International skiers enjoy opening week at Blacktail ski area

By DAVID REESE

Bigfork Eagle

They came from near and they came from far away.

Skiers and snowboarders eagerly took to the slopes at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area last week with the ski area opening for its 16th season Wednesday. A group from Oregon State University played in the snow on the beginners’ hill, laughing, skiing and crashing on the slope outside the Blacktail lodge.

Students from Vietnam, China, and Saudi Arabia were among the group touring the Flathead Valley over their Christmas holiday. Several of them were first-time skiers, and they made dozens of laps on the beginners’ hill.

Mostafa Alabadib, from Saudi Arabia had skied a few times before, but he was still working on his ski-control skills on the bunny hill Thursday. He nearly crashed into the snow fences a few times, took out one innocent bystander at one point, but got up, smiling.

“I like skiing, but I’m sore,” he said, a broad smile emerging from underneath his big fur hat.

Inside the ski lodge, the rental shop and ticket areas were busy serving customers. Jessi Wood, daughter of ski area manager Steve Spencer, runs the snow sports school at Blacktail, and she said the ski area is gearing up for a busy holiday and winter season. Groups from schools throughout the Flathead and Mission valleys have reserved ski days at Blacktail Mountain this winter.

Starting the first week in January, the local schools will bring 50 to 135 children a day during the weekdays this winter. “It’s a good way to keep us busy during the weekdays, and promote skiing to kids,” Wood said. “And it’s a good way to keep kids active during the winter.”

One of the popular ski-school programs is the Mini Mights. Children get a one-hour lesson and a brief introduction to skiing. The cost is inexpensive and the program is a great way for young children — and their parents — to see if they like the sport. “One hour is just a nice test to see if they’re ready, before they start diving in to skiing,” Wood said.

Spencer said Blacktail continues to be a strong draw for families. One of the reasons the ski area is popular is that it’s safer than a larger resort. Part of that safety record is due to the fact that Spencer designed the ski runs to modern-day standards.

“Our accident rate is off-the-chart low,” he said.