BIG MOUNTAIN/WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort, MONTANA , USA has an excellent annual snowfall record, a well laid out and efficient lift system and good old fashioned friendly customer service.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Big Mountain is divided naturally into three sections; the large Front Side, the North Side, and Hellroaring Basin.
The Front Side has wide gentle beginner trails, well groomed long intermediate winding trails and challenging chutes descending from the Summit.
The North Side and Hellroaring Basin have double black diamond powder fields, long cruising trails and fantastic tree skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
On the Front Side Chairs 4 and 5 service steep ungroomed trails while the North Bowl Face and Schmidt’s Chute are littered with cliff drops and gullies leading down into heavily treed terrain. For the steepest tree skiing and snowboarding in the region drop off Russ’s Street into Don’s Descent and First Creek.
The North Side has some very challenging marked advanced trails; the steep Bighorn has huge moguls; however most skiers and snowboarders chose to stay off piste and disappear into the trees and lower powder fields.
Sling Shot and the Picture Chutes in Hellroaring Basin start off treeless then lead down into dense forest. Mogul lovers go directly to Purgatory under Chair 1 to test your skills.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding
Intermediates really enjoy the long groomed trails at Big Mountain; on the Front Side Big Ravine, Toni Matt and Inspiration trails are great for practising giant fast GS turns.
The North Side’s trails are particular favourites; Gray Wolf trail is seemingly endless and the tree lined Whitetail and Goat Haunt are quite steep and challenging. George’s Gorge is a great introduction to tree skiing and snowboarding.
The longest trail at Big Mountain is Hell Fire in Hellroaring Basin; it is a whopping 3.3 miles long! In good snow conditions confident intermediates could tackle the advanced Glory Hole trail leading down to Hell Fire, while it is not regularly groomed it is not excessively steep.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding
On the Front Side the main beginner area is under Chair 6 and around the Big Easy Carpet in front of the Day Lodge. The Big Mountain Snowsports School is based in the Day Lodge and has good introductory lessons for first time skiers and snowboarders.
Once beginners have learnt the basics move up to Chair 2 for the long winding gentle Home Again trail before tackling the shorter but slightly steeper Question Mark and Ski Way trails under Chair 3.
The beginner trails are all located on the lower mountain areas; but confident beginners could catch Chair One up to the Summit before taking the well groomed intermediate Russ’s Street trail down again.
On the North Side there is one long tree lined fun beginner trail, Caribou which is accessed via the intermediate trail Moe Mentum.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Terrain Park and Halfpipe
The Fishbowl Terrain Park, located under Chair 3, has jumps, rails, hits and boxes for all different levels of free riders. It is illuminated during night skiing and snowboarding and has its own rockin’ sound system.
The new immaculately maintained superpipe, located on the Ranger Trail is 450 feet long, 57 feet wide and 18 feet high.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Snowcat Skiing and Snowboarding
Snowcat skiing and snowboarding on the North Side backcountry terrain is available at Big Mountain. Up to 8 powder runs can be had in a full day, the cost is USD$120 plus a lift ticket.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings night skiing and snowboarding is offered at Big Mountain between 4.30pm and 9pm. Chair 2 and Chair 3 service seven illuminated trails.
Other Activities at Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort
Off the skis and snowboard explore the surround areas of Big Mountain on a snowmobile tour, or try cross country skiing, snow biking or dog sledding.
Guided day tours of Glacier National Park are available; explore the wilderness on snow shoes and be educated about the local animals and the glaciers.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Shopping
The Big Mountain Village has ski and snowboard equipment shops, souvenir and gift shops, a kid’s clothing store, a jewellery shop and a general grocery and liquor store.
Big Mountain Rentals and The Day Lodge Ski Shop both have a wide variety of ski and snowboard rental equipment available.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Restaurants
The Big Mountain Village has ten restaurants and bars.
For fine dining go to Café Kandahar, located in the Kandahar Lodge, it serves modern French cuisine infused with Louisiana influences and has a very extensive wine list and excellent service.
The infamous Hellroaring Saloon and Eatery has been in the Big Mountain Village for 35 years, it serves hearty steaks and has a friendly fun atmosphere.
Moguls Bar and Grill is open for both lunch and dinner serving tasty salads, pastas and burgers, it also has a large kid’s menu to keep the little ones happy.
On the slopes the Summit House Restaurant, at 7,000 feet, serves hot and cold lunches and has some of the most breath taking views you will ever see.
Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort Nightlife
The Bierstube pub is an institution in the Big Mountain Village; it opens for après drinks and remains open til late every night frequently hosting live bands.
To make some new friends head to the Hellroaring Saloon, it’s always packed with international guests.
In nearby Whitefish there are additional sports bars and pubs with music ranging from jazz to reggae.
New for 2007/2008 at Big Mountain/Whitefish Mountain Resort
Celebrating its 60th season in 2008 Big Mountain has a new high speed quad chairlift, Chair 1 Big Mountain Express, which will transport skiers and snowboarders directly from the village to the summit.
The new Base Lodge will open providing skiers and snowboarders with day lockers, ticket sales, rental equipment, a kid's center, the snowsports center and a large cafeteria.
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Statistics |
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Elevation |
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Average
Snowfall |
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300
inches |
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Lifts |
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14 |
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Trails
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map |
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Terrain
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Halfpipe |
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1
super |
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Terrain
Park |
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1 |
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Resort
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