Winter Getaway: Let It Snow!
Five mountains to tackle this winter. By Colin Anderson
For those of us crazy enough to seek out snow in the winter, there is a seemingly endless list of mountains from which to choose. While the northwest doesn’t typically get the notoriety of Colorado or California resorts, places like Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood, and Whistler are right on par with other world class ski hills. While the mega resorts offer on-mountain lodging, high-end boutiques, and luxurious restaurants, often times it’s the little guys where you’ll end up having the most fun on the slopes and the most memorable experience. Here are five hills that might take a bit further to get to, but won’t disappoint when you arrive.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Sula, MT
Straddling the Idaho/Montana state line and the Continental Divide, Lost Trail offers great snow, affordable tickets, and rarely will you find a lift line. While smaller than many of the regional resorts, Lost Trail still boasts 1,800 vertical feet, a long run of 2.5 miles, and 50 marked trails, giving you plenty to explore. Adult tickets are just $40, making Lost Trail one of the best values in the west. It is also one of the few non-profit ski hills that remain today. You can book a cabin in nearby Sula, or find a hotel or bed and breakfast in any one of the towns along the stunning Bitterroot Valley.
Discovery Basin, Phillipsburg, MT
Another great Montana ‘Mom & Pop’ hill is Discovery Basin also known as ‘Disco.’ The front side of Discovery is a perfect spot for beginners and those who enjoy long mellow groomers. Drop off the backside and things couldn’t be more different. Here you’ll find nothing but double black steep shoots, and if you catch a big powder day on these runs, you’ll remember it the rest of your life. ‘Disco’ really does offer something for everyone with runs marked 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 30% expert. Off mountain you can explore the mining history of nearby Anaconda, visit Georgetown Lake, or get the old west feel in downtown Phillipsburg.
Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall, ID
With an average of 320 inches each year, Brundage is almost always one of the first to open and last to close. There are nearly 50 marked runs, but it’s the bowls, glades, and tree skiing that bring diehards back here year after year. Brundage is also popular with the backcountry crowd as you can tackle 19,000 additional acres yourself or arrange guided snow cat tours on the mountain. Brundage is just eight miles from downtown McCall where you’ll find a multitude of places to stay, shop, dine, drink, and explore.
Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernice, B.C.
The secret is out. With accolades continuing to pile up from national and international publications, Fernie is no longer a quaint little ski town. But one look at the trail map and you’ll soon realize why folks were trying to keep this place a secret for so long with142 runs, 5 bowls, and 2,500 acres to explore. One day here and you’ve hardly scratched the surface. A run from top to bottom is a 20-30 minute affair, and you’ll be ready for a hot tub soak after a thigh burn on the mountain. Fernie has cross-country and snowshoe trails and Kokanee fans can visit the brewery down the street in nearby Creston. You’ll find everything from hostels to million dollar homes and dive bars to five star dining, the Fernie experience is ultimately up to you.
Red Mountain, Rossland, B.C.
Another great stop along Canada’s Powder Highway is Red Mountain. Located just across the Washington border north of Spokane, Red Mountain is also picking up awards and praise from all across the country, but has yet to see the enormous development like other mountains in the region. Red added even more terrain over the past year making almost 3,000 acres accessible by lift. While not ideal for beginners, advanced skiers and riders will find plenty of glades, chutes, and other challenging terrain. There are also cross country trails, cat and heli-skiing, and with one of Canada’s best ski towns just a few miles away, you’re sure to have a great time at this unspoiled regional resort.
