Alpine Ridge is a top-notch ski resort founded in the late eighteen hundreds by a man named Henry Boyne. Set in the picturesque Madison Range just outside Yellowstone National Park, Alpine Ridge is home to some of the greatest icons of modern-day skiing. One of the topmost training places for Olympic hopefuls, with the skiable vertical just over 4,500 feet. Eleven chairlifts give access to the entire mountain, and there are four additional access lifts from the slopeside condos. Home to some of the steepest terrain out there, and the toughest downhill course this side of the Rockies. The Peak, accessible by a 12-person tram, is at 11,245 feet, and you can ski every inch of it. Skiers and boarders can rock it out in style, with a little something for every skill level. There are even classes that you can sign up for, all taught by certified instructors.

Of course, it isn't all about the skiing. There's the mountain village, where you can grab a bite to eat, stay in one of three hotels, or even get a spa treatment after a long day on the slopes. There's the Super 8, for your overnight travelers, the upscale Ridge Hotel, and the Shoshone Lodge. There are several restaurants, and even a shopping plaza, just in case you forgot something important. All this just five minutes from the bottom of the slopes. There's snowshoeing, tubing, skating, and a kid's club, as well as a Snowsports School for the little tykes. If you don't have your own gear, stop by the rental area or head to one of the board shops. You can go snomobiling in Yellowstone Park, or cross-country ski on the golf course in the valley. There are also two clusters of condos ten minutes' drive from the hill.

The fun doesn't stop when the slopes close, either. The latest improvement is a summer resort in the valley, with horseback riding, golf, and a sporting clays range. Shooting events are held every summer, and people come from all across Montana and Wyoming to compete. There's a campgrounds, cabins, and two more groups of condos close by. Trail rides are held daily, and week-long camping trips into the mountains are always an option. There are plenty of walking and biking trails, and an incredible amount of wildlife. Wolves, moose, bears, mountain goats and elk are common, but fascinating sights, as well as many birds and small creatures that roam the woods. Fine dining is available at the Brooks lounge.

The majority of the population resides in the Meadow Village. There, you'll find a ski shop, cafe, doctor's office, and the resort's headquarters. There are several gift stores, a garage, and a mom & pop's, as well as the Trough & Tank, the most popular restaurant within 50 miles. Most of the houses in the village are new, but custom built, though there is one area of condos. The larger homes can be found here, and occasionally dotting the road to the mountain. The Madison River run just across the interstate, in the canyon, and in the summer is frequented by rafters & fishermen. Just a few miles up the road is Castle Rock, a great place for hikers and climbers.

There's something for everyone here. Where do you fit in?