Skiing in Montana truly shows why it’s called the Big Sky State. Up at the mountain tops, you can see endless miles of stunning landscape. With over a dozen ski resorts, choosing the best one is a tough call.
I’ve visited several resorts in Montana, and each trip adds a new favorite to my list. The locally owned resorts are especially charming, offering insider tips and a personal touch.
Montana’s ski areas can rival any in the country. With 14 resorts to pick from, you have choices between unique, small family-run operations and big, luxurious ones. Every resort offers something special.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is my top pick. Located in northern Montana, it showcases the beauty of the region with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 10 chairlifts. It has four sections, covering 2,000 vertical feet, with four terrain parks for those wanting to challenge their skills. The least crowded area is Flower Point. With 300 inches of snow and amazing views of Glacier National Park, Whitefish offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned skiers.
Whitefish Ski Resort is just seven miles from the town, which has plenty of restaurants, lodging, and supplies. You can take a shuttle from town to the resort to avoid parking hassles, or drive and park there. When hungry, head to Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery in the village for some delicious nachos. Staying in Whitefish is recommended, and there’s a fantastic lakefront condo on Airbnb.
For beginners, Blacktail Mountain ski area is a good option. With around 1,000 acres to explore and more intermediate terrain, it’s great for families. You’ll enjoy excellent views of Flathead Lake and Flathead National Forest, with trails that are easy to navigate. The elevation is 1440 feet with four lifts, and an average snowfall of 250 inches. Blacktail Mountain is near Lakeside and close to essential amenities.
Big Sky Resort is my second favorite. Surrounded by the scenic National Forest and the Gallatin River, it offers perfect snow conditions. With 5,800 acres and a 4,300-foot vertical drop, it’s one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. It has 30 lifts and over 300 runs, including a fun terrain park. Suitable for all skill levels, Big Sky has beginner areas as well as advanced backcountry runs.
Big Sky Resort is near the town of Big Sky, about an hour south of Bozeman. If you stay in the village, there are shuttles; if not, driving is recommended. When hungry, try The Cabin Bar & Grill in the village. For accommodation, consider a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome in the town center of Big Sky.
Montana Snow Bowl, close to Missoula, covers about 950 acres with 2,600 feet of vertical. It’s perfect for experienced skiers with steep and narrow runs. There are also long runs up to 3 miles. After skiing, try The Camino in Missoula for great Mexican food. For lodging, there’s a spacious home in Missoula with an open floor plan, perfect for relaxing.
Bridger Bowl, near Bozeman, caters to all levels with 2,000 acres and 2,700 feet of vertical. Beginners and families will enjoy the friendly terrain and onsite daycare. For backcountry enthusiasts, there are challenging runs. After skiing, Blackbird in Bozeman offers delicious Italian food. For accommodation, a modern chalet near the Bozeman Brewery Historic District is ideal.
Red Lodge Mountain offers a classic, laid-back skiing experience. It has 1,700 acres with 2,400 feet of vertical and 71 runs. While not suited for beginners, intermediates and experts will love the challenging terrain and lack of crowds. Stay in Red Lodge and visit Foster and Logans Pub & Grill for great food.
Great Divide Ski Area, popular with locals, has 1,600 acres and 140 trails. It’s ideal for all levels, with bowls, beginner trails, and park trails. Stay near Marysville when visiting, and try Marysville House for a delicious meal. For lodging, there’s a cabin with views of the slopes.
Discovery Ski Area, in Anaconda, has 2,200 acres and excellent backcountry skiing. It offers three faces for all skill levels. Anaconda provides all necessary amenities, and O’Bella is a wonderful Italian restaurant in town. For accommodation, a fully remodeled home in Anaconda is perfect.
Lookout Pass, straddling Idaho and Montana, is family-friendly with three terrain parks and an excellent ski school for kids. It has 560 acres and 1,150 feet of vertical. Stay in Saltese and visit The Old Montana Bar for a meal. Lodge options include a guesthouse on expansive property with everything you need for exploring Montana.
Maverick Mountain, in southeast Montana, offers 450 acres of skiing in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It features 2020 feet of vertical with steep and technical routes. Visit The Antler Saloon in Wisdom for pizza. Stay in Polaris, with beautiful cabin options overlooking Maverick Mountain.
For multiple resorts, renting a car is essential due to Montana’s vast size and spread-out ski areas. For a three-day trip, focus on Big Sky Resort, possibly adding Bridger Bowl. For a week-long trip, start in Billings, visit Red Lodge, Big Sky Resort, and Bridger Bowl, and finish at Maverick Ski Resort. For a more extended trip, add Whitefish to your itinerary.
Skiing in Montana is an incredible experience with fewer crowds than other ski destinations. Prioritize Big Sky, Whitefish, and Bridger Bowl for the best experiences. The vast terrains offer something for everyone, making Montana a fantastic choice for skiing enthusiasts.
