You’re planning a ski trip to Montana or you’re just daydreaming, thinking about getting out of the city for a trip in the Rockies. You want to know, ‘what are the best Montana ski resorts?’.
Perhaps you’ve already been to Big Sky Ski Resort and, this time, you want to discover a new ski resort, maybe one of the many quaint ski areas off the beaten path. Or it’s your first trip to the state and you’re excited to read about where you can go.
Whatever the case may be, we have you covered. Here is our guide to the best Montana ski resorts.
5 Best Ski Resorts in Montana
- Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort
- Big Sky Resort
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain)
- Montana Snowbowl
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Some have wide open terrain, others have chutes and cliffs and still others offer plenty of space for beginners. Let’s see what each one has to offer, in detail.
1. Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort – Montana ski resorts
Red Lodge Mountain ski resort is first on our list for a reason. Red Lodge Mountain is a really nice ski area in Montana that’s not too big or too small. It’s a local mountain for many residents of Red Lodge (the town) and Billings, and it’s less expensive than the other most popular ski resort in Montana (Big Sky).
Town
The parking lot of the ski area is just a few minutes’ drive from the quaint, historic and multicultural town of Red Lodge. The combination of a nice, historic town tucked away in the mountains, with the Rock Creek flowing through it and Red Lodge Mountain a stone’s throw away make this one of the best ski resorts in Montana.
After a long day of cruising the slopes and cutting through the trees, stop into town on your way down from the ski resort for a stroll on Main St. Stop in one of the many visitor-friendly restaurants and souvenir shops, many of which are almost as old as the town itself, beaming with history and warmth.
Ski Resort
Red Lodge Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in Montana for many reasons. One reason is that it’s good for any skill level. While this Montana ski area doesn’t have a dramatic peak nor is it above tree line, it’s still easy to find really exciting terrain, cliff drops, and steep skiing.
It’s also got plenty of smooth groomed trails that wind down the beautiful forested hillsides as well as a perfect place for beginners – a rope tow for absolute first-timers and the Miami Beach chairlift for beginners.
The runs off the Miami Beach chairlift are especially nice for sunny days because of the amount of direct sunlight this open area collects on a sunny day, making it perfect for beginners.
2. Big Sky Resort – Montana ski resorts
Big Sky Resort is about space. Big Sky is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Montana. And it’s popular for an obvious reason. At Big Sky, you can really feel why this is called the “Big Sky State”.
Tram
The skies above Big Sky Resort are as wide and vast as its skiable terrain. Advanced skiers will enjoy some of the most adventurous skiing in Montana at an elevation of 11,000 ft from the top of the tram-accessed Lone Peak. The towerless tram ride to the peak, suspended over the valley below by a cable, is as exhilarating as the ski down. And if you don’t want to ski it, you can ride up without your skis to see the breathtaking views and ride the tram back down.
One side of the tram offers views out across the valley all the way to the Tetons. From the other window of the tram, have a look down at the Big Couloir, you may see a small black dot skiing down. This is one of the most extreme spots for Montana skiing and is a pleasure to watch from the tram if you are lucky enough to be crossing overhead as a skier is headed down.
Challenger
Or head over to Challenger for an array of fun, exciting and challenging runs that peel off either side of the ridge, down into gullies and forests.
Open Meadows
When you get tired, there are plenty of pristine meadows to be skied off the backside of Andesite Mountain (a part of Big Sky Resort). In the evening, recuperate in one of the local hotel spas or jacuzzis. You’ll find pizza spots, exquisite fine dining, souvenir shops, grocery stores, and more all in the open base area. Big Sky delivers it all. The only drawback is the price. But if you’re passionate about your ski trip, you can’t go wrong choosing Big Sky.
Beginner to Advanced
Big Sky resort is one of the best ski resorts in Montana. It offers skiing for everyone. It has frighteningly steep and challenging terrain like the couloirs and chutes off the Lone Peak tram. It has the open and otherworldly glades of the Shedhorn lift off the backside of Lone Peak. It has the groomers and glades of Andesite mountain and a great place for first-timers and beginners.
Beginners will enjoy Big Sky specifically because of the large amount of beginner terrain it has on offer that is out of the way of fast, advanced skiers. If you’re a beginner, you won’t be forced to ski the flat part at the bottom of a really fast run that other skiers are flying down. There’s a rope tow in a spacious area for first-timers and the Pioneer lift offers long, mellow runs for beginners.
And, of course, the rest of Big Sky is full of endless runs, nooks, glades, forests, cliffs, and other intermediate and advanced terrain.
3. Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain) – Montana ski resorts
Whitefish Mountain Resort is in one of the most beautiful areas of the state, which makes it one of the most interesting ski resorts in Montana. If you’ve ever seen an image of a tree on a ski resort in Montana that’s been caked with snow after relentless heavy snowfall and formed a puffy, curling white column straight out of a Tim Burton movie, it’s likely from Whitefish Mountain Resort (in fact, it’s caused by rime ice forming on the tree, not snow).
