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The 18 Best Ski Resorts & Areas in Montana [+Map]

Mark Barnett
Last Updated: January 26th, 2024

From snow conditions and acres of skiable mountain to its pure hospitality, Montana has some of the world’s greatest ski resorts.

If you are considering Montana for your next winter wonderland getaway, then you will need to know the run down on all the best ski resorts so that you can choose one that ticks all your boxes!

After all, everyone has different preferences when it comes to ski days. 

Some of us will be heading to the slopes to spend most of the day in the bar, and that’s ok! 

My list not only includes all the need-to-know ski conditions at each resort, but also the apres-ski activities, amenities, and dining available. 

Let’s hit the slopes!

Ski Resorts in Montana Map

The 18 Best Ski Resorts & Areas in Montana

  1. Big Sky Resort
  2. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
  3. Montana Snow Bowl, Missoula
  4. Whitefish Mountain Resort
  5. Bridger Bowl, Bozeman
  6. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area
  7. Red Lodge Mountain
  8. Discovery Ski Area
  9. The Great Divide Ski Area
  10. Showdown Ski Area
  11. Bear Paw Ski Bowl
  12. Beartooth Basin Ski Area
  13. Lost Trail Powder Mountain
  14. Maverick Mountain Ski Area
  15. Moonlight Basin
  16. Teton Pass Ski Area
  17. Turner Mountain Ski Resort
  18. Yellowstone Club Ski Resort

1. Big Sky Resort

big sky resort

  • Location: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 5,850 skiable acres, 320 runs, 4,350 vertical feet drop, 24 chair lifts and 12 surface lifts, average annual snowfall of more than 400 inches.  
  • Accommodation and amenities: If you seek accommodation with Big Sky, you can also receive discounted lift tickets. Accommodation includes their classy Huntley lodge, as well as condos, cabins, and penthouses. 
  • Apres-ski activities: Smores in the mountain village plaza, luxury dining, peakside beer, wine and spirits, live music, enchanted forest lights trail, and jazz and cocktails!
  • Closest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, a 50-mile drive taking around 1 hour and 5 minutes. 
  • Season dates: Thanksgiving to mid-April 
  • Lift ticket price range: $207 per day to $1,281 for 7 days
  • Website

Overview

Big Sky Resort is a skiing and snowboarding wonderland with plenty of apres ski activities to keep you entertained in between slope hours!

When you stay with Big Sky, you’ll not only score a discount on lift tickets but also get to enjoy their weekly events like live music and the avalanche dog meet and greet!

The best part about Big Sky is the ‘Big’, with its acres of terrain nearly reaching 6,000. This keeps the slopes uncrowded despite the resort’s popularity. 

You won’t be skiing on top of each other, and there are enough slopes for all ski levels to find their sweet spot! This helps to keep fast skiers in their own lane and beginners in theirs. 

Big Sky is an accessible slope at only an hour’s drive from the nearest airport and close to Bozeman and the Yellowstone National Park. 

There are plenty of nearby restaurants, events, and amenities at the surrounding lodges. You’ll never need to stray too far from your room to access jazz music, cocktails, and the winter wonderland lights trail!

2. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

blacktail mountain ski area

  • Location: 13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 1440 ft vertical drop, 200 skiable acres, 24 runs, 4 lifts, snowfall of 133 inches/year.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Inns, Suites, Lodges, and amenities surround the Blacktail mountain ski area. The Blacktail Mountain Lodge in particular is owned by the Blacktail Mountain ski field and designed for ski/board guests. Amenities include Mulley’s Bar and Grill and Blacktail Bean Coffee Shop. 
  • Apres-ski activities: Grab a bite or drink at the Bar/Grill, take a cozy break by the fireside, and chill at the Mountain Music series. 
  • Closest airport: Glacier International, which is an hour and a half car drive away. 
  • Season dates: October to Early March (dependent on snowfall)
  • Lift ticket price range: Daily rates at $45/child and $70/adult.
  • Website

Overview

The Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort is the adored “mom and pop” ski resort of Montana, known for its high-quality skiing and spectacular views. 

It’s the ski resort of all our childhoods: easy to access, not too crowded, and constantly groomed! 

