Distinctly Montana Magazine

VIBE Bear Paw is located in one of the most isolated ski areas in the country — a region still designated as "frontier" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Open just two days a week, Bear Paw is one of the few ski hills in the country that is operated solely by volunteers! Area locals and diehard skiers from across the state flock to Bear Paw. Big Sky features an eclectic blend of snow lovers — from designer-clad snow bunnies to ski bums dawning ripped Carhartt bibs and ATV helmets, the resort is "Big" enough to offer a taste of Montana winter for everyone. Offers a more low-key atmosphere from the neighboring resort at Whitefish Mountain. Feature more than 1,000 acres of intermediate runs plus several miles of groomed Nordic skiing — perfect for a winter skiing biathlon. A non-profit ski area, Bridger is very family friendly and boats a community atmosphere with Bozeman locals frequenting the hill since it's only 17 miles away. With recent lift system improvements, crowds are dispersed across the upper mountain with a variety of terrain. A local favorite of skiers, Discovery is often referred to as Western Montana's hidden gem. It offers everything from great cruiser trails to steep and gnarly expert terrain. Discovery is a family oriented resort with an emphasis on great skiing and friendly service. Always the first ski hill to open in Montana each season, Great Divide is committed to getting skiers of all ages and abilities on the snow as early as possible. With six terrain parks along with night skiing and live music on Friday nights, Great Divide has a youthful and energetic feel to it. Lookout has a reputation for legendary powder and is known as the "Favorite Family Ski Area" with easy access, a relaxed atmosphere and great value. Lost Trail offers a no frills, laid back atmosphere. Whether you are out for a family ski day or you're an avid backcountry skier, you will find a run to suit you. Maverick is part of a fleeting breed of non-commercial mom-and-pop ski mountains. Accessed by the Pioneer National Scenic Byway, Maverick is as much about taking in the majestic beauty around you as tearing up the powder. Gelande — a two-day ski jump event that boasts a large cash purse for the winner. Held annually during the last weekend of February. Red Lodge offers all of the same luxury amenities of a world class resort but does so with the kind of friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere more typical of smaller hills. Montana's oldest ski area, Showdown tips its hat to western skiers of all kinds. Whether wearing cowboy hats or Columbia jackets, the hill offers a welcoming reprieve from it all. From tame groomed runs on the mountain's front side to world-class powder and moguls on the back, powdery challenges await all levels. Known for their low ticket prices and absence of lift lines, Teton is a perfect destina- tion for beginner or first time skiers. But with hidden black diamonds in the backcoun- try, there is no shortage of runs for anyone. Referred to by the locals as steep, deep and cheap, Turner offers beautiful scenery, challenging terrain and a friendly small-town feel. Never a line in sight, Turner features substantial vertical slopes with nearly 60 percent of their runs classified as Black Diamonds. Run almost entirely by volunteers, Turner is also one of the few resorts you can rent for the day. Visitor to Whitefish Mountain will enjoy a natural, easy going, and fun-loving atmo- sphere in a small-town setting. With skiers spread out on over 3,000 acres, your wish for endless powder is just a road trip away. DON'T MISS One of the mountain's signature runs is called Four Souls — featuring a fall-line pitch that's steep enough to be challenging and deep enough to be fun. And if you're daring enough, women in bikinis always ski for free. The tram to the summit of Lone Peak which towers at 11,166 ft. Whether you plan on skiing down or taking the tram back to the base, the view is well worth the trip. The majestic view from Muley's Pub — overlooks Flathead Lake, the Mission Mountains and Glacier National Park The open powder fields and steep chutes of The Ridge The homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting in the dining room! They'll help you power through the rest of your runs down the mountain. Night skiing every Friday night starting at 4 p.m. for only $10 along with live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The famous free ski school for kids. Free lessons are offered every Saturday from January through March for kids ages 6-17. Lost Trail Hot Springs — just 6 miles below the base of the ski area. On the way home from a long day on the mountain, take a warming soak at the springs. The Patagonia outlet store in Dillon on the drive out — pick up some discounted new gear for your next ski trip. Hand-made wood-fired pizza and award winning Bloody Mary's from The Last Run Inn at the base area Munch on one of Bierstube's 1/2 pound burgers out on the deck on sunny days or enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays while tackling the "Shotski" — a 9' Nordic ski equipped with six shot glasses filled to the brim. For a powdery challenge your leg muscles won't soon forget, zip down Show- down's famous double-black bump run — Glory Hole — offering 1,000 ft zipper lines and plenty of moguls. Powder thrill seekers may hike an additional 1,200 ft to the top of Mt. Lockhart from the top lift at Teton pass for avalanche-controlled, side-country skiing. Skiers who make the trek must be equipped with avalanche rescue gear including a beacon and shovel. Frothing beers and pizza from the Red Dog Saloon on the way back home. Whether you're looking to ramp up your skills or you're seasoned at hitting jumps and sliding rails, be sure to check out at least one of Whitefish Mountain's five terrain parks. Beginners can check out Magic Park or groups of friends can race each other through the Goat Haunt Ski Cross course off Chair 7. WEB SITE skibearpaw.com bigskyresort.com blacktailmountain.com bridgerbowl.com skidiscovery.com skigd.com skilookout.com losttrail.com skimaverick.com montanasnowbowl.com redlodgemountain.com showdownmontana.com tetonpassresort.com skiturner.com skiwhitefish.com NAME BEAR PAW SKI BOWL BIG SKY RESORT BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN BRIDGER BOWL SKI AREA DISCOVERY SKI AREA GREAT DIVIDE LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN MAVERICK MOUNTAIN MONTANA SNOWBOWL RED LODGE MOUNTAIN SHOWDOWN MONTANA TETON PASS TURNER MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT

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