Boarders blaze through Montana's Bitterroot Valley.
Bargain Ski Spots
IF YOU'RE GOING...
BEAVER MOUNTAIN, UTAH
SKI Family owned since 1939, Beaver Mountain offers 40 well-groomed runs on 664 skiable acres. $38. (435) 753-0921, www.skithebeav.com.
EAT The Wednesday special at Hamiltons Steak and Seafood—ribs, sides, drinks, dessert—feeds up to six. $60. (435) 787-8450, www.hamiltonssteakhouse.com.
STAY At Utah State's university Inn, find clean rooms close to the ski area. From $68.* (800) 231-5634, www.hotel.usu.edu.
BEAR VALLEY, CALIF.
SKI Two hours south of Tahoe, Bear Valley boasts a less trafficked approach, shorter lift lines, 10 chairs, and 67 runs. $59. (209) 753-2301, www.bearvalley.com.
EAT Head to the Snowshoe Brewing Company in Arnold for ales on tap and massive burgers ($10). (209) 795-2272, www.snowshoebrewing.com.
STAY Guests cozy up to a 10-foot-tall fireplace in the lobby of Bear Valley Lodge. Ski packages from $55 per person. (209) 753-2327, www.bearvalleylodge.com.
SKI ANTHONY LAKES, ORE.
SKI With the state's highest base elevation and an arid winter climate, Ski Anthony Lakes is a stash of perfect powder. $35. (541) 856-3277, www.anthonylakes.com.
EAT In Baker City, strike it rich at the Geiser Grand Hotel's 1889 Saloon with a buffalo burger and organic fries ($8). (541) 523-1889, www.geisergrand.com.
STAY Every room at Baker City's Always Welcome Inn comes with a view of the Elkhorn Mountains. from $47.* (800) 307-5206, www.alwayswelcomeinn.com.
LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN, MONT.
SKI Perched above the Bitterroot Valley, Lost Trail Powder Mountain averages 300 inches of sugar-fine snow a year. $34. (406) 821-3211, www.losttrail.com.
EAT At the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner, a half rack of hickory-smoked pork ribs goes for $19. (406) 821-3520, www.rockyknoblodge.com.
STAY A hot tub awaits at the Sula Country Store & Resort. Cabins from $40.* (406) 821-3364, www.bitterroot-montana.com.
SOLDIER MOUNTAIN, IDAHO
SKI Soldier Mountain's peaks and powder rival those at Sun Valley, Idaho, but can be skied for a fraction of the price. $33. (208) 764-2526, www.soldiermountain.com.
EAT At Soldier Creek Brewing Company in Fairfield, locals line up for the $7 Primo: turkey, provolone, and pesto on a flaky croissant.
(208) 764-2739.
STAY Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, served fireside at Fairfield's Prairie Inn. From $69. (208) 764-2247, www.theprairieinn.com.
WHITE PINE SKI AREA & RESORT, WYO.
SKI $40 buys a pass to 25 downhill runs and 19 miles of groomed cross-country trails at White Pine Ski Area & Resort. (307) 367-6606, www.whitepineski.com.
EAT Inside a tiny log cabin in Pinedale, Wind River Pizzeria uses organic veggies on its pies and serves homemade lasagna ($10). (307) 367-6760.
STAY Chambers House Bed & Breakfast in Pinedale occupies an expanded, renovated log schoolhouse. From $79. (800) 567-2168, www.chambershouse.com.
Photography by Will Moss/LTP Ark
This article was first published in January 2009. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