I like this resort because it is so accessible. It won’t make your wallet weep, but you still get to experience all those cozy ski feelings at the bar and grill. 

At this resort, the 200 acres of skiable area boasts a balanced difficulty split. 15% are beginner, 70% are intermediate, and 15% are expert. 

This is the ideal split for families, where one kid might be a maverick while the youngest is just getting started. On that note, Blacktail is a great zone to get affordable ski lessons on a slope that isn’t too intimidating!

3. Montana Snow Bowl

montana snow bowl
Image: Evan Lovely
  • Location: 1700 Snow Bowl Rd, Missoula, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 2,600 feet vertical drop, 950 acres of skiable terrain, 4 ski lifts, and over 39 trails with a total length of 25 miles, 300 annual inches of snowfall. 
  • Accommodation and amenities: Some recommended Inns and Lodges in the area surrounding The Montana Snowbowl include the Gelandesprug Lodge and C’mon Inn. As for amenities on the field, you’ll find great eats at The Last Run and The Double Diamond Cafe. Both are known for piping hot pizza and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Apres-ski activities: The nearby Missoula offers a vibrant nightlife. This resort is otherwise relatively no-frills. Getting a drink and a woodfire pizza is the best apres-ski for this slope. 
  • Closest airport: Missoula International Airport, which is just a 26-minute drive away at a 12.4-mile distance. 
  • Season dates: Early December through March 
  • Lift ticket price range: Daily rates at $70 for adults, $68 for students and seniors, and $33 for children. Beginner tows are available at $10 a day.
  • Website

Overview 

Despite its compact lift count of only four, the runs at The Montana Snowbowl stretch for long, blissful miles!

I would recommend ‘Paradise’ as a cruisy beginner/intermediate run. In 2020, many new tree-lined routes became accessible to skiers, so the field doesn’t lack variety at all. 

It’s worth noting that while this resort caters to beginners, many of its upper mountain runs are steep and challenging.

If you’re a seasoned skier/snowboarder, I recommend The Montana Snowbowl because there will be fewer beginners and more interesting chutes and bowls to navigate down. 

This is one of the reasons that the Snowbowl is a favorite for locals who aim to escape crowding, frills, and an uppity vibe. 

The Snowbowl is less of a destination than other resorts in Montana and more of a day trip. 

I’d recommend seeking lodgings in the nearby town of Missoula, which is also the home of many great breweries and bars. Missoula is a sizable uni-town with a chill vibe and vibrant nightlife!

4. Whitefish Mountain Resort

whitefish mountain resort

  • Location: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 2,353 feet, 3020 skiable acres, 93 runs, 16 chair lifts).
  • Accommodation and amenities: One of the best amenities in SkiWhitefish is the Summit house dining perched atop the peak at 6,817 feet. You can ski in and ski out! Whitefish also features other food options like the Base Lodge Cafe and Ed&Mulleys Cafe. You can snuggle up in the on-site accommodation at Whitefish and be first to the lifts each morning.
  • Apres-ski activities: Fine Dining at Whitefish Mountain Restaurant, moonlight dining and skiing at the Summit House, snowshoe exploration, classic Apres-ski bars, and Whitefish Township saloons and nightlife nearby.
  • Closest airport: Glacier Park International Airport is just 19 miles from the resort (35-minute drive)
  • Season dates: Early December to early April 
  • Lift ticket price range: Daily rates of $87 to $97 per adult.
  • Website

Overview

This is a gem of a ski resort with high-quality skiing and a vibrant apres ski community! 

Uniquely, the Whitefish Mountain Resort is a short, 10-minute drive away from the Whitefish township, where you can access live music, bars, and other nightlife delights. 

Another 15 minutes down the road and you will find an even larger town called Kalispell which has even more amenities and attractions! In other words, Whitefish Resort is really well located. 

As for skiing, Whitefish offers slopes with a view. There are four main areas of slope with a variety of terrain types that hold snow really well. 

The impressive beginner facilities and true-green green runs have made the mountain renowned as a great place to learn to ski or board. 

You can even receive some crazy learner deals which provide rental discounts, a hot meal, lift tickets, and lessons for just $86 plus tax – about as good as it gets for affordable learning!

