Showdown Ski Area

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

This Montana Rockies resort is just one big powder stash. Showdown has been a great placed to take the whole family since 1936 and now has lodging options in Great Falls, Lewistown and Belt, Montana.

When we say the whole family we really mean it. They have day care available as well as lessons in their ski school for children as young as four years old!

Showdown’s location in the Little Belt Mountains in the Montana Rockies brings plenty of all-natural snow to the area. In fact, they are right in the path of most winter storms. Showdown receives great snow and keeps it longer than many other ski areas. 245 inches (twenty feet) of powder falls annually!

Some resorts have summit elevations of 6,800 feet, but that’s where Showdown starts. Their highest peak reaches 8,200 feet, for a vertical drop of 1,400 feet.

The ski area has one triple chair lift, two double chair lifts and one surface conveyor (great for those learning to ski in Montana!).

The chairs service a nicely balanced terrain with a breakdown of 30% for beginners, 40% for intermediate and the last 30% for advanced skiers. Plus a terrain park! The 34 trails at Showdown Ski Area are spread across 640 skiable acres.

Looking to update your gear? No problem; Snowdown has a great ski and board shop right at the resort and in Great Falls! Stop in Skier’s Edge Pro Shop to try out the latest demos, get your equipment tuned or for the expert advice of their employees. They also have those little things that always get forgotten at home: chapstick, sunscreen, hand warmers, and warm woolly hats.

Winter temperatures are usually within 16-20 degrees Fahrenheit, so you might as well try having fun out in the white stuff! Learn to love winter in Montana and head on down to Showdown for a family-friendly atmosphere and lots of dry, fluffy powder!

Showdown Ski Area is on US Highway 89, just ten minutes south of Neihart, one hour southeast of Great Falls or a half hour north of White Sulphur Springs. Boseman and Helena are within two hours as well. Fly Delta, Northwest, or Horizon Air to Great Falls for quick access to the mountain via rental car.

Mailing Address: PO Box 92 Neihart, MT 59465
Phone: 406-236-5522
Snow Phone: 406-771-1300
Toll Free: 800-433-0022
Fax: 406-236-5523