By Heather Schindler
about.com
about.com
When Cold Is Good
No doubt the most
frequently-reported weather story of the season has been the incredibly
warm weather blessing the Northeast. While most East Coasters don't miss
freezing temperatures and the many forms of precipitation they bring,
skiing enthusiasts are less than happy, as more that 30 percent of all
ski resorts have been closed this season because of the lack of snow.
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Many avid skiers are flocking to the western U.S., where the El Niño
weather pattern is causing above-average snowfall. The problem, though,
is that popular ski towns like Aspen and Taos are packed with more
visitors than usual, causing long lift lines, crowded trails, and other
problems you shouldn't have to deal with on vacation.
Luckily,
there are many ski towns in the West that offer all the same features as
the big ones but are only known to locals. Red Lodge, Montana is one of
the best examples, as it boasts short lines, low prices, and laid-back
people (in addition to great powder, of course).
Red Lodge is an hour's drive from Billings, Montana's largest city.
On the Slopes
The main place to ski in Red Lodge
is Red Lodge Mountain, a convenient 15-minute drive from the downtown.
The mountain, which has a summit height of 9,416 feet, is home to no
less than 71 trails. In addition, there are two terrain parks where
snowboarders can practice tricks. You can be sure that you'll almost
always be able to try all the trails, as 31 percent of them are
completely covered with snow and the rest are helped by the
largest-capacity snowmaking machine in the Northern Rockies.
The mountain is like a world unto itself, providing everything you need, from lessons to multiple dining options to gear rentals—they even have a gear shop on-site. The mountain also hosts multiple weekly events, which include races, concerts, and parties.
Round the Town
Nestled
among the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer National Forest, Red Lodge
is no stranger to gorgeous scenery. A great way to experience it is to
take one of the area's many hikes. If you're not an experienced hiker or
are traveling with kids, try Lake Fork Trail, a mostly flat path that
winds around a number of crystal-clear streams and lakes. The full trail
stretches for 19 miles, but there are multiple turn-around points,
allowing you to customize your experience. More skilled hikers will
enjoy the Basin Creek Lakes Trail, a 7.8-mile route that goes up almost
the entire way. You'll get some serious exercise and experience
incredible views.
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Red Lodge is known for its history in addition to its natural beauty. The downtown is home to the Carbon County Historical Society,
which features exhibits highlighting the history of the town and the
surrounding area. Red Lodge has come to be known as a sort of cultural
oasis in Montana in part because of its many galleries. One of the best
ones is the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery,
which is located inside a refurbished train depot and features
paintings, sculptures, photographs and jewelry by local artists.
Red
Lodge even adds its own special touch to the movies. The town's one
cinema, the Roman Theater, shows the same movies as most others, but
instead of sitting in regular chairs you'll get to watch the show from
cozy couches. You'll feel like you're watching a movie at home, albeit
on a much larger screen.
In the Area
Since
Red Lodge is located in one of the most unspoiled parts of the country,
it's no surprise that it is surrounded by other visitor attractions. The
most famous one is Yellowstone National Park, home to some of the most beautiful scenery and unique wildlife in the U.S., not to mention the famous geyser Old Faithful. On your way from Red Lodge to Yellowstone, make sure to take the Beartooth Highway,
a 68-mile road that climbs up to 12,000 feet in elevation and winds
through 20 mountains. While driving it is not for the faint of heart,
you won't regret it when you see the views from the many lookout points.
