Montana Hit With Deep June Snowfall

Montana residents received a Winter Storm Watch alert from the National Weather Service late last week. Snow, the NWS said, was possible at high altitudes throughout the state.

There’s something undeniably silly about the NWS discussing “Winter Storms” in June. Should it have been a “Summer Storm Watch”? I suppose that makes less sense. It's supposed to rain during the summer, not snow.

But this is Montana we’re talking about, and the only months you can confidently say will be snow-free are July and August. Even then, a freak weather event is possible.

The prediction came true as snow blanketed ski resorts throughout the state early this week. While the storm obviously won't lead to anyone firing up the lifts for some summer skiing, it was fun to see locales like Big Sky and Bridger Bowl once again dressed up in their winter finery.

Here’s a peek at who got snow.

Big Sky picked up a significant amount of snow, with more on the way. Due to forecasted heavy snowfall, the resort has suspended summer activities like scenic lift rides and mountain biking today, June 18th. They plan to reopen tomorrow.

Bridger Bowl, too, saw a top-to-bottom dusting. On Instagram, the ski area cheekily asked, “Should we spin the lifts?” I wouldn’t be opposed.

This morning, Lost Trail Pass—home to Lost Trail Ski Area—was mostly barren, but it looks like the higher altitude ski area picked up a decent dusting.

If I were a gambling man, I’d bet this was winter’s last gasp in Montana.

UPDATE: Showdown Montana has shared pictures of snow laying on the mountain on the morning of June 18th, 2024. Skiers can be seen in the images, but the ski area warns that there is, "no base".

Showdown, Montana June, 2024 Snowfall

Where I live in Missoula, it could hit almost 90 degrees this weekend. By then, the snow will be an afterthought, although the first real storms of Montana's upcoming ski season are probably only a few short months away. I’ll be taking advantage of the heat while it lasts.

Related: McKenna Peterson is Finding Peace in Slowing Down

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