Monday, Nov. 17, 2003

It's Ski Time

By Pat Dawson

Hoping to benefit from the deep, dry snow on the north face of Montana's Lone Mountain, America's first new destination ski resort in 20 years plans to open there Thanksgiving weekend. Moonlight Basin, right around the mountain from the east-facing, 30-year-old Big Sky Resort, will charge only $39 for its all-day adult lift ticket (its rival asks $59). A six-person express lift will take skiers from the base to above Timberline. Moonlight's 3,050 ft. of vertical descent, including 1,200 ft. of inbound hike-up terrain, is on a par with the long drops of Park City, Mammoth, Killington and Deer Valley. --By Pat Dawson