The 14 Best Ski Resorts in Montana

Just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is the second largest ski resort in the United States by acreage, with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. More than 4,300 feet of vertical terrain means you’ll be hard-pressed to ski the same run twice. And 2,300 acres are dedicated to beginner and intermediate level skiers. Big Sky also has the most technologically advanced lift network in North America, with its heated seats and weatherproof bubbles. Big Sky is home to Lone Peak, which has 300 degrees of skiing off it, views of three states and two national parks, and it is surrounded by three other mountains.

Located in the Rockies of northwest Montana, Whitefish Mountain Resort has views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. With more than half of the resort’s 111 marked trails designed for expert skiers, Whitefish may not be the best choice for those who are not yet comfortable on their skis. That said, the Ski & Ride School offers private and group lessons, and the resort has alternative pastimes like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Night skiing is also available. The best time to visit is in January, when the area generally receives the most snowfall.

Since 1955, Bridger Bowl has operated as a non-profit ski area since 1955, and they have a sustainable business model. Bridger Bowl has 2,000 acres of terrain that averages 350 inches of snow a year.  The resort has a 2,700 feet vertical drop with eight chairlifts. There are 75 trails and Bridger Bowl has terrain for all skill levels. It has a dedicated beginner’s area, not to mention can enjoy 500 acres of low angle power and groomers for those still finding their footing.

Red Lodge Mountain is located in the Beartooth Mountains, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. The resort sees 250 inches of snowfall per year and has a 2,400 foot vertical drop, 1,635 acres of skiable area across two mountains that host 70 marked runs serviced by six chair lifts. The terrain itself is varied in that you have so many choices to choose from which include steeps, glades, chutes, groomers, and gentle cruisers. Red Lodge Mountain also features terrain parks for all skill levels. The resort possesses the ability to make snow on 28 percent of trails, meaning it has the largest snowmaking capacity in Montana.

The Montana Snowbowl is essentially one big bowl spread across two peaks just eight miles from Missoula. It has a 2,600-foot vertical drop and 2,200 acres of skiable terrain, 500 acres of which is designated for glade skiing. The breakdown for terrain is 20 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 40 percent for advanced and expert skiers. While there is a variety of terrain for all skill levels, the vast majority of the marked trails are steep with lots of bumps and extensive glades. On average the Snowbowl gets 300 inches of snowfall a year.

Lost Trail Ski Area is a family-owned resort located on the Montana-Idaho border in the Bitterroot Range of the northern Rockies. Lost Trail boasts 60 trails on 1,800 acres of skiable terrain spread over two mountains, and a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Approximately 20 percent of the marked trails are designed for beginners, 60 percent for intermediate-level skiers, and 20 percent for experts. Powder hounds can access the runs from five double chairs and three rope tows. There are also terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. They get an average snowfall of 325 inches a year.

Discovery Ski Area has 2,200 skiable acres with a 2,388-foot vertical drop, and the annual snowfall here is 215 inches. Discovery encompasses three mountain faces, with dedicated areas for all skill levels. The front face has gentle runs and advanced cruisers; off to the side there are steeper runs and mogul skiing; and on the backside, you’ll find the steepest skiable terrain in Montana. Discovery Ski Area boasts 67 trails that include tree skiing, powder bowls, groomed trails, and mogul runs. Discovery also has a terrain park for your freestyling skills.

Showdown, located in the Belt Mountains of Central Montana, is Montana’s oldest ski area. Its slopes first welcomed powder hounds in 1936, and it has been a favorite of central Montana locals ever since. Because of the resort’s relatively isolated location (it’s about a two-hour drive from bothBozemanand Helena), there is not likely to be a crowd. And with 250 inches of snowfall on average each year, those who make the trek are pretty much guaranteed excellent powder conditions. Showdown has four chair lifts that service 640 acres of skiable terrain and 34 trails. The resort offers terrain for all skiing abilities, with experiences ranging from tree skiing and steep bump runs. Twenty-eight percent of the trails are marked for beginners, 44 percent for intermediate and 28 percent for  advanced skiers.

Great Divide, named for its location on the Continental Divide, consists of three peaks and boasts an impressive vertical drop of 1,330 feet. Although the resort averages an annual snowfall of 150 inches – much lower than other Montana ski resorts – it is almost always the first resort in the state to open for the season. The Great Divide’s 1,600 acres of skiable terrain is serviced by six lifts. There are 107 trails to choose from,  10 percent of which are designed for beginners, 45 percent for intermediate-level skiers and 45 percent expert powder hounds. The Great Divide also offers backcountry skiing, night skiing, ski racing and snowboarding.

Overlooking Flathead Lake about 2.5 hours north of Missoula, Blacktail Mountain boasts epic views from its 24 marked runs. The resort features 1,440 feet of vertical drop across 200 acres that see an average of 250 inches of snow each year. While there is terrain for all skill levels, Blacktail Mountain mostly accommodates beginners and intermediate-level skiers with 85 percent of trails designed for those who are still learning and practicing. There are, however, nice gladed runs for more advanced powder hounds who enjoy tree skiing.

Located on the edge of the Rocky Mountain Front, Teton Pass Ski Resort sees a whopping 300 inches of snowfall each year, on average. Because of this, it boasts some of the best powder skiing around, not to mention epic views. The resort’s 400 acres of skiable area and 43 runs cater equally to all levels of skier and snowboarder. And the on-site learning center can help those who are still finding their ski legs. Teton Pass offers a variety of options of things to do other than downhill skiing and snowboarding, including cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Practically non-existent lift lines and consistently beautiful weather make Maverick Mountain a beloved ski destination to Montanans in the know. Located in southwest Montana in the Grasshopper Valley, this mountain has something to offer every skill level, with the terrain fairly evenly divided between beginner, intermediate and advanced designation. Maverick Mountain encompasses 255 skiable acres and 24 trails, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet. The mountain welcomes both skiers and snowboarders, and  offers both private and group lessons. There is also a terrain park for visitors to show off all their tricks.

Located in the small city of Libby in northwestern Montana, Turner Mountain relies completely on the support of volunteers, lending this ski resort an ultra-local atmosphere. What’s more, the entire mountain can be rented at your behest for special events. Turner Mountain is small compared to other Montana Resorts, with just 400 skiable acres and 20 marked runs serviced by a single lift. However, with 60 percent of the trails designed for advanced and expert skiers, not to mention  a vertical drop of 2,110 feet, Turner Mountain is an excellent option for those looking for a challenge. Plus, the resort gets an annual snowfall of 200 inches, meaning conditions are dependable. Visitors can also partake in backcountry skiing and snowboarding.