Despite record breaking snowfall in February, there are those who still need snow days in summer. Just 23 miles south of Red Lodge is the only summer-specific ski destination in North America, Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area, where proficient skiers and boarders find the cool way to enjoy hot weather.
“This is for advanced skiers that are traveling to the Beartooth Pass with the intent to do some riding and skiing routes that are accessed via the highway,” said Austin Hart, manager at Beartooth Basin. “The Basin is not your average ski hill – we don’t have a lot of amenities and we don’t sell much outside of lift tickets and a unique riding experience.”
Twin Lakes Headwall Terrain
600 acres of very steep skiing terrain that varies in pitch from 15 to 50 degrees – this is not for the faint of heart. The headwall has two high-speed platter lifts that pulls skiers along the surface of the slope at 850 degrees of vertical assist.
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With an elevation of 10,900 feet and 1,000 feet of lift serviced straight up, the surrounding areas offer 3,000 vertical feet of hike-in backcountry skiing and riding. Hardcore skiers can hike an additional 100-200 feet with the Twin Lakes headwall – even more to ski to the lakes.
“The tourists walk to the edge of the slope and point down, commenting on how crazy all the skiers are. Most guests that ride at the Basin aren’t your average tourist,” said Hart.
Rails, air and racing – oh my
The Basin uses SnoCats to create and shape jumps for the park, and riders can get some serious air. If boarders are feeling especially tricky, there are a variety of rails and features to “jib” on.
“The setting is spectacular – snow surface conditions are generally soft and predictable, and there is a sense of adventure and camaraderie while exploring the Beartooth Pass,” said Hart.
Ski Racing & Freestyle Camps
The Basin offers part of the hill for athletic programs from all over the country to train. Big Mountain and Freeride teams also travel from around the west to ride at the Basin and Beartooth Pass.
“It’s wild up there. Everyone looks out for each other and has a good time. The phrase we like to use at the Basin is ‘the spirit of skiing,’” said Hart.
With alpine views and numerous ski routes, the Basin calls to folks that enjoy the simplicity of skiing in the mountains with friends, where experience is not contrived or predetermined by anyone else.
“We are a locally-owned community ski hill and it’s important to keep places like this alive for the future of ski culture in the western U.S.,” said Hart.
Teams and groups can rent hill space for ski racing and mogul training through the season.
The basin is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through July 7, weather permitting.
For more information call (307) 250-3767 or visit beartoothbasin.com.
