Blacktail Mountain Ski Area announced its opening day will be Dec. 18.
Thanks to recent snowfall, the ski area in Lakeside is set to open for its 16th winter season. The operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Earlier this week, the mountain reported a settled base of 25 inches.
“The forecast looks good for snow in the coming days, we weathered the pineapple express this week and are going to gather more snow for a quality opening,” ski area officials posted on their website. “Groomers are able to get out on the slopes today and are preparing the base with care.”
Tucked behind Lakeside overlooking the western shores of Flathead Lake, Blacktail Mountain opened in the winter of 1999-2000 and 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.
Last year the ski area opened Dec. 20.
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.