The signs that ski season is upon us start slowly at first. In late October and early November, a few people might start digging out their skis and boards. Others may replace the bike rack with a ski rack atop their vehicles.
But come Thanksgiving, the trickle of signs that winter is near turns into a full-fledged tidal wave. Skis and boards are waxed; winter jackets, hats and gloves are retrieved from their off-season storage; and a few adventurous souls even hike up to the summit of Big Mountain to take early season turns.
But within a few weeks, the groomers will be roaring and the lifts will be rolling across Northwest Montana. Here’s a peek at what’s on deck.
Whitefish Mountain Resort – Whitefish
With just a week before opening day, Whitefish Mountain Resort spokesperson Riley Polumbus said employees at Northwest Montana’s largest ski area are busy getting ready to welcome thousands of skiers and riders beginning Dec. 7. As of Nov. 28, there was nearly 30 inches of snow on the summit of Big Mountain and at least 20 inches of snow on the backside of the mountain.
Polumbus said the mountain has gotten about two feet of snow since Nov. 15, and the resort has been making artificial snow whenever the weather is cold enough.
“Everyone should keep doing those snow dances,” she said. “Most years we can’t open every run on the mountain and it’s still a little early to say what opening day will look like.”
Whitefish Mountain Resort will be opening on a Wednesday this year, something Polumbus said hasn’t been done in years and was the result of this year’s calendar. She said Dec. 3 seemed too early and Dec. 10 seemed too late, so officials decided to split the deference and open on Dec. 7. The mid-week opening will give the resort’s newest employees a chance to get used to the job before an onslaught of weekend visitors.
Polumbus said there would be plenty of new attractions for visitors this year. Over the summer, the resort completed the remodel of the Summit House. The building now features a reconfigured food court that makes it easier for people to get in, eat and get back to the slopes. There are also a few new dishes on the menu.
“People are going to be really impressed with both the look and functionality,” she said.
The resort also expanded its “army” of groomers with the acquisition of new machines. Polumbus said that means more groomed runs every morning.
Beyond opening day, the resort is also gearing up for a number of events. On Dec. 17, the resort is celebrating Women’s Ski & Ride Day with special deals for female guests. On Dec. 24, the annual Christmas Eve torchlight parade will take place, and New Year’s Eve will have the annual rail jam, torchlight parade and fireworks.
Polumbus said the resort is looking forward to offering visitors the same high-quality service they have come to expect over the years. In September, Ski Magazine’s annual readers poll called Whitefish Mountain Resort one of the best ski areas in the country, ranking it No. 3 for service and No. 5 for value. In total, the resort made the top 10 in seven of 18 categories.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area – Lakeside
Looming high above Flathead Lake, the snowcapped Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is poised to open in early December, according to co-owner and general manager Steve Spencer.
As of Nov. 28, the mountain had about six inches of snow, far short of the 25 to 30 inches Spencer likes to have before starting up the lifts, but he’s optimistic that incoming storms will bring more powder.
“We’re ready to go when it comes,” he said.
Spencer said there is no official opening date set, but that skiers and riders should keep a close eye on the resort website for the latest information. In the days and weeks before opening day, ski area employees are cleaning the facility and getting it ready to welcome visitors when they do come.
Blacktail is teaming up with the Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside to host the annual Wake Up Old Man Winter Party on Dec. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. Music will be provided by the Bad Larrys, and people can get their pass photos taken or have their skis waxed.
Turner Mountain Ski Area – Libby
Nestled in the southern edge of the Purcell Mountains 22 miles north of Libby, the Turner Mountain Ski Area is considered by many to be Montana skiing’s best-kept secret. The one-lift mountain is home to some of the best lift-assisted powder skiing in the United States, according to Powder Magazine, and was featured in the new Warren Miller ski film.
If everything goes according to plan and the snow keeps falling, Turner Mountain could open for the season on Dec. 16, said mountain manager Bruce Zwang.
“It all depends on the snow conditions,” he said. “But things in the forecast are looking favorable.”
Turner prides itself on offering skiing “the way it was 20 years ago,” so visitors to the mountain this season shouldn’t expect new lifts or renovated base lodges, just good old-fashion fun. That fun kicks off on Dec. 3 at Libby’s Red Dog Saloon, which is hosting Turner Mountain Fun Night to support the nonprofit mountain. Dinner is $30 a person. It starts at 6 p.m.