Ice Sports

15 Best Ski Resorts In Montana You Must Visit 

By Kapil Sapkota / 9 January 2024 11:06 AM

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Embarking on a ski adventure can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, numerous destinations offer fantastic skiing opportunities.

Montana is known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, including its ski resorts.

Skiing has a rich legacy in Montana, and several resorts have played a significant role in shaping the state's winter sports culture.

The aftermatch of these ski resorts in Montana extends beyond the thrill of winter sports. 

Additionally, these resorts often play a role in fostering a sense of community and outdoor appreciation among residents and visitors alike.

1. Big Sky Resort

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Big Sky Resort offers a vast expanse of terrain and a variety of outdoor activities. The resort boasts an extensive ski terrain, with over 5,800 acres of skiable area.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a plethora of winter and summer activities such as snowshoeing, zip-lining, mountain biking, hiking, and golf.

One of the resort's highlights is the Lone Peak Tram, which takes visitors to the summit of Lone Peak, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Whitefish Mountain Resort

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Whitefish Mountain Resort, located near the town of Whitefish in northwest Montana, is another popular ski destination in the state.

The resort boasts a diverse terrain with 3,000 acres of skiable area. It caters to skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts.

It also offers a range of winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and scenic chairlift rides.

Whitefish is known for the Snow Train, a vintage train that takes skiers and snowboarders from the town of Whitefish to the resort. It's a unique and scenic way to reach the slopes.

3. Bridger Bowl

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Bridger Bowl is a popular ski resort located near Bozeman, Montana. It offers a diverse range of terrain with over 2,000 acres of skiable area.

The resort provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The surrounding Bridger Range also offers excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing.

It is unique in that it is a non-profit, community-owned ski area.

This resort typically enjoys good snow conditions during the winter season, which runs from December to April.

4. Moonlight Basin

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Moonlight Basin is situated adjacent to Big Sky Resort, just south of the town of Big Sky. It is part of the greater Big Sky Resort area and is connected to it through skiing.

The resort has a diverse and extensive terrain with over 5,800 skiable acres and caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Nordic skiing, and snowmobiling at Moonlight. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golf.

5. Red Lodge Mountain

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Red Lodge Mountain is situated approximately 60 miles southwest of Billings, Montana.

The mountain has over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

While it doesn't have on-site lodging, the town of Red Lodge provides various accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

The resort also offers activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer, the area is known for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits.

6. Discovery Ski Area

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Discovery Ski Area is situated near the town of Philipsburg in southwestern Montana.

The terrain of the resort has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, making it a family-friendly destination.

The ski area features a base lodge with amenities such as a cafeteria, equipment rental, and ski school facilities.

The surrounding Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and Flint Creek Range offer scenic views for visitors.

7. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

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Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is situated about 15 miles south of Kalispell. It offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

You can find a variety of terrain in the ski area suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels.

The Ski Area provides opportunities for snowshoeing and other winter activities. The area also offers hiking and mountain biking during the summer months.

One of the highlights is its panoramic views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains. The scenery adds to the overall experience for visitors.

8. Showdown Montana

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Showdown Montana is situated near Neihart, Montana, in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. It's approximately 85 miles southeast of Great Falls.

With a variety of terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels, the resort is suitable for families and individuals.

The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking, and fishing during the summer months.

It is known for its scenic surroundings in the Little Belt Mountains, offering beautiful views for visitors.

9. Lost Trail Powder Mountain

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Lost Trail Powder Mountain is situated on the Continental Divide, straddling the Montana-Idaho border.

The ski area offers a variety of terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. 

During the summer months, the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains offer hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Lost Trail Powder is known for its scenic surroundings, with views of the Bitterroot Valley and the rugged mountains.

10. Maverick Mountain

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Maverick Mountain is located in the Pioneer Mountains, near the town of Polaris. The ski area boasts a variety of terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels.

It is known for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse slopes, catering to families and individuals.

Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Pioneer Mountains and the surrounding Montana landscape.

The winter season typically runs from December to April. The nearest major town to the mountain is Dillon, and visitors can drive to it from there.

11. Lookout Pass Ski Area

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Lookout Pass Ski Area is a ski resort located on the border between Idaho and Montana, making it a unique destination that spans both states.

The terrain of the area features slopes and trails on both the Idaho and Montana sides, which is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels.

You can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests at Lookout Pass.

Visitors can drive to Lookout Pass Ski Area from Wallace. Spokane International Airport is the nearest major airport.

12. Montana Snowbowl

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Montana Snowbowl is situated about 12 miles northwest of Missoula in the Lolo National Forest.

The ski area provides slopes suitable for different skill levels for both skiers and snowboarders and is suitable for families and individuals.

The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation during the summer.

The ski area has a base lodge with amenities such as a cafeteria, equipment rental, and ski school facilities.

13. Great Divide Ski Area

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Great Divide is situated approximately 23 miles northwest of Helena, in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy a variety of terrain, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes.

The resort is equipped with chairlifts and surface lifts to transport visitors to different parts of the mountain.

Great Divide provides facilities such as rental equipment, ski schools, and dining options to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

14. Bear Paw Ski Bowl

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Bear Paw Ski Bowl is situated in the Bear Paw Mountains, a part of the larger Rocky Mountains. It is located approximately 16 miles south of Havre.

The ski area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings. The terrain of Bear Paw is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels.

In the summer, you can visit the area for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation.

Being situated in the Bear Paw Mountains, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

15. Turner Mountain Ski Area

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located in Kootenai National Forest, near the town of Libby in northwestern Montana, Turner Mountain is known for its challenging and diverse runs.

While the resort is smaller compared to some larger ski areas, it provides essential amenities, including rental equipment and a lodge.

It is unique in that it is community-owned and operated, relying on volunteers and community support to maintain and run the ski area.