A vast, remote mountain in southwest Montana with a tram to the summit of Lone Peak that would be a serious mountaineering objective anywhere else. It is now reached by gondola and tram together, and it stays open through the summer as well.

Expert terrain defines the place. Dozens of steep chutes, bowls and ridge lines sit above a great deal of long uncrowded groomed skiing lower down, and the mountain is cold, dry and reliable from November through April. There is more skiable ground per person here than at almost any resort in North America.

There is very little village, and the nearest real town is Bozeman an hour away. Hotels and condos at the base improve every year without being charming, and evenings are quiet.

The entrance to Yellowstone is close enough for a snowcoach day, and Bozeman is worth a dinner on the way in or out.