- Be ready to ski in, or consider using a snowmobile to gain access to some areas of the Beartooth Mountains.
- Hire an experienced Red Lodge area backcountry skiing guide and realize what it is to actually relax while you ski in unfamiliar territory.
Overview
Red Lodge, Montana is nestled in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, a desolate, magnificient, rugged range offering miles of fresh powder, solitude, and challenge to backcountry skiers.
Where to go Backcountry Skiing
The Beartooth Scenic Highway is closed in the Winter to Memorial Day to wheeled vehicles as soon as the road becomes treacherous to travel and maintain in severe weather and snowpack. So, be ready to ski in, or consider using a snowmobile to gain access to this area of the Beartooths.
The Beartooth Mountains can also be accessed in the winter from the Black Canyon drainage. The Lake Fork valley road is closed by a gate about a half mile from Highway 212, and realize that "Peak 12000 " is known as Avalanche Peak for a reason.
Unfortunately for some adrenaline seekers, helicopter skiing is not permitted because the Beartooth Mountains are protected by the Wilderness Act.
When the Beartooth Scenic Highway reopens, drive to the "top of the world" (Beartooth Pass) and hike with your skis across the plateau to the Rock Creek Headwall and other nearby fields usually full of untouched snow.
Rentals and Fees
The Red Lodge area businesses listed here can supply you with everything you need to make your backcountry skiing adventure safe and successful, along with apres skiing food, entertainment, and lodging.
Hire a Guide
Hire an experienced Red Lodge area backcountry skiing guide and realize what it is to actually relax while you ski in unfamiliar territory. The experts listed on this page want to keep you safe and can offer crucial advice regarding your backcountry ski plan and equipment.
Safety Precautions
Keep in mind you need to have a way out of the backcountry, so plan enough time to ski out, or arrange in advance for a shuttle, or snowmobile perhaps, to pick you up.
Skiers may enjoy the solitude of the backcountry but also need to be responsible and mature enough to respect nature by knowing personal limits and being prepared with proper avalanche and survival/ safety equipment and using good judgment.
