There is something so uniquely Montana about Snowbowl. You'll find it in the honest personality of a down-home resort and the dazzling spectacle of Northern Rockies terrain; a relaxing, friendly atmosphere and an array of amenities in the tradition of true Montana hospitality.

You'll see it in an enthusiastic and attentive group of employees and instructors, and that's not just because it is in their job description. A variety of runs both named and unnamed are designed to give skiers and boarders what they want, from easy rollers to hard-core chutes. And you'll get a distinct feeling that you will not impress anyone with a logo on your parka, just the smile on your face.

Snowbowl is big. The 2,600 feet of continuous vertical terrain make every trip down the mountain a new experience. Let's start with the three-mile long cruiser, Paradise. It is long. It is secluded. It is breathtaking. Since you probably will not be skiing in sight of another person, it is just you and the view.

If you prefer things a little wilder, then plunge down Grizzly, a true test of any hard-core's mettle. This run drops you 2,000 feet through terrain so steep you will be praying for a parachute.

For the kind of terrain you would expect after the end of a helicopter ride, check out the unnamed runs, chutes and steeps of the East Bowls. Be sure and pack extra adrenaline.

Created with families in mind, the Lavelle Creek area on Snowbowl's backside serves up beginner slopes like Hot Fudge, and black diamonds like Whipped Cream for mom and dad.

Each year Snowbowl teaches hundreds of grade school kids, teenagers and adults how to ski, board and telemark. From one hour to multi-day packages, it offers programs designed to take everyone from beginner kids to advanced adults a long way in a short time.

If you have never stuck a boot in a binding, the PSIA-certified instructors get you started right. Or, if you are an experienced skier or slider, instructors will tune up your technique and guide you through some of the most extreme terrain. Keep in mind, this is Snowbowl, a private lesson will probably cost you less than a group lesson an another ski area.

Getting to Snowbowl is easy. Interstate 90 skirts the edge of Missoula and highways 93 and 200 run right though town. You also can fly into Missoula on Northwestern, Delta or Alaska/Horzion. Snowbowl is located just 20 minutes north of downtown Missoula.