13 Feb Who Says Skiing is Only For Winter?

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

As Montana’s ski areas continue to receive copious amounts of snow this winter, many of the local mountains will remain open through early April, providing families looking for spring break plans and powder chasers alike with a final dose of winter adventure.

Montana’s unique terrain often attracts late-season storms that dump snow and then quickly clear up, offering families and dedicated skiers a perfect pairing of bluebird days and powder conditions.

“Fewer layers and more sunshine make spring skiing in Montana special,” said Paul Green, Montana Department of Commerce director. “Montana is the perfect spring break skiing destination, and our state offers a quieter shoulder-season experience for families and adventure seekers.”

Highlights from this year’s ski season include Showdown Montana receiving 5 feet of snow over five days in early January and Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area amassing more than 18 feet at its summit so far this season. Whitefish Mountain Resort celebrated record visitation over the holidays, and Big Sky Resort debuted the world’s longest eight-passenger chairlift, Madison 8.

“It’s been an epic first part of the season, and by the end of January we have already had more snow at Showdown than we had all last season,” said Avery Patrick, vice president and marketing director at Showdown Montana. “The mountain has been buzzing with great energy, and people have been having so much fun. We are looking forward to a great rest of the season.”

For families planning a spring break ski trip, Montana’s natural hot springs help everyone rejuvenate after a day on the mountain. Popular locations to soak after skiing include Jackson Hot Springs (near Lost Trail Ski Area), Elkhorn Hot Springs (near Maverick Mountain Resort) and Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort (near Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area).

Many ski areas in Montana also offer community-focused spring events to celebrate the last weeks of the ski season, which often provide some of the best conditions of the year. Events include Lost Trail’s SmashLife Banked Slalom on March 8, Red Lodge’s Throwback ThrowBIG Competition on March 15, Showdown Montana’s Little Belt Log Jam on March 15, Montana Snowbowl’s Vertical Challenge on March 16 and Big Sky Resort’s Closing Day Celebration on April 27.

For dedicated, experienced skiers looking to extend their season through the summer months, Montana’s Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area offers summer skiing from late May through July (weather dependent). The basin boasts 600 acres of skiable terrain that vary in pitch from 15 to 50 degrees.