Whitefish is an expansive and wonderful place to ski, making it easily one of the best ski resorts in Montana. The town of Whitefish, Montana is another quaint Montana town that can’t be beat. Great restaurants and a pleasant atmosphere help make Whitefish Mountain resort one of the most popular Montana ski resorts. In the summer its lake is popular among local residents and visitors. And winter in Whitefish is equally as beautiful.
What’s more, Whitefish is nearby Glacier National Park. So if you come this far, you might as well treat yourself to a trip through Glacier National Park.
Whitefish is also suitable for all types of skiers. And because it’s not a small resort, almost any skier of any skill level will be able to find a place to ski here.
4. Montana Snowbowl Ski Resort
Montana Snowbowl is one of the best ski resorts in Montana for those living the deep western part of the state. It has a calm, picturesque atmosphere with lots of big mountain terrain and tree skiing.
While there is terrain here for every skill level, this Montana ski resort caters best to intermediate and advanced skiers. Because it has long, cruising runs, the crowds of skiers end up spread out across the mountain, resulting in fewer lift lines.
Snowbowl Montana isn’t only known for being one of the best ski resorts in Montana. It’s also known for its pleasant after-skiing atmosphere with several restaurants for skiers to kick back in and take a rest after a long day of skiing.
The ski area recently installed a new chairlift on TV Mountain in 2020, opening up a good amount of new skiable terrain on this Montana ski resort.
5. Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is one of the most favored ski resorts in Montana because it’s small, quaint, has a nice home-like atmosphere, and is incredibly fun to ski. It is also known for getting a lot of snow.
This family-owned Montana ski resort first opened in 1983 and is situated near the Montana/Idaho border, near highway 93.
A bonus is that its lift tickets are affordable. Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a favorite for locals in the area. For those living further away in the bigger towns, it’s a tradition to visit this Montana ski resort at least once a year.
Lost Trail is great for families and solo travelers alike. It also has a unique operating schedule, open four days a week – Thursday to Sunday. If it snows on any of the closed days, you can expect excellent conditions when it opens on Thursday.
This quaint Montana ski resort is suitable for all types of skiers, though it’s not as wide and expansive as Big Sky or Red Lodge.
Let’s quickly answer a few key questions you may have about Montana ski resorts that you’re just curious about or that will help you plan your trip.
Ski Resorts in Montana – FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Montana.
How Many Ski Resorts Are in Montana?
There are 17 ski resorts in Montana, totaling 515 miles of slopes to ski and snowboard. Skiers and snowboarders have 122 different ski lifts across the whole state. Enjoy skiing in Montana!
When Do Ski Resorts Open in Montana?
Montana ski resorts generally open in November or December, around Thanksgiving.
This is a common question. Especially in the late summer or fall when nature and sports lovers are starting to think about skiing in Montana. To find out exactly when ski resorts open in Montana, just check the website of the resort you’re interested in.
Why Do Montana Ski Resorts Open Late?
Why do Montana ski resorts open late? This is another common question amongst those who are starting to dream about skiing in Montana as summer comes to a close.
The truth is, ski resorts in Montana don’t open especially late. If Montana received heavy snowfall at an earlier date, they might open earlier. However, Montana skiing is usually safest, with the necessary snow coverage and snow base by Thanksgiving. So most top ski resorts in Montana open around that holiday, conditions permitting.
How Late Are Montana Ski Resorts Open?
How late are Montana ski resorts open? This question is similar to the one I just answered about when Montana skiing opens.
Montana ski resorts usually stay open until mid April. However, this depends on the snow conditions. If snow continues to fall and conditions remain safe and suitable for skiing, many ski resorts will remain open into late April or even later.
What Counties Are Montana Ski Resorts In?
Most Montana skiing is in the western part of the state. Therefore, most of the top ski resorts in Montana are in western counties:
- Red Lodge – Carbon County
- Big Sky – Madison County
- Whitefish Mountain Resort – Flathead County
- Montana Snowbowl – Missoula County
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain – Ravalli County, Montana
Other counties with ski resorts in Montana include: Gallatin County, Granite County, Mineral County, and more.
Does Montana Have Ski Resorts?
Yep! Montana resorts are great places to vacation in wild nature and fresh air.
Is There Good Skiing in Montana?
Yes. Many of the people who travel to Montana for skiing aren’t disappointed. This is because the western part of the state is in the Rocky Mountains, where you can find many ski resorts. Skiing is a popular attraction for visitors to Montana.
Best Montana Ski Resort For You
Montana is a delightful place for those who are interested in skiing or snowboarding. Almost no family that travels to Montana for their annual vacation is disappointed. The same can be said for solo travelers and young adventurous groups of friends.
The Rocky Mountains offer a wide range of interesting ski resorts in Montana, from the wide-open extreme skiing of Big Sky to the quaint atmosphere of Lost Trail.
The open spaces, jagged mountains, endless prairies, open skies and harsh weather can leave light in your soul and fullness in your heart.
There’s a Montana ski resort for every type of skier. It’s just a matter of choosing one that suits you best.
