By Rob Everingham
Where is all the snow we heard about so much this summer?
It is not just the Hi-Line that has had the dry winter. Ski areas across the state that should be almost at full operation by now are barely open if at all.
The two ski areas in the state that are open are Big Sky and Big Mountain.
Big Mountain has 40 percent of its terrain open with just five of its 10 lifts in operation. The ski area boasts a 15 to 32 inch base with 18 trails to ski on.
Big Sky is even worse off with only seven trails open, running just four of 17 lifts. Big Sky has a 14 to 18 inch base but did receive a dusting of snow this week.
As for the rest of the state, it's a no go until this weekend.
Both Showdown and Red Lodge are slated to open Friday Dec. 10, while Bridger Bowl has a projected opening date of Dec. 11. Discovery Basin is also slated to open this weekend.
There I was this summer thinking we'd have a great snow and I could finally experience this steep and deep I keep hearing about at the Bear Paw Ski Bowl.
But for me and fellow skiers and boarders we must travel or wait. Now gives the best opportunity to get out your skis and put the final touch of wax on them because winter is on its way. For anyone who as lived any length of time in Montana, winter is unavoidable (if you stay north of Arizona).
