Great Divide Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Divide |
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nearby town of Marysville c. 1890
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 Great Divide
Location in Montana
Great Divide
Location in the United States
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| Location | Marysville, Montana |
| Nearest city | Helena, Montana |
| Coordinates | 46°44′59″N 112°18′15″W / 46.7497°N 112.3043°W |
| Top elevation | 7,233 ft (2,205 m) |
| Base elevation | 5,730 ft (1,750 m) |
| Runs | 140 |
| Longest run | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
| Lift system | 5 Double, 2 Handle Tows |
| Snowfall | 180 inches |
| Website | Official webpage: http://www.skigd.com |
Great Divide is a fun ski area located in southwestern Montana, not far from Helena, Montana. It's special because it's owned by local people and is often the first ski spot in Montana to open each winter! You can find it close to the Continental Divide, which is like a big mountain ridge that separates rivers flowing to different oceans.
A Look Back: Great Divide's History
The story of Great Divide began way back in 1942. The very first ski trail on Mt. Belmont was built for a big ski race called the Northern Rocky Mountain Ski Races. This mountain was chosen over other nearby peaks like Elkhorn Peak and Red Mountain.
For many years, from 1941 until 1985, a non-profit group called the Belmont Ski Club owned and ran the ski area. Then, in 1985, the Taylor family bought it. They have been developing and running the ski area ever since.
The first chairlift, named the Mt. Belmont chair, was built in 1986. It took skiers all the way to the top of the mountain! Over time, more chairlifts were added to reach different parts of the mountain. Recently, the ski area grew even bigger with the addition of the Rawhide and Wild West chairlifts.
What's Happening Now: Fun at Great Divide
Great Divide is known for having some of the best terrain parks in Montana. Terrain parks are special areas with jumps, rails, and other features for skiers and snowboarders to do tricks. The ski area has a strong snowmaking system, which helps them open early in the season and build all five of their awesome terrain parks. Great Divide often hosts exciting events that show off these parks.
The mountain starts at a base elevation of 5,730 feet (about 1,746 meters). It offers more than 1,600 acres of terrain, which is a huge area to explore! There are five lifts and one rope tow that help you get around. These lifts give you access to over 140 different trails.
Safety is important at Great Divide. There are paid and volunteer patrollers always on duty to help anyone who needs it. The ski area is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except on holidays. You can even enjoy night skiing on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.!
If you want to learn to ski or snowboard, Great Divide offers lessons every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These lessons take place in the Backyard Beginner's Area, which is perfect for new learners. There's also an all-mountain ski team for kids aged 7 to 19. This program runs for seven weeks, and about 130 kids join each season to improve their skills. Each spring, Great Divide hosts the Montana Park Riders Round-Up, where top freestyle skiers and riders compete for a cash prize.
Where to Find Great Divide
Great Divide Ski area is located about 22 miles (about 35 kilometers) west-northwest of Helena, Montana. To get there, you'll take Highway 279 (also known as Lincoln Road). Then, you'll turn onto Marysville Road and drive about seven miles (11 kilometers) up into the Silver Creek Valley. The ski area is near the small community of Marysville, Montana.
