Blacktail Mountain

"Blacktail resort for me was so awesome for a beginner. My first experience on a snowboard was at a different resort´s bunny hill which had a rope tow, it was a good learning spot to get familiar with the feel of a snowboard to my feet and it was free. But the rope tow really started to become frustrating. I then got to experience a different resort, Black Tail. Black Tail is about two hours from my home here in Missoula. I liked Blacktail from the minute we pulled up to the resort. I liked how you drive to the top of the mountain at the get go. As a first timer and California surfer, one of my biggest dreads is the lift. I liked the fact that the lift was not my first concern; it was just bind up and go! The first hill we went down was Cold Camp. It was awesome, it was easy and long enough to get your grove, without having to come right back up and start over again. When I did make it to the lift, it was a bit scary at first, it was haulin up the mountain, not wasting any time, then right before it let you off it slowed way down. This allowed for an easy discharge from the chair lift.

I took a couple of runs on Cold Camp when my friends talked me into trying a couple of more challenging runs. We had a blast. We then decided to grab lunch at the Top of the Lodge. Even the lodge was a great experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant / bar was warm and inviting while the people were great too. The employees were friendly and so was everyone that was visiting the resort. I have been to resorts before where there seems to be a little bit of an attitude if you aren´t a regular or decked out in all the name brand gear. Everyone talked to each other, and enjoyed stories of where they were from and their experiences of snowboarding. After eating and getting some warm fuzzies we headed back to the mountain.

My more experienced buddies then talk me into hitting the park. I was a little hesitant at first, but the day was going so great and I was feeling really comfortable at this resort, I decided to hit it. The park was set up in a way that it was easy to see what you were in for. I got excited and really thought I was gonna tear it up out there. I chilled as I watched my friends shred. I did get a lil brave and tried the rainbow. It was low to the ground and made of wood, a lot less intimidating then a metal rail. I would have tried a couple of little jumps, but it seemed really hard and icy in the landing. I did hit the log jib, but I am still a pretty slow rider so I didn´t get that high. I am looking forward to winter 08-09, to really break out of my comfort zone and take advantage of this awesome set up. Blacktail Mountain was so awesome, I am considering buying a season pass, even though it is so far away. Blacktail is definitely worth the drive. "

"I can´t tell you how much fun I had in their park. I was just super excited not only to actually be the parks reviewer, but to actually have a park with such approachable features. I like parks, but I usually just try to hit one features on the way down. I have rarely hiked up more than twice for anything at a resort. I spent over half a day one day, and about the same next at this playground. All the features have clear markings in front so you don´t have to check it out and then hike back up. They have a wide range for all abilities so everyone is totally entertained. The rainbow was a blast. It is low to the ground and wood. Their box rails were nice, a few of the landings needed a little work, but were doable. It´s a lot of work to maintain parks, and they do a pretty good job. Tina, there to write the beginner review, actually hit Woody, the log jib. It was one of her first runs off the bunny slope. I can´t wait to go back and hit the features I missed, well maybe not the kink rail, but you got to have something for everyone!"