Go Big At These Montana Ski Resorts In 2023

Montana is one of the best states in the United States to go skiing. There are plenty of Montana ski resorts to choose from, and no matter what type of skiing you enjoy, you will find a ski resort that is right for you. If you’re headed out to a Big Sky Country, be sure to check our site for Montana ski deals that can save you big!

Montana Ski Resorts

Suppose you enjoy the slow-paced but physically exhilarating sport of cross-country skiing. You can go to Bohart Ranch, Izaak Walton Mountain, Lost Trail Powder Mountain, or The Rendezvous Ski Trails. All four resorts are specially tailored toward cross-country skiing and have beautiful scenery.

Some other resorts you will find in Montana are Big Mountain, Blacktail Mountain, Discovery Basin, Great Divide Snowsports, Maverick Mountain, Montana Snowbowl, Moonlight Basin, Teton Pass Ski Area, Turner Mountain, and Yellowstone Club.

But that list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the terrific skiing and snowboarding in Montana. In fact, we haven’t even mentioned the best ones yet! Below, we highlight four of our favorite Montana ski resorts that you should consider for your next powder day:

Big Sky

One of America’s largest ski areas, Big Sky offers more of the skiing you love. Big Sky provides skiing opportunities on four mountains, nearly 12,000 acres, and more trails than a ski pole—more than 300 named trails and 110 miles of piste.

The resort, located 50 miles south of Bozeman, receives up to 400 inches of snow a year. The elevation and north-facing exposure of Moonshine Basin allows for dry, light snow around. The resort makes all this accessible by transporting up to 29,000 skiers an hour on some 30 lifts, including a 15-passenger car.

Butte is the tallest peak at Big Sky at 11,166 feet. Skiers can take the Lone Peak Tram up 4,300 feet of vertical ascent to Big Sky’s infamous wide ski bowls. From there, they could stand in Montana and see the neighboring states of Idaho and Wyoming. Other peaks include Mountain Village at approximately 7,500 feet and Lone Moose and Six-Shooter at approximately 6,800 feet.

Bridger Bowl

Bridger Bowl is one of the most exciting winter getaways in the Northern Rockies. Known for its incredible terrain, this gem spans more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. It is famous for producing some of the best skiers in the world.

Bridger Bowl is a private, not-for-profit ski resort that offers world-class skiing at small-town prices. It is surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest, 16 miles northeast of Bozeman. Without an owner, all profits are reinvested into the resort for improvements and operating budgets, allowing ski resorts to offer a premium ski experience at meager prices. Additionally, the region maintains social responsibility by taking extra steps in energy and product sourcing, waste stream management, and land conservation.

The area is flanked by two large bowls, north, and south. Much of the site has open terrain and a variety of scenery, including long slopes, glades, and other smaller bowl-shaped areas. Primarily a community ski area that caters to destination travelers, there is a free weekend ski bus from Bozeman back to Bridger Bowl. Bozeman’s Gallatin Field Airport is 10 miles west.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge Mountain Resort is located near Billings in the Beartooth Mountain Range. This ski resort is just minutes from the historic town of Red Lodge. Known for Beartooth Pass, world-class skiing, and unparalleled beauty, the region is also the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy the beauty of the area, soak up the history, challenge the slopes, experience the perfect powder day, look up at the sky and breathe in the fresh winter mountain air.

With 250 inches of snow on the summit, visitors straddle the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Spring snowfall is some of the best in the country, but by December, more than 30 inches of snow has fallen. The summit is 9,416 feet above sea level, and the base is over 7,000 feet above sea level. The steep mountain reaches 2,400 meters above sea level and has 70 trails ranging from easy slopes to steep expert trails. There is a fun park with tables, railings, steps and spines, and lessons for those who want to learn to ski or snowboard. Discover more with ski experiences and snowboard areas.

The town of Red Lodge has many outstanding options, including dining, activities, shopping, and nightlife. It’s easy if you fly into Billings Logan International Airport or Yellowstone Regional Airport, which many major airlines serve. Shuttle service is available within a 150-mile radius of Red Lodge hotels.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Overlooking the ski town of Whitefish, Whitefish Mountain Resort receives more than 300 inches of snow a year on more than 3,000 acres. High-speed quad bikes move you on the mountain and make snowboarding and skiing even more exciting.

Enjoy panoramic views of Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, and the Canadian Rockies from Whitefish Mountain Resort’s summit. The region is characterized by the unique snow sprites—tall conifers that winter under a thick pillow of snow. The mountain offers excellent tree skiing, cross-country terrain, and groomed runs with wonderful carving for skiers. Snowboarders agree. It’s a natural playground! You can even take a snowmobile tour of the mountain’s backyard for an added adventure. There are plenty of trails for snowshoeing as well. Everything you need is there, including snowshoe center rentals and lessons.

Whitefish is an unassuming railway town just a short drive down the mountain. The town offers a good range of accommodations, restaurants, and bars. If you’re staying in the city, Whitefish Mountain is easily accessible on the free snow bus. You can fly to Glacier International Airport, 19 miles south of Kalispell. It’s about a five-hour drive from Helena or Spokane, but what a drive!