| If you would like to avoid the large crowds and long | | | | way to the top to begin skiing. It is a bit of a drive |
| lift lines and cut costs a bit, Blacktail Mountain Ski | | | | to the top, but that also presents a special |
| Area is worth considering. This Montana ski area is | | | | advantage. The views from the lodge are |
| located near the Flathead Valley, 17 miles from | | | | magnificent. You can get more information about the |
| Lakeside, Montana, and 35 miles from Kalispell. With a | | | | ski area by search for "Blacktail Mountain." |
| summit height of over 6,600 feet and a vertical drop | | | | Cross-country skiing and snow-shoe areas are is also |
| of 1440 feet, Blacktail Mountain ski area has about | | | | provided by the Forest Service, with groomed and |
| 1,000 acres of skiable slopes. | | | | maintained cross country trails 8 miles from the town |
| Blacktail Mountain is a relatively new ski area, having | | | | of Lakeside. Trails are maintained by North Shore |
| opened its chair lifts during the 2000 ski season. The | | | | Nordic Club. |
| slopes are safe and well groomed. While there are | | | | Snowmobiling opportunities are also provided by the |
| slopes for every skill level, the majority of the trails | | | | U. S. Forest Service at the Wild Bill Off Road Vehicle |
| are most appropriate for the beginner and | | | | Trails 12 miles out of Lakeside off Blacktail Road. |
| intermediate-skill skier. Very little in the area could be | | | | Snowmobile rentals are available. Snowmobiles are not |
| described as expert level. This is one reason that | | | | allowed on the cross-country ski trails. |
| Blacktail Mountain is great for family skiing. | | | | For information about activities in this area including |
| Blacktail Mountain is unusual in that the ski lodge is | | | | cross country skiing and snowmobiling look up |
| located at the top of the mountain rather than at | | | | "Lakeside and Somers Chamber of Commerce" in |
| the base. Therefore it is necessary to drive all the | | | | Montana's Flathead Valley. |