One advantage of the approach to this backcountry lodge—a five-mile, 2,000-vertical-foot ski route—is that it weeds out the riffraff. Not that there’s much competition for fresh tracks in the remote Flint Creek Mountains of western Montana: the nearest neighbor is five miles away. After skinning to the lodge, Altoona skiers explore terrain that ranges from open meadows to pillowy rock gardens, cliff bands, and summits over 9,000 feet, which you can skin up or access via snowmobile. You can opt to guide yourself, but we recommend hiring owner Denison von Maur to guide and cook. (He makes a mean raclette.) Come evening, return to the three-cabin lodge to soak in the wood-burning sauna as the sun sets. $250 per person, including meals and guiding.
Altoona Ridge Lodge Photographer: Courtesy of Altoona Ridge Lodge
Comments
I spent the sweetest Christmas of my life here. It's a place where you can fill your cup. Sincerely, a transformative experience.
Flag ThisI haven't had the pleasure of the visit yet ...but I can guarantee the best time ever! No joke!
Flag This