By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – After being unable to open due to a lack of snow, followed by brutally cold temperatures, Bear Paw Ski Bowl finally has an opening date set in stone.
The Ski Bowl will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, with the main lift and beginner rope tow in operation.
Mountain Manager Dave Martens, Sr. says to expect early season conditions above the midway point.
“We encourage advanced skiers to probably not bring their best skis if they are going to ski on the top. But everything else is good. We’ve got excellent to dynamite conditions.”
Bear Paw Winter Sports, located in the old creative leisure building in downtown Havre, will be open on Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 8-9:30 AM and 5-6 PM for rentals and returns.
Face coverings are required in lift lines and public areas at the hill and the shop.
“We are following strict guidelines set by the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the Montana Ski Area Operators Association. We’re requiring that people think of their fellow skiers and mask up and sanitize their hands and so forth.”
The ski hill is cash only, with $25 lift tickets for adults. Tribal members are $15, youth 9-18 and college students (with ID) are $20, and kids under eight are free with a paying adult. Tickets for just the rope tow are $10. Anyone over 80 years of age can ski for free.
The volunteer run ski bowl, located 30 miles south of Havre, is owned and operated by the Chippewa Cree Tribe. 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of its initial opening.
This post has been updated
