Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in Montana & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1440ft/439m, total trails 26, closest airport 37mi/60km, 4 lifts & more.

The ski area is located at the end of Blacktail Road 14mi/23km off US Highway 93 in the Flathead National Forest of Northwestern Montana. It is about a 45-minute drive from the community of Lakeside, Montana depending on road and weather conditions.

Lakeside, Montana is a community located on the Westside shores of Flathead Lake. The community features many dining, shopping, and recreation activities, including boating and fishing in the summer months on Flathead Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake, west of the Mississippi.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area was the vision of a group of four investors from the Flathead Valley area. They had the idea of adding a ski area to compliment Lakeside’s summer recreation activities. They planned to attract visitors from not only the surrounding area but visitors from all around the state and beyond, as people learned about the new ski and snowboard area.

After a period of planning, regulatory approvals and development, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area opened for operation on December 20, 1998. The ski area was a brand new venture, not a ski area rescued from decline or bankruptcy like many others. The ski area has brought great excitement to this community and provides employment to an area that relies on tourism

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area has an interesting layout that is rare within the ski and snowboard industry. Instead of the day lodge, parking facilities and other amenities being located at the base area, the Blacktail Road ends at the summit where you will find the base area facilities, so everyone starts their day at the top.

The ski area is divided into two distinct mountain areas with all trails facing north. On a clear day, you will enjoy the amazing views of the northern portion of Flathead Lake and the panoramic view of Glacier National Park. Note, there are no crossover trails at the bottom of each of the distinct areas, only at the summit.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area has grown over the years and has earned a reputation as a family-friendly affordable ski and snowboard area that provides terrain for beginner to advanced ski levels and the opportunity to experience a fun day on the slopes together.

On the Slopes

• Blacktail Mountain Ski Area has ski and snowboarding on two distinct areas of the mountain. There is an upper and lower section. The lower section features intermediate and advanced terrain on runs such as Clearcut and Westridge.
• The upper section has terrain that is suitable to beginners, intermediate, and advanced skill levels along with glades. Meadow is a top to bottom advanced trail and then there is the intermediate trail of Emmons Ridge that also goes from summit to base.
• Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is home to the Independence Terrain Park where you will discover the thrilling challenges on a long box, short box, tabletop, and rollers.
• The Snow Sports School has a dedicated group of professional instructors who provide lessons on the latest techniques. They offer daily lessons in both group and private, plus Mini Mights lessons for ages 3 to 5, and a selection of programs for various age groups.

Off the Slopes

• Blacktail Mountain Ski Area does not offer any on-mountain lodging, however, there are many options located near Flathead Lake and the City of Kalispell, Montana. The ski area works with local lodging providers to provide many ski and stay package. Click on the link below in the helpful links section for more info.
• Located on the first floor of the day lodge you can find the Blacktail Trading Company where you can find all the necessary items you may need, such as goggles, hats, gloves, hoodies, and logo wear.
• The day lodge has two options for food and beverage, the Upper Terminal Cafeteria and Muley’s Pub and Restaurant. Both offer a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy the many favourites from the menu.
• There are a few activities away from the slopes, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on over 15mi/25km of groomed terrain that is maintained by the North Shore Nordic Club. The trail entrance and main parking lot are located at the 4800ft/1463m elevation, about halfway up the road to the ski area.
• There are many options for dining and shopping that can be found throughout the community of Lakeside and the City of Kalispell, including coffee shops, cafes, and bistros.