In the extreme northwest corner of Montana, bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by Idaho you'll find Lincoln County, the Kootenai National Forest, and the towns of Eureka, Fortine, Libby, Rexford, Trego, and Troy.
Libby - Cabinet Mountains photo courtesy of Marge Sullivan
| Usually just before Thanksgiving the occasional snows of late Fall begin to stay on the ground, not just in the high country, but in the valleys too. Being on the west side of the Continental Divide this corner of Montana usually has warmer winters and less wind as compared to the rest of the State. The majority of precipitation falls in the form of snow. Many people living here have learned to appreciate the snow, and winter no longer constrains outdoor activities. |
Skiing in the Cabinet Mountains photo courtesy of Lance Schelvan
Cross country skiing has become a popular sport to the area. Maintained cross country ski trails are available as well as ski touring on the unplowed roads in the Kootenai National Forest. In the Forest, logging roads and trails make fine ski opportunities and unless posted for winter game protection, all unplowed roads are open for winter recreation. Often the necessary ingredients are as close as the back door. Before setting off for the day, check the forecast for snow and road conditions as weather conditions can change rapidly in the winter.
Downhill skiers head to Turner Mountain, 22 miles north of Libby. Turner Mountain is operated by Kootenai Winter Sports, a volunteer organization that is dedicated to maintaining an affordable family skiing and snowboarding area. This area has a 5,600 foot long T-bar and offers a challenging ski oppotunity. Turner Mountain is usually open weekends and all week Christmas to New Year's when snow conditions allow. For more information about winter sporting activities e-mail and we'll try to help you.
Turner Mountain photo courtesy of Gene and Bernice Yahvah |
With its many miles of unplowed roads, the Kootenai National Forest offers the snowmobiler and four-wheeler, and cross country skier all the ingredients for memorable outings - lots of snow, roads to vantage points with broad panoramas, groomed trails and moderate winter temperatures. Snowmobiling opportunities are endless. The solitude of snoeshoes offers access anywhere at any pace.
Depending on weather conditions, a person can find other activities - such as ice skating, ice fishing, and bird watching. Remember when ice fishing that the most importatnt question is not what bait to use but whether or not the ice is safe! In any winter activity look for the warning signs of changing temperatures, avalanche areas, and hazard areas. Check locally for weather conditions. |
More on Winter (older version)
