Blacktail Mountain is an ideal place for family skiing and boarding this season.
With separate chairlifts for beginner, intermediate and advanced snow enthusiasts, cross traffic is minimal. The north-facing slopes keep the snow light and dry and help protect runs from wind.
Although the area has been known to get busy during the holidays, the ski area boasts shorter lift lines and smaller crowds. With more than 85 percent of the mountain beginner and intermediate, it is the perfect place for families and novices to work on technique in a relaxed environment.
Blacktail is also designed so that access is at the summit. Everybody, no matter what the skill level, has a chance to see the spectacular views of Flathead Lake, the Cabinet Mountains near Libby and Great Northern Peak.
The area also offers a cross-country skiers weekly groomed loops, from 5.25 to 8 miles, through the Flathead National Forest.
Directions: From downtown Kalispell, travel south on U.S. Highway 93. Once in Lakeside, turn right onto Blacktail Mountain Road at the Blacktail IGA. The road immediately curves left. Follow Blacktail Mountain Road to the summit.