The fairly new ski resort of Blacktail Mountain is located above the town of Lakeside along the western shore of Flathead Lake, northwest Montana, and is known for its uncongested slopes and family-friendly atmosphere. Set within beautiful national forest, Blacktail Mountain offers well-groomed slopes with an emphasis on beginner and intermediate sliders.

Facilities at this affordable family-orientated resort include: ski sports and rental shops, a professional ski school with programmes for adults and children, conference facilities nearby and excellent childcare services. The day lodge provides a range of dining options.

Accommodation is in the nearby towns of Kalispell, Lakeside, Big Fork and Somers, where you’ll find an assortment of inns, hotels and motels. Kalispell, with its range of shops, restaurants and bars, offers the bulk of the après-ski activities.

Blacktail Mountain ski resort offers 24 runs across mainly gentle beginner and intermediate slopes that are always well groomed. Seventy per cent of the ski domain is geared for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, and the longest slope is just under two kilometres. Four lift systems provide slope access.

Away from the slopes, Glacier National Park, to the northeast of Blacktail Mountain, is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers fabulous sightseeing through forests, lakes and alpine meadows. To the west lie natural mineral hot springs, while south is the National Bison Range.

Blacktail Mountain’s ski season runs from December to mid-April, with cheap lift prices offered at the beginning and end of the season; visitors under eight years and over 69 years ski for free. The easiest way to get here is to fly to Glacier Park International Airport and take a taxi and shuttle bus combination transfer via Kalispell.