5. Bridger Bowl

bridger bowl bozeman

  • Location: 15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 2,600 feet, 2000 skiable acres, 75 runs, 8 chair lifts).
  • Accommodation and amenities: The Jim Bridger Lodfer is home to rental, tuning, retail, and guest services in this field. There is a cafeteria plus a Bar and Grill that serves tasty hot menu food and pub-style meals. There are many independent Inns, lodges, and ranches to stay at in the Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
  • Apres-ski activities: Jimmy B’s Live music and fireplace dining, playing pool at the Filling Station in Bozeman, and tasting cider at the nearby Lockhorn Cider House.
  • Closest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is just 13.1 miles from the resort, or about a 35-minute drive.
  • Season dates: Early or mid-December to early or mid-April
  • Lift ticket price range: Daily rates of $77 for adults, $48 for juniors (aged 13–18), and $35 for children (aged 7–12).
  • Website

Overview 

A 30-minute drive from the vibrant Bozeman town, you’ll find the welcoming slopes of Bridger Bowl! 

This is a diverse field that attracts locals and college students with its cheap lift tickets and good snow conditions. 

Despite all its merit, the field remains a hidden gem, and lift queues don’t normally peak unless there is a major closure at the other nearby ski resorts. 

The daycare facility at this resort is a popular feature for parents who need a run or two without the little one between their legs! 

You can generally have a total blast at Bridger Bowl which is cheaper and less expensive than its mega-field neighbor Big Sky.

6. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

lookout pass ski & recreation area

  • Location: I-90 Exit, 0, Mullan, ID (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 1650 feet, 1,023 skiable acres, 52 named runs, 5 chair lifts, 450 inches of snowfall.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Within the historic base lodge at Lookout Pass, you will find a grill/cafe and deli, as well as a loft pub! The best nearby accommodation can be found at Mangold’s General Store and Motel, Alpine Falls Ranch, or at the Black Diamond Guest Ranch. These are partnered with the ski field and offer exclusive discounts.
  • Apres-ski activities: Kids Snow Bowling, Brewfest Live Music, Apres-Ski Eats at the Loft Pub, and Torchlight Parade.
  • Closest airport: Pullman (PUW) Airport is 83.3 miles away with a drive time of about 1.5 hours.
  • Season dates: Early December to mid-April
  • Lift ticket price range: Daily rates of $55 to $73 for adults, depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend
  • Website

Overview

This is one of the most affordable ski zones in the Montana area! 

You can find deals for any number of reasons: twin deals (discount when buying two tickets on a certain day of the week), military service deals, youth learning skier deals, advanced purchase deals – the list goes on! 

Probably the best bit for families looking to ski and save is the free kid’s ski school. Despite being free, it’s a well-known and well-respected school for getting the kids out on the slopes. 

While this resort is a little more remote than most, you’ll find some excellent skiing conditions. 

The snow is often cold and thick at Lookout Pass. These sleek slopes won’t break the bank, and the field doesn’t often crowd up with tourists due to its more remote locale. 

7. Red Lodge Mountain

red lodge mountain

  • Location: 305 Ski Run Rd, Red Lodge, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of about 2,400 feet, 1,635 acres to explore, and 70 runs (mostly for advanced, but plenty of runs for beginners too), with 250 inches of snowfall.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Sack lunches are available in the Brown Bag Area, Yurt, and Hancock Huts. Lots of lodging options such as hotels, motels, condos, rental homes, and B&Bs.
  • Apres-ski activities: Explore restaurants, bars, shops, and boutiques located just minutes away from the base of Red Lodge Mountain.
  • Closest airport: Two airports are available: Billings-Logan International Airport (70 miles and about 1.5 hours away) and Yellowstone Regional Airport (72 miles and also about 1.5 hours away).
  • Season dates: Usually the Friday after Thanksgiving and until mid-April.
  • Lift ticket price range: $25 to $35, depending on the day of the week. Children aged 5 and under ski for free.
  • Website

Overview

Red Lodge ski town is probably one of the lesser-known Montana skiing regions, even though it has much to offer. It’s the easternmost ski resort in Montana! 

