Majestic Montana leaves no one indifferent. You simply can’t resist its raw, unfiltered natural beauty. The grandiose mountain peaks of the Rockies meet the endless prairies of the Old West and there’s just no way to run out of outdoor opportunities in winter. Of course, such a mountainous state as Montana has plenty of ski resorts. From the biggest skiing centers on the continent with a variety of activities to the boutique family-owned hills with a few slopes perfect for starters, there is an amazing variety here. Discover the top ski resorts in Montana with our guide and hit the powder of the Big Sky State.
Big Sky Resort
One of the best ski resorts in the U.S., “big” in Big Sky Resort is for a reason. Located between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky Resort is one of the biggest skiing complexes you find in North America. Naturally, it’s Montana’s most popular winter choice with a superb proposition of activities. The great snow conditions here are guaranteed due to the setting in the Rockies, you’ve got whopping 5,800 acres with more than 250 runs and 39 lifts. The grand size doesn’t necessarily mean crowds, the waiting times here are lower than in other major resorts in the US. Apart from classic skiing and snowboarding, you can engage in such cool activities as headlamp night skiing, Nordic cross-country, zipline, sno-go biking, and snowshoeing. The West entrance to glorious Yellowstone National Park is less than 60 miles away so you can combine winter fun with nature admiring.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Proximity to the West entrance to Glacier National Park makes Whitefish Mountain Resort an ideal choice for a winter base. A popular option as a budget-friendly ski resort, it boasts a mid-sized terrain with 3,020 acres of skiing area and 93 runs. Quite a large part of the slopes are good for intermediate and advanced skiers so you’re guaranteed to get a snow-filled adrenaline rush here. 300 inches of yearly snowfall is a fantastic promise of ideal riding conditions. As for the lodging, you’ve got a selection of charming rustic rentals and hotels that would provide a cozy accompaniment to your trip to Whitefish. But you would want to get here for the vistas, lifts take you to the top of the Big Mountain and the panoramas of Glacier National Park are absolutely breathtaking from there.
Blacktail Mountain
With a marvelous location right in the heart of the Lakeside area next to Flathead Lake, Blacktail Mountain is among the top ski resorts in Montana. It gives you a unique chance to get wilder, more nature-connected skiing. The views are awe-inspiring from the top, there’s a variety of slopes, and it’s very family-friendly. While beginners will love it here, 85% of the rides are reserved for experts so if the challenging descents are your thing, Blacktail Mountain terrain is the place to be. Snow sports school will make sure you and your kids are feeling more comfortable on the snow, the diverse accommodation around the resort has an affordable edge, and you can go to Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park for explorations from here.
Teton Pass Ski Resort
One of Montana’s hidden gems, Teton Pass Ski Resort is for an unhurried skiing experience surrounded by the might of the Rocky Mountain Front. Expect no lift lines, excellent snow (300 inches per year is no joke), bombastic views, and the feeling of remoteness. No fancy apres-ski bars or fine dining restaurants are found at Teton Pass Ski Resort, it’s destined for one thing- getting the most out of the gorgeous snowy terrain of northwestern Montana.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Bridger Bowl stands out from other Montana resorts. It is a non-profit, community-serving one so the approach here is more local, more soulful. Still, it’s a full-fledged resort with 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical rise of 2,700 feet, and 8 chairlifts. Its trademark is the so-called cold smoke snow named so because of the powder trail that follows you during the descent. Another highlight is the expert-only Ridge Terrain, which is challenging but extremely rewarding skiing and snowboarding area that follows steep slopes, snowy fields, and cliffs. It is obligatory to have an avalanche transceiver to access the trail so come in prepared. There are several lodges with rentals, cafeterias, a skiing school, and a scenic Alpine Cabin mountain eatery.
Discovery Ski Area
Located in the mountains surrounding Philipsburg, Discovery is among the top Montana ski resorts for families and beginners. Occupying the picturesque Georgetown Lake Area, the resort boasts fantastic panoramas and plenty of winter activities to choose from. If it’s the runs you’re looking for, 2200 acres of the skiable area are sure to make you happy. There are solid expert rides, but the beginners would feel at home too. Embark on the Nordic skiing trips across the gorgeous area, do tricks in a terrain park, and learn the moves at the skiing school. After an activities-filled day, it pays off to have a warm drink with chocolate chip cookies at Discovery Cafe and Restaurant in the lodge.
Great Divide Ski Resort
The most affordable ski resort in Montana, Great Divide enjoys a universal love (mostly from families) for its varied slopes, great value proposition, and scenic surroundings. You’ve got 100 trails here with 5 chairs and a vertical drop of 1330 feet. Great Divide works great as the starting point for your skiing journey as the local slopes are gentle. It will be easy to begin riding guided by the instructors of the ski school. Also, you’ve got six trail parks, a nice variety for awesome runs. Be aware that the snow cover at the Great Divide is not as reliable as in other Montana resorts. Due to geographical location, it gets only 180 inches annually. Still, snowmaking is on point and ensures great riding conditions.
Lost Trail Ski Area
With a 325-inch annual snowfall, the romantically named Lost Trail Ski Area is a fantastic place to get yourself into the winter wonderland mood. Situated just on the border with Idaho, surrounded by the magnificent Bitterroot Range, it’s perfect for scenic riding. you will be marveling at mountainous panoramas here while profiting from the solid 1000 acres of skiable area, 1230 feet vertical drop, and an abundance of intermediate-to-expert rides. 5 double chairs and 3 rope tows service the slopes and you’ve got 2 terrain parks.
Red Lodge Mountain
Offering affordability and a wide variety of winter activities, Red Lodge occupies a sweet spot among Montana ski resorts. Snowfall at 250 inches is a guarantee of convenient riding conditions, the 65 runs provide fun for all levels, 6 chairlifts don’t let the queues appear, and 1600 acres of skiing ties all the elements together. Add the incredible vistas of the Beartooth Mountains and you’re getting a superb Montana ski resort that delivers.
Maverick Mountain
Maverick Mountain takes a slightly different approach to a classic ski resort experience. It’s owned by a family and works under a mom-and-pop business model. That makes it quite an original place to visit with a homey feel. The stats aren’t disappointing here, Maverick Mountain has 24 trails, 350 acres of terrain, and a mix of runs that would satisfy both beginners and the pros. The Beaverhead National Forest location delivers fantastic scenery and you’re also close to Elkhorn Hot Springs for a nice rewind in warm waters. There’s a cafeteria at the resort to get a relaxing drink and a snack next to the slope.
Showdown Ski Area
One of the best ski resorts in Central Montana, Showdown has been around since 1936. It is officially the state’s oldest skiing area. But just like a good wine, it has only improved over the years. Today it brings powder joy to Cascade County locals and the tourists that come for its affordable runs. The 240 inches of annual snowfall brings winter magic to the pistes, the intermediate slopes here are Montana’s gem, and you’ve got magnificent tree skiing. Little Belt Mountains’ grandeur serves as an awesome backdrop to your activities and the ski school helps to start properly.
Montana Snowbowl
Missoula residents know Montana Snowbowl very well, it is their local hill after all. The skiing enthusiasts are taking notice. Hiding in the heart of the Lolo National Forest, it’s a respected middle-sized ski resort occupying two peaks and having 950 acres of skiable terrain with an impressive 2600 vertical drop. With 59 runs and the longest run of 3 miles, you will have plenty of powder to try. A special mention goes to the spellbinding forest trails, it’s what Montana skiing is famous for so be sure to embark on such an adventure too.
