Blacktail Mountain to open Saturday

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside will open for the season on Saturday.

Mountain officials are hopeful to open 100 percent of the ski area’s 1,000 acres on opening day, but more snow will be needed to do so.

“Luckily, there’s moisture and cooler temperatures in the forecast for this week, so do your snow dance, burn some old skis or partake in whatever ritual you think may appease the snow gods to grant us with some fresh pow-pow for opening weekend,” said Arin Lever, marketing director at Blacktail Mountain.

About 25 inches of settled snow is at the summit, with 8 inches on the lower mountain. If new snow doesn’t fall, skiers should expect some closures on Saturday until the snowpack builds.

Blacktail doesn’t make snow, so a mild start to the winter pushed back the opening day a bit, Lever noted.

“Blacktail Mountain does not set a preconceived calendar open date, which enables management and maintenance to lovingly care for every inch of snow until it’s ready to properly slide upon,” she added.

Newly gladed terrain was added this summer extending the Lower Salmon run and additional glading was completed between West Ridge and Buck Snort. Skiers will also be pleased to find that Blacktail Road was paved between milemarker 3.4 and 6.5

During the holidays the ski area will be open Saturday, Dec, 22 through Sunday, Jan 6. Days of operation on a regular schedule include Wednesday to Sunday. The lifts spin from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A adult lift tickets are $42; seniors (70+) are $20; teens 13-17 are $30; children (8-12) are $20, and children 7 and under ski free. Fifth-graders also ski free with proof of grade.

The ski area is 14 miles up Blacktail Mountain Road with a summit elevation of 6,780 feet. The ski area offers 1,440 feet of vertical.