The town itself is situated close to the eastern side of the Beartooth Mountain Range, and it’s safe to say that a high proportion of the people in the region are skiers or snowboarders of some kind.

In fact, this is reportedly the only town that still has available skiing options in the summertime up on Beartooth Pass!

If you’re looking for a backcountry classic Montana experience on and around the slopes. you can’t go far wrong with Red Lodge.

Close to the Wyoming border and Yellowstone National Park in the South-Central region of Montana, Red Lodge Mountain features some impressive big mountain terrain.

Covering an area of over 1,600 acres, skiers and snowboarders both old and new love the laid-back vibe of the whole region, not to mention its impressive scenery and views.

That said, the best stretches of the mountain are most suited to the more intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders, although there are a few less challenging runs towards the lower reaches of the mountain to accommodate beginners and newcomers too.

8. Discovery Ski Area

discovery ski area

  • Location: 180 Discovery Basin Rd, Anaconda, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 2,388 feet, a total patrolled area of 2,200 acres, 4 runs (longest being 1.5 miles long), and 215 inches of snowfall.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Lodging spots are available in the Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Georgetown areas.
  • Apres-ski activities: Visit the Cafe Main Line and Express Line for food options, as well as the Ski and Go window and the Tap ‘Er Lite Bar. Feel free to explore the nearby towns for all sorts of cool activities.
  • Closest airport: Bert Mooney Airport (50 miles, just over an hour away)
  • Season dates: Early December until early April, with a summer season from mid-May to mid-October
  • Lift ticket price range: Ranges from $65 to $150 for half-day to multi-day lift passes
  • Website

Overview

Skiers and snowboarders alike love the three different terrains of the Discovery Ski Area Resort in the Anaconda region of the Rocky Mountains! 

The slopes and trails set among more than 2,200 acres offer enough variation to accommodate all levels of outdoor snow enthusiasts and also include 20-odd miles of cross-country terrain.

The stretches of groomed, skiable terrain at Discovery wind through winter forest areas not too far from both Echo Lake and Georgetown Lakes.

There are two inbound-facing parks in the area, and the slopes and tree-lined routes are easy to identify in terms of difficulty or suitability for each level.

There is a wide range of lodging options available in the Anaconda area as well as in Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake.

Make sure to explore the friendly towns and various other leisure and entertainment activities that they offer after an enlivening day on the slopes!

9. The Great Divide Ski Area

the great divide ski area

  • Location: 7385 Belmont Dr, Marysville, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 1,500 feet at over 1,500 acres and 150 inches of annual snowfall
  • Accommodation and amenities: Ski and stay packages are available in nearby Marysville and Helena. 
  • Apres-ski activities: Dining and apres options are available in the Base Lodge Cafeteria, the Missing Lynx Saloon, and Huggin’s Lodge.
  • Closest airport: Helena Regional Airport (25 miles and just over half an hour)
  • Season dates: From late November to the end of March or early April
  • Lift ticket price range: Lift tickets start from $28 for children and $48 for adults, with higher prices during the weekends.
  • Website

Overview

With over 1,500 acres of skiable area, the Great Divide Ski Area is a great pick for skiing in Montana. Located just 20 miles from the Montana capital, Helena, the ski area is one you can easily visit!

Here, you’ll find a locally owned mountain and ski area that comprises a broad range of different terrain to suit all comers. There is also a ski and snowboard school of some repute that is ideal for beginners.

Like many of the other smaller, family-run establishments, The Great Divide is great for families and also works out quite a bit cheaper than many of the bigger resorts. 

As such, it’s not surprising that this place is a popular weekend family getaway for both locals and visitors.

If you jump on the Mount Belmont chairlift, you’ll find all the standard routes. However, the less-used Wild West chairlift puts you in the vicinity of various blue and black diamond routes if that’s more your thing!

