Summer is pretty much upon us and while much of the US bakes under the sun, sweats in the humidity or just sits inside playing video games there are still people out there living the dream, managing to keep on snowboarding as long as they can. Beartooth Pass Montana can help fulfill your urge to ride and offers an experience different than the traditional summer spots; Mt Hood and Whistler without the huge expense of flying to the Southern Hemisphere. Sure, Mt Hood has the best summer jumps in the world, Whistler Blackcomb has insane riding as well but those seeking a less homogenized experience can head to Montana. Beartooth Pass offers lift served riding and other adventures near the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone and 90 or so miles from Billings, Montana. Near the "East Summit" at just over 10,800 foot in elevation lies the two poma lifts operated by the Red Lodge International Summer Ski and Snowboard Camp from roughly Memorial Day until the 4th of July. In operation on and off since 1966 this is not your typical resort experience; there is nothing for sale there so bring everything, especially water (Forest Service does not allow any sales of anything in the fragile environment), no rentals, no cell phone coverage, no lodge (well, your car), outhouses only and absolutely no beginner runs. There is in fact easier terrain but to access it you have get down the headwall; the easiest way down would qualify as a double black at a lot of ski resorts. Oh, since the "resort" is on top of the mountain you have to come back up the steep ass slopes via a poma lift. So basically dont come here unless you can already ride well. If all the above things they don't have don't deter you well then what they do have will possibly appeal to you. Most importantly are the100s of acres and 1,000 vertical of some of the steepest lift served summer terrain in the US. In addition to the ski area riding there is pretty much endless terrain available via shuttle or hiking, some of the wildest and most beautiful countryside in North America, cool people, $25 half day tickets ($45 all day), free camping near rivers and lakes, a small terrain park, access to Yellowstone and more wildlife you have ever seen and maybe even pow in June. While the towns of Red Lodge and Cooke City do offer lodging but you don't go to Montana to stay in the Hilton, you gotta camp. At the bottom of the pass on the east or west side is basically endless camping for free near rivers or you can go with the traditional pay Forest Circus campground. Bring some friends, bring some beer and food and make your own adventure in the Beartooths. Oh and dont forget about the sick skateparks, fly fishing and everything else Montana has too offer in the summer.

Approaching the Beartooth Mts. From Billings, Red Lodge Ski area is shown in the photo on the left. Red Lodge is a resort that is open in the winter and not subject of this story but a fun place none the less    Heading up Beartooth Pass

An overview of the Red Lodge International Summer Ski and Snowboard Camp, its two poma lifts, terrain park and gnarly lines.

The easy way down and the terrain park is at the bottom and this steep ass poma lift is what you have to negotiate to get back up

Shredders came mostly from Montana and Minnesota. On Friday there were 10 paying customers on the weekend more people came in to ride, maybe 30 people total, a weekend rush if you will. Al - tailgrab 5

Kyle Miller  back 180

Kurt here is one of the owners. He grew up in the area and skied here in the 60's went on to become a ski school instructor in places as far away as Chile, became a lawyer in San Diego and still loves it all enough to take the time to operate the lifts on Beartooth Pass with his wife and their business partner(s)

Tyrell Thornton Headwall

Al spinning a 540

Does this Vintage Noah Salasnek Sims board belong on the hill or in a museum?      Shane Stalling - nose manny to back 180 out    Whiskey its not just for breakfast anymore

Matt Miller rodeo       Local, you think this guy is worrying about how to color coordinate all his equipment, clothes and accessories for next season

       Barrel jam to tranny finder

The lift headquarters, ski patrol hut, maintenance shed and real estate sales office Company headquarters, ticket office and base lodge

A guy they call simply, Legend, riding the poma, be careful or the poma will smash your nuts a little.       Yikes! Kyle Miller hits a nearby road gap built by Montana photographer Jeff Hawe. Jeff helped build this road gap for a crew that came through from Minnesota shortly prior to my visit.      Shane Stallings hits another roadside obstacle – the Kenny Loggins pole jam

A “mellow” roadside chute, they have some roadside, shuttle-able chutes that would keep Jeremy Jones and Tom Burt interested

A roadside bowl, about a half a mile from the lifts Snowstorm in June

Here is some really nice recession style creek side lodging. Just don’t talk about the Grizzly bears that love in the mountain range or you will never fall asleep

Being green is so hot right now, Papu from four O six board shop in Helena enjoys some “green” refrigeration; hairdryers are not applicable in Montana     Central heating and social area       Some of the most beautiful scenery, rugged mountains and diverse wildlife are in the mountains surrounding the Beartooth region Resources These guys operate the lifts, contact them to be sure they are open www.rlissc.com Allegiant Airlines has flights to Billings, Bozeman and Missoula for $29 each way fromm Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix www.allegiantair.com Cool shop in Helena www.fourosix.com Can't talk about Montana with out mentioning World Boards in Bozeman, the next closest Montana after Billings city to Beartooth Pass www.worldboards.com Montana photographer who takes sick photos, if you need some documentation check out www.jeffhawephoto.com