How to Go Skiing in Turner Mountain, Montana

Turner Mountain, located in the Flathead Valley 22 miles from Libby, Montana, is a volunteer-run ski area with a summit elevation of 5,952 feet, and a rather impressive 2,110-foot vertical drop. There are about 20 official runs available to skiers, most of which are rated as black diamonds. However, while Turner Mountain is renowned for powder skiing and geared toward experts, you'll find some beginner and intermediate-level terrain here as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Phone

Book Accommodations and Travel for Your Ski Trip

1. Visit the Flathead Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site to view a list of lodging in the area, complete with contact information (see Resources below). The list includes rental cabins, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, ranches, vacation homes, resorts and condos. Call the office at [phone] if you need assistance with your search.
2. Check the 'Lodging' page of the Turner Mountain Website (see Resources below) to see list of accommodations near the ski area. Mostly located in Libby, they include motels, bed and breakfasts and cabins. Expect room rates to be moderate. For a tranquil vacation, you might book a room at a property located outside the town limits. Some offer magnificent mountain views.
3. Book a train trip. Libby, Montana is not serviced by a commercial airport, but you can get there via Amtrak. You can also fly into the commercial airport in Kalispell, Montana and drive to Libby.
4. Go the distance. Spokane, Washington is a 165-mile trip from the ski area; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is 125 miles away and Missoula, Montana is 190 miles away.

Learn About the Turner Mountain Ski Area

5. Decide what type of ticket you need. There are adult full-day tickets, half-day adult tickets, junior/senior tickets and season passes, all at reasonable rates. Kids under the age of 6 ski free.
6. Ski equipment can be rented through Ski Turner Rentals, found in the new Turner Mountain Ski Area Lodge.
7. Turner Mountain has recently improved the ski area with a 5,600-foot T-Bar lift and a new chairlift.
8. Know the types of runs offered by Turner Mountain: 75 percent are ungroomed, 70 percent are black-diamond runs, 20 percent are intermediate and 10 percent are rated for beginners.

Tips & Warnings

• The Flathead Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site does not have an online booking feature.
• For current ticket pricing and ski conditions, visit the Turner Mountain Web site (see Resources below).

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