Beartooth Basin scheduled to open Monday, Memorial Day, for late-spring skiing
EBS STAFF
Beartooth Highway, a scenic and high altitude stretch of U.S. Route 212, is set to open Friday, May 23, weather permitting, according to a recent Beartooth Highway social media post. Beartooth Pass crests at 10,947 feet above sea level, and is gated in winter months between Silver Gate and Red Lodge.
“[Road crews] ask for the public’s help by respecting road closure signs and locked gates,” the social media post stated. “They are not only removing snow, but also repairing slides and road damage. Please do not go around locked gates or ignore road closure signage as you are [putting] yourself at risk and slowing their progress.”
The Montana Department of Transportation is responsible for clearing and maintaining the road, and posts updates from their plow crew on YouTube. Historically, they clear the road by Memorial Day weekend, and it remains open through mid-October, weather dependent. Travelers should always be aware of changing conditions.
The scenic byway’s opening also marks the opening of Beartooth Basin, the region’s summer ski area located off of Beartooth Pass. According to their website, the Basin plans to open May 26 and if conditions permit, may remain open until early July.
