Montana — Many skiers and riders dream of creating their own ski resort. But actually doing it is pretty complicated. There are various reasons, but one is that many of the people who created them in North America are no longer on this planet. However, some of them are still out there, and it was completed in the late 1990s.
In an episode released earlier this year by Soul of Hellroaring, they interview Blacktail developer Steve Spencer and daughter Jesse Spencer Wood. In the episode, they discuss finding the right plot of land for skiing, the U.S. Forest Service review process, constructing the slope and facilities, operating the ski area, and the transition to new ownership that occurred when they sold to Larry Scrivanich, who is also the owner of Mission Ridge.
Ultimately, Spencer pulled off something that has become much more challenging to do: secure a permit from the U.S. Forest Service to have skiing. It could be the last special use permit ever given to a ski area, although Tamarack Resort could need to get one to get their proposed expansion approved (a land swap is also being considered, which could bypass the need for a SUP).
Probably the most interesting insight he gave was how there was actually little pushback from environmental groups. Based on modern times, you’d think they would have had the pitchforks out. However, these organizations saw the modest development as a positive one to help the local community go outside and be active. The ski area was also cooperative with these groups, as they altered their terrain plans after discovering a section of old-growth forest on the mountain.
For more details about Blacktail, a documentary was also produced in 2022. It details the group of individuals who made the first 25 years of the ski area successful.
About Blacktail Mountain
Situated in Flathead National Forest, Blacktail Mountain is one of the newer ski areas in the Western U.S. The ski area features nearly 30 trails, 4 lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,440 feet. It relies on natural snowfall, as it averages 250 inches of snow per year. However, snowmaking on the lower portions of the mountain is being considered in the future. There are also XC ski trails located near the ski area.
In 2025, Blacktail Mountain debuted summer activities. These attractions included disc golf, hiking trails, off-road vehicle tours, and camping.
Image/Video Credits: Soul of Hellroaring, Blacktail Mountain
