Hellroaring Basin
(aka West Bowl)

Overview:

This area has some of the best expert terrain and the best consistently great conditions on the mountain.  Aside from the long, undulating, Hell Fire, all the rest of the terrain is black and double black.  Trees, cliffs, steeps, they are all here.  There is a wide assortment of slope aspects so you can chase conditions throughout the day.  SOME AREAS SHOULD ONLY BE SKIED WITH A PARTNER DUE TO THE TREE DENSITY.  Be aware that cell phone service is spotty at best in this area.

The area usually opens later than the rest of the mountain due to coverage issues.  Also, it closes March 31 because of agreements with FWP about grizzly bear habitat.  Poachers when trails are closed WILL get their tickets yanked.  

The chair leading out of the Basin is one of the slowest on the mountain and has no foot rest or safety bar.  Also, it is difficult to "lap" this terrain due to the lift system layout.  

The result of all these factors is less traffic (except on the Hell Fire trail, which can be crazy during holidays) and more snow.

A great article was written by Brian Schott about this area, here.