Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Red Lodge Mountain celebrates the end of the ski season in a big way with Winter Meltdown April 12. The closing day events bring out the locals who compete for a season pass for the following year.

Their famous "Dash for the Pass" draws skiers and snowboarders who want to win a free season pass for the 2009-10 season. The race requires much more than skill on the snow: success also necessitates a strong stomach. Competitors start at the top of the beginner run by skiing or snowboarding down to the Bierstube. At the bar, they jump out of their skis, dash into the restaurant to be served disgusting amounts of hot jalapenos or cold French fries. The food gorging follows with swilling a pint of beer.

The winner gets a free season pass. Losers, however, can take advantage of season pass sales for discounts. Red Lodge typically runs several sales on season passes. The early you buy one, the better the rate. The best rates are usually available before the end of the current ski season. Then, prices go up from post ski season through September, and then up again. Check with the ticket office at 406- 446-2610 for rates.

The resort runs the local golf course on the opposite side of town in summer. The 18-hole course, usually opening in May, has five tee boxes to accommodate all levels of golfers. Call 406-446-3344 for current schedules and rates.

Red Lodge does not run their lifts in summer; however, as soon as nearby Beartooth Pass Highway between Montana and Wyoming opens, skiers head to the slopes - usually by late May. The pass used to have a ski area back in the 1960s for training for Olympics contenders. Now, the Red Lodge International Summer Ski and Snowboard Camp at the Twin Lakes Headwall runs the two pomas, lanes for race training, and a terrain park. Shuttles can add on up to 3,000 vertical for skiing and riding. The hill is open to the public for skiing through July. Call 406- 446-3446 for current conditions and rates.