HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Bear Paw Ski Bowl is gearing up for the season, but Dave Martens, Sr., says only one thing is preventing them from opening – a lack of snow.
“The ski hill currently has probably 14 inches of settled base, 14 to probably 30 inches on the upper part of the mountain. But we’re shy on snow. We don’t have quite enough to open. We’ve been grooming, we’ve laid down… a bullet proof base. We’re just waiting for something on top of it. 8-to-10 inches should do it.”
Martens says that COVID protocols will be in place that will match rules from the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the state of Montana.
“We will require masks in our lift lines, when you load the chair, and when you unload the chair. It is going to be strict and we expect people to follow that. Also in our warming hut, it will be limited in terms of the number of people in their and masks will be required, even when you’re sitting down in the lodge. It’s going to be strict and we expect everyone to work with us on that.”
If they receive enough snow over the next week, the plan is to open next weekend. Once they do open, they will have an operational rope tow for the second year in a row. Masks will be required on the rope tow.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of Bear Paw Ski Bowl, and organizers are looking at holding a torch light parade in the near future to celebrate.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl is volunteer run, is owned and operated by the Chippewa Cree Tribe, and is managed by the Snowdance Ski Association. It is Montana’s smallest ski hill.
Martens says he owes a debt of gratitude to the Chippewa Cree Tribe for allowing work on preparing Bear Paw Ski Bowl to open for the season to continue amidst the pandemic.
“It’s kind of a gift from them to the community, for us to be out there skiing, and I’d like to thank them, along with the Snowdance Ski Association, the Eagle Creek Ski Patrol, New Media Broadcasters, and everybody that’s come out and helped us. We really appreciate it.”
