With the first traces of snow in the valley and large amounts of snow beginning to accumulate in the mountains, skiers and snowboarders alike are ready to hit the slopes. This year however, they might be trying a new destination Blacktail Mountain.
“I think that Blacktail has a lot of potential,” said junior Carrie Christiansen. “It seems to have more snow and more interesting runs that are ungroomed for snowboards.”
With the opening of the new resortabout 14 miles west of Lakeside, students have new territory to scope out.
“I think that it (Blacktail) is really nice,” said sophomore Clayton Alstad. “It is really convient for everyone and especially for the people that are by the Lakeside area.”
Blacktail Mountain also takes on a more family oriented atmosphere by keeping its entire focus in the central building. That way, people will be more likely to see their friends.
“I thought that Blacktail was really cool,” said junior Billy Niemeyer. “People were bringing dogs on the chair lifts and everyone was laid back, having a good time.”
“I think that the prices are appealing,” said senior instructor Chris Hall. “The mountain (Blacktail) is nice, it has better weather and snow.”
Blacktail offers 24 trails ranging from beginner to advanced with 70% of the slopes at intermediate levels.
“Blacktail is a north facing slope so the snow will be good,” said senior Ricky Baars. “The advanced runs are at the same level as Big Mountain’s intermediate runs though.”
The appeal for most students is that lift tickets are comparatively cheaper-about $24, compared to Big Mountain’s $40.
“I tried it out last weekend because it was only $7.50,” said Niemeyer. “Half of the mountain was closed (due to electrical problems). They were old school chair lifts and kind of scary.”
Avid skier senior Ryan Krause took advantage of Blacktail’s newly covered slopes and went early to check out the mountain.
“I think it’s going to be a great family place,” said Krause. “It has lots of intermediate slopes and the prices aren’t extreme.”
Whether students are eager to hit the slopes or just test out something new, Blacktail Mountain could prove to be the best choice for an inexpensive local hangout.
“I had a lot of fun and Blacktail it was really comforting,” said senior Ellie Thompson. “The atmosphere was really laid back and I think that Blacktail will be a good place for skier’s to go.” |