10. Showdown Montana

showdown montana

  • Location: 2850 US-89, Neihart, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: Vertical drop of 1,400 feet, 39 runs, and 280 inches of snowfall each year.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Showdown Ski Area recommends The Edith, located 32 miles south of Showdown. Other options include Cougar Canyon, St. Thomas Camp, and Hotel Arvon.
  • Apres-ski activities: Enjoy breakfast at The King’s Hill Grill, specialty coffees at the T-Bar Coffee Shop, and relaxing views at The Top Rock.
  • Closest airport: Great Falls International Airport (71 miles, or almost 1.5 hours away)
  • Season dates: Late November to early April
  • Lift ticket price range: Children aged 6 and above pay between $30 and $45, while adults pay $65 (with discounts for the military, seniors, and college students). Kids aged 5 and under ride for free.
  • Website

Overview

Showdown Montana in Neihart is one of the oldest existing ski areas in the state. This is another family-friendly resort family and attracts both locals and visitors alike! 

The resort features a summit of more than 8,000 feet with more than 30 runs serviced by three chairlifts and a conveyor.

Showdown gets busy at weekends during the peak winter season, and Wednesday is the best day if you’re looking to avoid potential crowds!

The resort operates between Wednesday and Sunday, and there is an on-site grill house, a coffee bar, and a saloon.

Lodging can be found relatively easily if required in the northern region of the mountain and surrounding areas.

11. Bear Paw Ski Bowl

  • Location: Box Elder, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: A vertical drop of 900 feet and 24 trails for beginners and experts alike. Experiences average snowfall of 140 inches a year.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Ski rentals, repair, waxing, and tuning services, and even a snack bar. There are many accommodation options in Havre.
  • Apres-ski activities: Explore sights, sounds, and tasty food and drinks in the nearby Havre.
  • Closest airport: Great Falls International Airport (118 miles or a drive time that’ll take you 2 hours and 20 minutes)
  • Season dates: Check their Facebook page for more information
  • Website

Overview

Bear Paw Ski Bowl is in north-central Montana, 30 miles from Havre. The resort has something of a reputation as the place to go if you are looking for a good old-fashioned north-central Montana ski hill experience! 

That particular reputation is founded on the management and operation of the resort’s staff, which is largely a volunteer group of local skiers who do it for the love of skiing and snowboarding.

The Bear Paw experience echoes the spirit of the beginnings of the ski scene in the region when groups of enthusiasts got together for the enjoyment of honing and mastering the necessary skills to combat the snowy terrain.

If you head out to this small ski area set across just 80 acres, you’ll find the terrain and slopes accommodate all levels (though intermediate-level skiers probably get the best of it!). 

Vertical descents are an average of around 900 feet, and there’s even a half-pipe for snowboarders.

At Bear Paw, there are just 24 trails in all – but this Montana ski area is highly prized by those local to the vicinity!

This includes college students from Montana State University, members of the nearby Rocky Boy’s Reservation, and those living and working in the region.

12. Beartooth Basin Ski Area

beartooth basin ski area
Image: Beartooth Basin Ski Area
  • Location: US-212, Cody, WY (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 600 acres of skiing terrain offering vertical drops of 1,000 feet and 9 trails of your choosing.
  • Closest airport: Billings-Logan International Airport, which is 62 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes) from Red Lodge. From Red Lodge, the ski area is 23 miles south.
  • Season dates: Opens during the summer
  • Lift ticket price range: $50 for a full-day ticket and $40 for a half-day ticket
  • Website

Overview

This ski area along the Beartooth Highway is not strictly in Montana as it just breaches the Wyoming border. 

The 600-acre resort is close to Red Lodge and was originally known as the Red Lodge International Ski and Snowboard Camp when it was established at the beginning of the 1960s.

Three Austrians were the driving force behind the ski field as they were looking for a suitable practice spot for both American and European Olympic skiing contenders.

The ski area sits 10,800 feet above Twin Lakes Headwall, and it functioned as a summer training camp for nearly 4 decades until 2003 when public access was finally granted.

The ski area only changed its name to Beartooth Basin Ski Area in recent years and still functions primarily as a summer skiing destination operating between May and July. 

It has 1,000 feet of descents and two lifts that provide access to a total of around 3,000 feet in the varied skiing terrain! Skiing in Beartooth Basin is an experience to treasure, especially due to how quickly weather conditions can change in these altitudes. Make sure to tune in to Beartooth Basin’s official Facebook page to stay updated!

