Last weekend’s storm brought 8 inches of fresh snow at Blacktail Mountain, and the ski area is planning to open this weekend, according to managers.
“We’re looking good,” said Steve Spencer, general manager at Blacktail Mountain.
The ski area will open Dec. 20 and stay open seven days a week until Jan. 5, at which point it will return to the normal schedule of being open Wednesday through Sunday. The operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tucked behind Lakeside overlooking the western shores of Flathead Lake, Blacktail Mountain has 1,000 acres of terrain available to skiers and snowboarders. There are four chairlifts and a vertical drop of 1,440 feet.
Blacktail offers 15 percent beginner and expert slopes and 70 percent intermediate, creating a perfect environment for families and novices to work on technique or learn in a relaxed environment. Daily lessons are also available.
The mountain is also designed so that access is at the summit. From the top, skiers have spectacular views overlooking Flathead Lake to Glacier National Park and the Mission, Whitefish and Cabinet mountain ranges.
Visit the mountain’s website for complete information, www.blacktailmountain.com.