Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 75 Robyn Erlenbush is a third- generation Montanan who lives in Bozeman. She owns ERA Land- mark Real Estate with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston, and Ennis along with NAI Landmark Commercial, and Intermountain Property Management. robyn@eralandmark.com resort in the top 10 for value, service, and overall. Whitefish was the only resort that was included in both service and value at that level, which is especially encouraging to find a top notch resort that is affordable. "Big Mountain," as it is locally known, offers 3,000 acres of trails and terrains with 105 marked trails, mean- ing there is something for every level of skier. Big Sky Resort, which now includes Moonlight Basin, lives up to its name. One of the superfluous draws for those from larger metropolitan areas is the remote nature of the location. You are truly away from it all. e pull for the locals is the outright remarkable skiing. With 5,800 acres that includes 300 named runs on four mountains, Big Sky's variety and size are unsurpassed. A total destination-skiing adventure, over 440,000 skier visits were recorded during the 2014-15 season. If you haven't taken in a day of skiing at Big Sky, it is one to put on the schedule for beginners and experts alike. An additional nod goes to Red Lodge Mountain with their ta- gline of "Just great snow, great people, and an authentic experience in Montana's Rocky Mountains." Ski and snowboard enthusiasts from the eastern part of our state give kudos to these 1,600 acres on Custer National Forest with 65 trails and groomed slopes. In addition to the 250 inches of average snowfall, the snowmak- ing system in place is touted as the largest capacity system in the Northern Rockies. Bridger Bowl (Bozeman), Discovery Ski Area (Philipsburg), Great Divide (Marysville), Showdown (Neihart), Maverick Moun- tain (Polaris) and Montana Snowbowl (Missoula) are a few other examples of our Montana mountain ranges providing high quality, downhill entertainment throughout the snowy season. With at least 15 ski areas, the chances of finding one near you are pretty favorable. A perhaps lesser known but substantial winter activity comes in the form of ice climbing. e level of participation can be better understood from the upcoming 19th Annual Bozeman Ice Climb- ing Festival. Events during the festival include clinics (including women's only and kids only) for all skill levels plus the UIAA Boze- man World Cup. Climbers from around the globe who are Olympic caliber will gather in Bozeman to do what they do best. What better way to be exposed to a new outdoor adventure than from the pros? Besides in both of the national parks men- tioned above, there is ample opportunity for cross-country skiing throughout our state. Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky was voted #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North American by Cross Country Skier Magazine. Lolo Pass, Bohart Ranch near Bozeman, Mt. Haggin Nordic Ski Area by Anaconda, and Red Lodge Area Trails are names that come up often in cross-country circles. It is a fabulous sport that the whole family can enjoy and also happens to provide a great cardio workout during this often more sedentary time of year. ough renowned for Blue Ribbon fly fishing in our area, a dif- ferent version of fishing makes its way to the forefront for the cold- est months in Montana. e fish are still biting, albeit under a layer of thick ice. Hot spots across the state include various bays along the shoreline of Flathead Lake, Georgetown Lake near Anaconda, Canyon Ferry Lake between Townsend and Helena, and of course Fort Peck Lake which is most notably the place to go to with your ice fishing supplies. Keep in mind that lakes and reservoirs across our sizable state give ample opportunity to try out this sport. Snowmobiling, dogsledding, and sleigh rides also receive their own searchable categories on the www.visitmt.com winter section of activities to try throughout the state. ese options all provide a way to enjoy the great outdoors off the beaten track. is winter, when the stunning combination of clear, blue skies and a coat of fresh white snow are outside your window, I highly recommend that you don an extra layer of clothes and head outside to experience our incomparable winter glory in any fashion. Getting some fresh air at Showdown. Photo by Nathan Peterson www.showdownmontana.com

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