Art Chowder January | February 2022 Issue 37 | Page 69

MONTANA
Big Sky
Whitefish
Big Sky
Big Sky www . bigskyresort . com
Featuring 3,500 acres and offering 150 runs , with a major portion dedicated to expert-level skiers , while Big Sky is known for its size , its true claim to fame — like many of Montana ’ s ski areas — is the minimal wait time at lifts . With more than 12 lifts , it can shuttle 20,000 skiers an hour . Big Sky ’ s Mountain village offers dining , accommodations and shopping opportunities . Ride the Lone Peak Tram to 11,166 feet above sea level for 300 degrees of skiing , views of three states , and two National Parks — breathtaking to see , even more breathtaking to ski .
www . explorewhitefish . com
Big Mountain , located near Whitefish , is equipped with more than 90 runs and 11 lifts at a top elevation of 7,000 feet and base of 4,500 . It offers several clinics and lessons , including Telemark , snowboard , and Nordic skiing . Situated close to the Canadian border , winter is a magical time in Glacier National Park . The Park is quiet and there are few plowed roads during winter . Popular ranger-led snowshoe walks are available on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter . For the Nordic skier , there is a wide range of terrain from private ski resorts to U . S . Forest land trails . The list of public trail sites reads like a state travel guide , with more than nine public trail systems spread throughout Montana ’ s legendary wilderness areas . Some of Montana ’ s public lands are also accessible by snowshoe and snowmobile .
MORE WINTER FUN OFFERINGS IN MONTANA
Great Divide Ski Area www . skigd . com
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area www . blacktailmountain . com
Bridger Bowl www . bridgerbowl . com
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