13. Lost Trail Powder Mountain

lost trail powder mountain
Image: Lost Trail Powder Mountain
  • Location: 9485 US Hwy-93 South, Sula, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: At 69 trails with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet and a thick average snowfall of 300 inches each year
  • Accommodation and amenities: A number of lodging partners are available on the site, such as suites, Airbnbs, cabins, and other rentals. There are also ski rentals and service shops, lessons, and more.
  • Apres-ski activities: Try out local beer at the Bandit Brewing Co. and explore the town of Hamilton for all kinds of boutiques, distilleries, and places to eat.
  • Closest airport: Missoula Montana Airport, roughly 98 miles and a 2-hour drive away
  • Season dates: Typically late November to early April
  • Lift ticket price range: Lift tickets start at $34 to $63 per day for full-day tickets, depending on the age range (seniors and children pay discounted rates). Kids aged 5 and under can use the lift for free.
  • Website

Overview

Lost Trail is in the Bitterroot Range of the northern Rockies, on the Montana and Idaho border. 

The name provides a clue as to the snow conditions in this ski area, which is well-known for its consistently skiable conditions.

This is a family-friendly, affordable ski area in Montana that has avoided all traces of the corporate ski world with its locally-owned family operation which has been chugging along for 80-odd years.

With lots of snowy areas to explore, make sure to come prepared!

14. Maverick Mountain Ski Area

maverick mountain ski area
Image: Maverick Mountain Ski Area
  • Location: 1600 Maverick Mountain Rd, Polaris, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 24 runs (mostly for intermediate and beginner skiers), 180 inches of snowfall each year, across 210 acres, and a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet
  • Accommodation and amenities: Stay at an inn, hotel, or lodge in the nearby Dillon City. The ski area also offers rentals and lessons and has a sweet bundle for first-timers that includes a ticket, a lesson, and a rental.
  • Apres-ski activities: Visit the Elkhorn Hot Springs and explore the Sawtooth Lake Trailhead
  • Closest airport: Bert Mooney Airport (108 miles away and an almost 2-hour drive)
  • Season dates: From December to April
  • Lift ticket price range: Full-day lift tickets are priced from $35 to $49 depending on your age. Kids four and under get to ride for free!
  • Website

Overview

Fifty miles west of Dillon just off the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway, you can find the fairly sizable Maverick Mountain. 

It is tucked away in the southwest mountain regions of Grasshopper Valley and offers some of the least-populated trails you are likely to find!

The resort claims to be one of Montana’s best-kept secrets for skiers and certainly offers plenty of opportunities for snow lovers to find some untouched powder. 

The mountain has 2,000 feet of prime snow and uncrowded trails, offering great opportunities for all levels across 24 trails.

This is another Montana Ski Area that likes to try and keep that grass-roots vibe and avoid anything overly commercial, which only adds to the appeal of the place.

15. Moonlight Basin

moonlight basin
Image: Moonlight Basin
  • Location: W Fork MDW, Big Sky, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: An expansive skiable area of 5,850 acres, a massive 4,350-foot vertical drop, a thick snowfall of 400 plus inches a year, and so many trails to choose from
  • Accommodation and amenities: Features a number of luxury accommodations across the Big Sky Resort, such as Lake Camp, One & Only, and Moonlight Lodge.
  • Apres-ski activities: Because it’s an actual resort, you can enjoy many activities during your stay such as dogsledding, snow tubing, and ice skating
  • Closest airport: At only 40 miles away, the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest option (almost an hour-long drive)
  • Season dates: Winter adventures open in late November until early April
  • Lift ticket price range: For adults, daily lift tickets are upwards of $200, with savings the farther out you book
  • Website

Overview

Moonlight Basin is located around an hour to the south of Bozeman in Big Sky, and the vast ski area of 5.8 acres has developed a reputation as a top-notch skiing resort since opening in 2003.

Nestled into an ideal Rocky Mountain location across the Madison range, Moonlight Basin’s elevation of over 10,000 feet means the snow stays for longer all with a lower probability of encountering crowded slopes.

The terrain features a variety of moderate trails and groomed stretches alongside adrenaline-fuelled chutes. With high-speed chairlifts available, you best believe you won’t be standing around here for too long either!

