When you think of skiing in Montana, you might think of Big Sky or Bridger Bowl, but how about White Sulphur Springs? Believe it or not, the little town east of Helena has some unexpectedly good skiing and a down-home atmosphere you'll have to see to believe. White Sulphur Springs is an incredible area with plenty of snowfall that you'll be glad you didn't miss.
Showdown Ski Area
Just 25 miles north of White Sulphur Springs in Neihart, Montana, is the ski resort of Showdown. Nothing too fancy, but plenty of good skiing, Showdown prides itself on being family owned and operated. With 640 skiable acres and four ski lifts, Showdown is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the Rockies. The price is hard to beat too--2010 ski area pricing is $35 for an all-day adult ticket.
Cross-Country Skiing
If cross country is more your thing, White Sulphur Springs has some of the best cross-country trails around. Silvercrest Ski Trail has more than eight miles of ski trails and 200 miles of snowmobile trails, all groomed to perfection. Silvercrest has three warming huts on the trail with four loop options available. The ski trail prohibits dogs, tow-behind sleds and snowshoes.
History
White Sulphur Springs was so named because of the natural springs that smell faintly of sulfur. Native Americans came here for the mineral baths and later, in 1886, James Brewer developed the hot springs for the stage coach. Showdown has been in business since 1936 and is owned by George Willett and his family.
Off-Season Activities
In the off season, Showdown is in the center of the mountain bike trail system in the Little Belt Mountains. Trails include Porphyry Peak (Showdown Mountain) to Ranch Creek Loop, Dead Man Ridge Loop and Dry Wolf Ridge to Jefferson Loop. There are shuttles that can make your ride a bit shorter, so be sure to ask about them at Showdown.
Soak in the Hot Springs
After a day of skiing, be sure to soak in the hot springs at the Spa Hot Springs Motel in White Sulphur Springs. You'll enjoy the natural mineral water just as the Native Americans did and soak your sore muscles after a long day of skiing.
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