In the humble mining towns along the Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway, you'll find equal parts sweetness and swagger. Take your pick: charmed winter moments or burly travel tales in the making? We suggest a little of both. But don't expect anything in between.

Charm or Chutzpa?

Twirl around enchanting Winninghoff Park and Ice Rink in downtown Philipsburg, or burl up for ice-fishing on Georgetown Lake (extra macho points for hooving fried chicken and brews afterwards at the Seven Gables Resort. Even more points if you swap snowkiting for fishing.) You can sort for sparklies at the Sapphire Gallery's indoor mining tanks, or shred them at nearby Discovery Ski Area, famous for its diabolical Backside.

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Buzz

Powder Magazine featured Discovery as one of its "Little Areas that Rock." We concur.

Local Scoop

Emily C. urges you to snowshoe into Granite Ghost Town, outside of Philipsburg.

Sweet or Savory?

When it comes to food in the Pintlers, same dilemma. The Sweet Palace in Philipsburg stocks bon-bons, confections, and candies galore, while the Barclay II Supper Club and Lounge in Anaconda seems like the kind of joint Don Draper might frequent with black tie waiters, linen tablecloths and strong cocktails. As for Wind's Pasties, they're meat, potatoes, gravy and true grit... baked into a flaky, buttery pastry.

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Posh or Practical?

It's hard not to stumble into a ski and stay deal in Anaconda or Philipsburg, especially at the down-to-earth Marcus Daly Motel, complete with old-school high-pressure showers, new beds, and strong coffee. For a little more historic charm, trade up to the atmospheric Broadway Hotel, or go fancy with a B&B at the Kaiser House (both in P-burg). Before bed, catch a second-run movie at the lavish art-deco Washoe Theatre in Anaconda.

OVERNIGHT IN THE PINTLER ›

Once upon a time, Aspen, Park City and Whistler were probably a lot like these humble little mining towns that just so happened to have a few (big) winter secrets stashed. Will Philipsburg and Anaconda explode too? We're not sure. Better catch them now, though, just in case.

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