Montana �God�s Country� or �Heaven,� they must be thinking of winter. 15 Feb 2004
Montana, America's Original Winter Wonderland

Montana

When some people call Montana �God�s Country� or �Heaven,� they must be thinking of winter. After all, the state is covered in a layer of pure white, adding a magical touch to Montana�s already stunning landscapes. But pretty scenery is just the beginning of a Montana winter adventure. Because with Montana�s perfect powder comes downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, winter carnivals, festivals and more.

DOWNHILL SKIING Montana has 16 downhill areas, ranging from cozy day-use areas to famous destination resorts. � The Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort in Whitefish is a family-friendly resort famous for its snow ghosts and unsurpassed views. It has 85 marked runs on 3,000 acres. � Big Sky Ski & Summer Resort�s Lone Peak Tram gave it North America�s most vertical drop in 1996 (4,180�) (1,274 m); it has 150 trails and 3,600+ acres on two mountains. � Bridger Bowl is famous for its steep runs on �The Ridge,� and is ranked as one of the top values in the nation with more than 69 runs on 2,000 acres. � Red Lodge Mountain is in the midst of a ten-year, multi-million dollar expansion, bringing even more skiing to its 70 runs and 1,600 acres.

SNOWMOBILING Montana is home to what many consider the premier snowmobiling destination in America: West Yellowstone, gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The trail system begins right in town, where snowmobilers share the streets with motorists. Other snowmobiling highlights include the Seeley-Swan Valley, the Kings Hill/Little Belts area in central Montana and even trails that go through ghost towns (Garnet, Virginia City, Nevada City). Big Sky Country also has plenty of other big spaces for snowmobilers. � 24 dedicated snowmobiling areas, ranging from backcountry mountain excursions to wide-open bowls. � 3,700+ miles (5,957+ km) of groomed snowmobile trails on public lands, plus many more miles of ungroomed trails.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Montana is home to some of the premier cross-country ski resorts in America, and also has backcountry cross-country skiing in two national parks (Glacier and Yellowstone national parks), as well as numerous trails on public lands. � 16.8 million acres of national forest lands, with 275+ km of groomed trails and hundreds of ungroomed trails. � 14 destination cross-country ski areas/resorts.

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Media Contact: Donnie Sexton +1 406-841-2897