Reporting increased snow depths at Montana ski areas

March 1, 2012 - A winter weather system has dumped snow on western Montana ski areas this week. Montana Snowbowl and Lookout Pass have 7 and 9 inches, respectively. Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Showdown Montana received 6" of new snow in the last 24 hours. For most of Montana, this weekend is going to be colder and partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 30 degree range; a great time to get out and enjoy the slopes. Friday, March 2 has a 40% chance of snow; Saturday, March 3 has a 40% chance of snow, and Sunday, March 4 will be clearing and warmer. Precipitation forecasts and temperatures should be favorable for outdoor recreation and good snow conditions. See the current weather predictions at this link to the National Weather Service website for specific area forecasts.

After a week of heavy snowfall and high avalanche danger, currently the avalanche danger reduced to 3 - Considerable on slopes above 6000 feet and steeper than 35 degrees. If you plan to ski out-of-area, please visit www.missoulaavalance.org. The advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Lookout Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake.

Here are snow reports for state-wide Montana ski resorts. Check out the articles and sites by clicking on the links below. Almost all of the areas have lessons, rentals and recreation deals.

In late February, Montana finally got some significant snow storms and it was snowing much of the week. Montana area bases have increased by an average of seven inches. Areas with summit snow depth over 100 inches are: Blacktail Mountain 115”, Lookout Pass 135”, and Whitefish Mountain at 110”!

New snow is 24 hour total

Bear Paw Ski Bowl Open Sat and Sun, 4” new snow, 30” at base – near Havre, Montana
- Ticket $20, 20 runs, Vertical drop – 900 feet, small, family friendly and affordable
Big Sky Resort4-6” new snow, 51” base, 84” at summit, groomed runs – near Bozeman, MT
- Ticket $84, 150 runs, Vertical drop – 4350 feet, lots of runs and facilities
Blacktail Mountain3” new snow, 72” at base, 115” at summit, powder, groomed runs – south of Kalispell, MT
- Ticket $36, 26 runs, Vertical drop – 1440 feet, friendly, great view of Flathead Lake
Bridger Bowl 3” new snow, 59” at base – near Bozeman, MT
- Ticket $48, 75 runs, Vertical drop –2600 feet, fantastic snow, great terrain
Discovery Basin4” snow, 42” at base, 66” at summit – near Anaconda and Butte, MT
- Ticket $38, 63 runs, Vertical drop –2270 feet, great back side terrain, family friendly
Great Divide 2” new snow, 52” at base, powder, packed and groomed runs – near Helena, MT Visit skigd.com for more info.
- Ticket $36 or $8/hr, 140 runs, Vertical drop – 1560 feet , 3 mountain peaks, 5 terrain parks
Lookout Pass 9” new snow, 93” at base, 135” at summit, groomed runs – west of Missoula, MT
- Ticket $35, 23 runs, Vertical drop – 1150 feet, easy access off highway, friendly, good snow
Lost Trail 6” new snow, 85”at base, 95” at summit, powder, packed powder – south of Missoula, MT
- Ticket $35, 45 runs, Vertical drop – 1800 feet, 2 terrain parks, easy access off highway
Maverick Mountain 1” new snow, 87”at base, 98” at summit, powder, packed powder – southwest Montana near Dillon
- Ticket $32, 24 runs, Vertical drop – 2020 feet, good vertical drop for a small area, great views, family friendly and affordable
Montana Snowbowl 7” new snow, 60” at base, 88” at summit, powder, packed powder and groomed runs – a few miles north of Missoula, MT
- Ticket $42, 42 runs, Vertical drop – 2600 feet. challenging, close to town
Moonlight Basin 4” new snow, 61” base, powder and groomed runs – near Bozeman, MT
- Ticket $64, 76 runs, Vertical drop – 4150 feet, great snow and terrain
Red Lodge Mountain 0” new snow, 52” base – near Billings, MT
- Ticket $49, 73 runs, Vertical drop – 2400 feet, good programs for kids
Showdown Montana 6” new snow, 52”at base, 67” at summit, packed powder and groomed runs – near Great Falls, MT
- Ticket $38, 34 runs, Vertical drop – 1400 feet, high elevation, snow belt, great snow
Teton Pass Ski Area This ski area will not be open for the 2011-12 season – near Great Falls and Choteau, MT
- Ticket $29, 30 runs, Vertical drop – 1400 feet, lots of new improvements, family friendly and affordable. Check to see if it is open. Currently closed due to strong winds!
Turner Mountain 3" new snow, 31” at base, 53” at summit, powder – northwest of Kalispell and near Libby, MT
- Ticket $30, 22 runs, Vertical drop – 2110 feet, fantastic snow, no lift lines, family friendly and affordable
Whitefish Mountain 5” new snow, 75”at base, 110” at summit, powder – north of Kalispell, MT
- Ticket $66, 94 runs, Vertical drop – 2353 feet, lots of lifts and runs, many programs for families