Blacktail, skiers anxious for opening day

It's December, and all over Montana children are anxiously awaiting-well, Christmas, but also-that fluffy white stuff that serves as the primary ingredient in snow forts, igloos, snowmen, sledding hills and a plethora of related snow art and architecture.

However, children aren't the only ones wondering when the landscape will be transformed into a true winter wonderland. At the top of the list are all the skiers and snowboarders, whose sports depend on snow in much the same way that a fish depends on water.

In fact, winter sports enthusiasts all over the Valley are already polishing up their skis and boards in anticipation of the inevitable-after all, we do live in Montana-but no one knows when the inevitable will come.

Thus far, forecasts have not been favorable and daytime temperatures have been too warm to retain any overnight flurries that may fall.

On the West Shore, the question on everybody's mind is-as has been the tradition for the 11 years that Blacktail Mountain Ski Area has been in operation-"When is opening day?"

That, says Blacktail general manager Steve Spencer, is anyone's guess.

"The very earliest that we would open would be the 12th-definitely not anytime before then," Spencer said. "Of course, that all depends on the snow, and right now we're in the same boat as everyone else. Nobody has any snow. Obviously, you can't ski without snow.

"In fact, we're in the same boat as last year. Last year, we had that early snow and everybody got all excited. Then, we had the 'Pineapple Express' come through, and the rain melted off all the snow. It's really just a waiting game to see what the weather is going to do."

Even so, Blacktail Moutain has been busy preparing for the arrival of winter and the rush of skiers and snowboards who come to the mountain every year to enjoy one of the best family destinations the Valley has to offer during the winter months.

To ensure that the ski area continues to look its best for guests, the Blacktail management had the lodge completely repainted this year and even put on a new roof. But those are just the exterior improvements.

According to Spencer, what Blacktail Mountain Ski Area most wants to improve this season is the experience of visitors and die-hard supporters who take to the slopes. To that end, the staff examines every year what the past season held for guests and what they can do to make the next season even better and more enjoyable.

Service is one area where the ski area has consistently done well, as is evidenced by the comments of those who use the mountain. From the ski rentals to the ski instructors, from the gift shop to the cafeteria and restaurant, all the way down to the complimentary Wi-Fi service in the lodge, Blacktail is known for its friendly service and family atmosphere, which Spencer hopes users will find even friendlier and more helpful than in years past.

Of course, Blacktail realizes that prices are also important, especially in an economy that has negatively impacted consumers and sales across the board. Fortunately, skiers can continue to take advantage of Thrifty Thursdays, on which skiers and snowboarders can ski all day for just $25, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day.

For families, season passes have been made less painful by reducing the cost for each additional family member by $50, when the first pass is purchased at full price. In addition, children seven-years and under ski for free.

Guests also ski for free on their birthday if they can show proof that it is their birthday.

Spencer also said the ski area will continue to improve on its terrain park.

"We made some great improvements, last year," Spencer said. "We try to add some new features every year, and we're going to continue on with that tradition. There are quite a few man-made features now, and we'll add some new features this season, as well.

"Of course, it's always a work in progress. The jumps that are formed from the snow will continue to change and improve throughout the winter, as more and more snow accumulates."

Spencer also noted that, while winter often gets off to a late start in the Valley, Blacktail's annual snowfall is approximately 250", which should mean that all the skiers and snowboarders who are presently frustrated over the lack of snow can rest assured that once the powder begins to accumulate, there will be plenty of winter to come.