Red Lodge Mountain

With a snowy start to November, skiers and snowmobilers have been heading to the backcountry and above-average snowpack levels across much of western Montana have some mountain resorts opening early. While most avalanche centers aren’t yet rating the current risk, experts say backcountry recreationists shouldn’t be complacent.

According to a 2018 report from Headwaters Economics, nearly 90 percent of Montanans participate in outdoor recreation for physical and mental well-being.…

Several ski resorts employing hundreds of Montanans announced this weekend they’re ending lift-service early amid peak season. They’re responding to...