16. Teton Pass Ski Area

teton pass ski area
Image: Teton Pass Ski Area
  • Location: N Fork Teton Rd, Choteau, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 400 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, and 300 inches of snow annually.
  • Accommodation and amenities: Teton Pass features select accommodations, such as an Airbnb, an inn, and a ranch, all of which are close to the ski area. They also offer rentals and skiing and snowboarding lessons.
  • Apres-ski activities: It’s a ski area without much glitz or glamor, so head over to Choteau and explore the town!
  • Closest airport: Great Falls International Airport (88 miles away, almost a 2-hour drive)
  • Season dates: Can open as late as January and runs until mid-April
  • Lift ticket price range: Kids aged 6 and under ski for free, while youth and adults pay between $45 and $55
  • Website

Overview

Teton Pass Ski Area is close to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, just west of Choteau. 

Everything you might wish for from a Montana Ski Area can be found here, from impressive views and diverse terrain to untouched snow on the many ski hills.

The resort covers 400 acres and has more than 40 downhill runs as well as access to backcountry skiing. 

To add to that. you’ll find queue-free lift lines and friendly staff, as well as a large day lodge, ski school, and rental shop.

17. Turner Mountain Ski Resort

turner mountain ski resort
Image: Turner Mountain Ski Resort
  • Location: Pipe Creek Rd, Libby, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: 22 trails (mostly catered for expert skiers), a vertical drop of 2,110 feet, and 250 inches of snowfall each year
  • Accommodation and amenities: The ski resort offers ski and stay packages, featuring accommodations like Caboose Motel, Country Inn, Evergreen Motel, and Venture Motor Inn. 
  • Apres-ski activities: Turner Mountain has many events for skiers to enjoy and socialize. Feel free to explore Libby and its breathtaking sights, like the Kootenai Falls, the Libby Dam, and more.
  • Closest airport: The closest airport is technically Libby Airport (31 miles, almost 1 hour), but most commercial flights are available at Glacier Park International Airport (121 miles and almost 2.5 hours of driving)
  • Season dates: From December to mid-April
  • Lift ticket price range: Adults would shell out $45 for a daily lift ticket, with discounted rates between $28 and $38. Kids aged 6 and under ride for free
  • Website

Overview

Just over 20 miles from the incredibly scenic town of Libby, this is another Montana ski area run by local volunteers that has all the snow conditions you could hope to find!

We are talking expansive, wide-open, and crowd-free slopes, coupled with picture-book scenery and inexpensive lift tickets. 

There are 22 runs in total, with two-thirds of them being rated expert level and only a handful of the terrain allocated for beginners.

Turner Mountain stands close to 6,000 feet and the resort has a recently-built lodge and a rental shop. On top of that, you’ll find a friendly, local vibe that only adds to the experience!

18. Yellowstone Club Ski Resort

yellowstone club ski resort
Image: Yellowstone Club Ski Resort
  • Location: 1 Yellowstone Club Trail, Big Sky, MT (Open in Google Maps)
  • Skiing experience: A massive total skiable area of 2,900 acres, 2,700-foot vertical drop, 100+ runs, and a thick annual average snowfall of 300 inches. It’s a skier’s paradise!
  • Accommodation and amenities: The resort is a private club.
  • Apres-ski activities: Wolf down scrumptious meals at the Buffalo Bar and Grill, Rainbow Lodge, the Warren Miller Lodge Dining Room, or the Big Horn Bar.
  • Closest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest one, located just 51 miles away (an hour and 15 minutes of drive time!)
  • Season dates: Late November to April
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Overview

The Yellowstone Club Ski Resort is located in Madison County near Big Sky and actually makes up part of a private complex comprising a residential club, a ski resort, and a golf resort.

This is an exclusive lifestyle estate that has previously been rated in the world’s top ten!

As far as skiing goes, it’s safe to say that Yellowstone Club is a skier’s paradise, boasting an expansive skiing area and an exciting option for runs. 

Do know that since it’s a private resort, it’s very difficult to access. You’ll need to either be a member or a member’s guest to experience the sweet thrill of Yellowstone Club Ski Resort’s mountains.

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About The Author

Mark Barnett

Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark headed out to Bangkok, Thailand where he now lives and works. Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, lifestyle and leisure-based purposes.

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