The Virginia Dental Association will join several other states in hosting the 2016 Ski and Learn Seminar at Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana. The meeting begins on Wednesday, March 16 and continues through Wednesday, March 23. Other state dental associations who have co-sponsored the trip include Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Tennessee. 

This will be our twelfth consecutive trip to Big Sky. Nearly fifty dentists from fourteen states participated in the 2015 trip. 

Montana is known for its vast, beautiful landscapes and at Big Sky, there's no exception. Big Sky is one of the largest and most compelling mountain resort experiences in North America. With recent acquisitions of the Moonlight Basin and Spanish Peaks resort areas, Big Sky Resort boasts more than 5,750 acres of skiable terrain with 4,350 vertical feet, 23 chair lifts and 10 surface lifts. Annual snowfall averages 400 inches and there are no lift lines. Big Sky is truly the “Biggest Skiing in America.” 

Continuing Education 
Sixteen hours of continuing education will be held on Thursday and Friday (March 17-18) and Monday and Tuesday (March 21-22). Morning sessions will be 7:30 until 9:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions will be 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. This schedule will allow you to enjoy skiing on program days! Speakers and topics will be announced soon. Complimentary daily breakfast is included with group lodging, and will also be provided for registered attendees staying off-site on seminar days. 

Lodging 

Huntley Lodge - This three-story hotel was part of the late NBC news broadcaster Chet Huntley's original vision. With recent remodeling, it is as tasteful as it is convenient. The Huntley complex includes a fine dining room, lounge, coffee cart, concierge, shops, ski storage, meeting rooms and Solace Spa. 

Shoshone - Shoshone combines the service of a hotel with the comforts of a condominium. This recently remodeled seven-story landmark is attached to the Yellowstone Conference Center and Huntley Lodge. Solace Spa, shops, espresso cart, and Kids Club are located in the lobby. 

The Summit - This 10-story luxury complex combines the convenience of a hotel with the amenities of a condominium. Flexible lock-offs allow for many sleeping configurations. The Summit melds European sophistication with Western style with three high-capacity lifts within 100 yards of the entry. 

Powder Ridge – These handcrafted cabins offer roomy floor plans, modern amenities, and old world charm. Located on the north end of the Mountain Village, you can access skiing via secluded trails and bridges. Enjoy cozy fireplaces, private outdoor hot tubs, and a kitchen all nested in the pines on the flanks of Lone Peak. The Powder Ridge Cabins are great for families and groups. Private vehicles required. 

Transportation 
Located just 45 miles south of Bozeman, Montana, and only 18 miles north of the Yellowstone National Park border, the resort is easily accessible via jet service into Bozeman on Northwest, Delta, United, and Skywest Airlines. Ground Transportation is available by way of rental car or shuttle. 

Resort Amenities 
Located at the base of Lone Mountain, the complex includes meeting rooms, an amphitheater, a scenic Main Dining Room, Chet's Bar, two outdoor heated pools, jacuzzis, saunas, a health facility, tennis and volleyball courts, a massage studio, and retail shops all in the same area. Next door is the Mountain Mall, providing additional restaurants/bars, shops, and services. 

Skiing and Recreation 
The skiing at Big Sky is truly legendary. The experience is based on huge vertical, tremendous elbow room and breathtaking scenery. The facts tell the story -- two mountains, 3,600 acres, seventeen lifts, 400 inches of light, dry snow annually, no lift lines and the nation's 2nd largest vertical drop of 4,350 feet. Group ski rates will be available for registered attendees. 

And when you're not skiing, the Big Sky area offers plenty of winter activities like snowmobiling and wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park, snowshoeing, sleigh ride dinners, ice skating, free children's aprés ski activities, or relaxing with a spa treatment from the Solace Spa. 

How To Register 
For registration information contact the Alabama Dental Association by calling (800) 489-2532, fax (334) 262-6218, or email niel@aldaonline.org. For lodging information and rates call Big Sky Resort at 800-548-4486 and tell them you are with the Alabama Dental Group.