Contents
About the Mountain
I feel like Big Mountain is my little secret but I figure it is not a big deal to out it because it is so far away from most places (except where I live) that it will never get overblown.
Big Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in the state and also in the Northwest. It has most of the resort amemities that you would expect for a area it's size but not quite as much hype is some of the more well know areas such as Big Sky in Southwest Montana. For good reason though. One of the major factors keeping the hordes of tourons at bay (like all really great areas, read Mt. Baker) is the foul weather and thick fog that gathers on the mountain on a regular basis contributes some serious vertigo for novice and intermediate visitors. That also means a steady stream of 6-8 inch days when stack up on each other makes some really quality snow conditions. Most locals secretly cherish this fog because you can just duck into the trees almost guaranteed find fresh any time of the year.
Big Mountain has a pretty good snowboard scene with lots of solid riders but not a lot of big names. It seems most people are more concerned with just riding, than all the hype surrounding snowboarding today. You will find a pretty even distribution of Snowboarders, Tele skiers, and downhillers on an average day. Until recently most Big Mountain riders honed their skills on natural hips, rollers, and drops. The mountain has really stepped it up in the last year in the man-made terrain department. They recently dedicated a whole lift to a terrain park as well as a permanent super pipe that are both under lights.
As far as natural terrain goes Big Mountain is at the top of my list. The 3,000 acre mountain consists of lots of rolling terrain with tons of perfectly gladed trees that equals snowboardy goodness. The North Bowl area is virtually littered with bands of secret little cliffs and drops that can stay clean and soft for days. The backcountry at this mountain is second to none. It isn't really gnarly wide open steeps, just tons of good, easily accessible pow runs, gladed trees and chutes.
About the Town
Whitefish is a small town situated about 15 minutes down the hill from Big Mountain right on the shores of Whitefish Lake. It is a Funky Mix of ski bum vibe with a touch of redneck Montana with rich yuppiness becoming a major force in recent years. You can still go out for decent meal for a fair price though. And there is usually a lot going on in town as far as shows and the bars are always pretty packed on weekends.
Alternate Activities
The Flathead Valley is home to a lot other activities. You can find about a dozen golf courses if that is your game. Some of the real fun comes when summer rolls around. Whitefish has a Brand new Dreamland Skate Park that pros have been coming through and destroying on a regular basis as well as superb parks by Dreamland just South of Whitefish in Kalispell, and Polson. Just East of Whitefish you will find Glacier National Park and to the South is the massive Flathead Lake as well as dozens of other lakes and rivers around the valley.
Photos
Adam Haynes stoked about riding in the Canyon.
Guy Zoellner rocking the latest in Carhartt Outerwear, Big Mountain Backcountry.
mmmmmm. fog, it's like soup.
Looking into Glacier National Park from Big Mountain.
Aaron Robinson boosts a frontside air with Big Mountain in the Background. Photo courtesy Stumptown Photo.
More Resources
Big Mountain
Stumptown Snowboards:Local snowboard shop. Check out the gallery for some more photos.
www.skatewhitefish.com:Website for the Whitefish Skateboard Association and the Park.
Stumptown Photo:Check out some more photos from the area.
