Summer Skiing in the Beartooth Mountains
Just because the snow in your backyard has melted away, doesn’t mean the ski season is officially over. In Montana, we’re blessed with a unique set of geographical features and elevations that allow for skiing when other states’ residents have long since hung up the winter gear. Because of the area’s typically heavy snowfall, Beartooth Highway, the road to access the area, is only open in the summer months when they have had a chance to clear the deep, winter drifts. This season, save up some snow sliding momentum for an early summer skiing trip to Beartooth Basin. Not far from the resort town of Red Lodge, it can make a great weekend getaway, whether you’re camping or looking for a cute B&B. The summer ski season is typically planned for late May through early July, snow and weather permitting. In addition to the ski area, there are other areas to ski in Beartooth Pass that don’t offer lift service but provide excellent backcountry terrain. Travel through Beartooth Pass and you are bound to see skiers hiking and skiing in many different areas of the pass. For an incredible scenic drive back to Big Sky, drive Beartooth Pass all the way through, enter Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast entrance in Cooke City, enjoy the park scenery and wildlife along the way.
About the Basin
Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area was established in the mid-1960’s by three Austrian ski racers as a summer training location. As ownership has changed hands, the Basin is now a public ski area that offers a unique training space for ski racers, mogul skiers and freestyle athletes to keep their skills sharp late into the season. Beartooth Basin Ski Area runs two high speed Poma lifts that access 600 acres of terrain with a summit elevation of 10,900 feet. Nearby Red Lodge and Cooke City offer plenty of lodging and dining opportunities. Visit Beartooth Basin Ski Area’s website for more details on ticket price options, the trail map, and space reservation for ski camps and team events.
