild West and Mount Belmont chairs. BESt BEgInnEr tErraIn: Show up at Showdown on any given Saturday and you'll see throngs of kids on the slopes. And for good reason — the ski resort nestled in the Little Belt Mountains has some of the best learning terrain in the state. The Sluice Goose Caboose lift gives beginners their very own ride up, and runs like Golden Goose and Yogo provide plenty of room for all of those skiers. A dedicated kid's terrain park is the icing on the cake, too. BESt aPréS SKI Bar: While the Waldron Creek Saloon at Teton Pass may serve up some of the tastiest food, the MISS- Ing lynx Saloon at grEat dIvIdE is the best place to be after the lifts stop running. The atmosphere is always lively — with bands often playing on the weekends — and the large deck gets packed on sunny spring days. The bar can get especially rowdy on Friday nights when Great Divide offers night ski- ing throughout the season. BESt SKI and SoaK oPtIon: The newly remodeled SPa hot SPrIngS MotEl in White Sulphur Springs makes for a great base camp for a weekend at Showdown and offers reasonable ski and stay packages. Pay the extra fee for new section of the motel and you won't be disappointed, and the quaint ranching town of White Sulphur Springs is a fun place to spend a few nights. hand peeled log archways & entrances custom cut lumber family-owned est. 1999 have a dream? we'll help you design it! Woody's Lumber & saWmiLL LLC HeLena, montana 406.443.6538 WWW.WoodysLumber.Com order now to avoid spring rush Montana Skiing, with photos by Craig Hergert and text by Brian Hurlbut can be ordered from www.MontanaPanoramic.com, or your favorite bookstore.

• Cover