The Best Ski Resorts in Montana
12/30/2025
Montana's white peaks and wide-open slopes call to skiers and snowboarders looking for unforgettable mountain experiences. With terrain ranging from beginner-friendly groomed runs to expert-only bowls, Montana ski resorts offer something for every ability level.
Montana's ski season typically runs from late November through early April, with peak conditions from January through March. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ski resorts in Montana and the unique advantages of each!
Ready to hit the slopes? Book your stay at one of our hotels, vacation rentals, or RV parks for easy access to Montana's best skiing.
Big Sky Resort: The Biggest Ski Resort in Montana
Big Sky Resort has earned its name. With over 5,800 skiable acres, this resort competes for the title of largest ski area in the United States. The mountain offers an average of one full acre per skier, meaning you'll rarely wait in lift lines or feel crowded while you’re on the runs.
The resort has made significant infrastructure investments in recent years, including the upgraded Lone Peak Tram and the new Kircliff summit station, which will open in December 2025. These improvements transform the summit experience, offering 360-degree views from an 11,166-foot elevation.
Beyond world-class skiing, Big Sky Resort hosts exciting events throughout the winter season. New Year's Eve celebrations at the resort feature fireworks against the mountain backdrop, while various live music performances and holiday events keep the après-ski scene alive throughout the season.
Bridger Bowl: A Bozeman Favorite
Bridger Bowl is a beloved ski area for Bozeman locals and visitors alike. Known for "cold smoke" — the light, fluffy powder the mountain is famous for — Bridger offers challenging terrain alongside family-friendly runs.
Whether you're a first-timer or an expert, Bridger Bowl's snowsports school provides tailored lessons for all skill levels. Private lessons give personalized instruction that’s perfect for beginners or those with specific goals, while group lessons allow skiers and riders to learn alongside others of similar ability.
This nonprofit ski area takes sustainability seriously with solar installations, waste management programs, and water conservation projects. Free public transit from Bozeman to the mountain makes accessing Bridger both convenient and environmentally friendly.
For visitors seeking convenient lodging near Bridger Bowl, the Bozeman Trail RV Park provides an excellent base camp just 20 minutes from the resort. Winter sites and storage are limited, so book before it’s too late!
Discovery Ski Area: A Hidden Gem
Situated between Philipsburg and Anaconda near Georgetown Lake, Discovery Ski Area offers authentic Montana skiing across four different mountain faces. OnTheSnow has recognized it as one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Montana, and its varied runs cater to all skill levels.
Discovery provides everything from gentle groomed runs for beginners to expert-only bowls and tree skiing for advanced skiers. The mountain's reasonable lift ticket prices and lack of crowds make it a favorite among those who prioritize skiing over resort amenities.
After a day exploring Discovery's slopes, travelers can find comfortable accommodations at nearby Ennis RV Park, located along the scenic Madison River. Limited winter sites and storage are available.
Whitefish Mountain Resort: Best Tree Skiing
Operating independently since 1946, Whitefish Mountain Resort has built a reputation as one of the finest ski resorts in Montana. The mountain has launched the careers of numerous Olympic athletes while remaining welcoming to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Tree skiing runs dominate the terrain at Whitefish, creating perfect conditions on those classic socked-in days. When the clouds clear and you score a bluebird day, the views across the Flathead Valley are unforgettable. The resort's northwest location means consistent snowfall throughout the season.
Planning to ski Whitefish? Stay at the River Bend House in nearby West Glacier, a comfortable vacation rental close to both the ski resort and Glacier National Park.
Blacktail Mountain: Budget-Friendly Skiing
Located south of Kalispell overlooking Flathead Lake, Blacktail Mountain is known for its friendly spirit and beautiful runs. The ski area offers affordable lift tickets every operating day, with special Thrifty Thursday deals that make family ski trips budget-friendly.
Blacktail's unique "upside down" layout — where you drive to the top and ski down — provides stunning lake views. The mountain operates Wednesday through Sunday during the season, making it perfect for weekend travelers and families seeking quality skiing without breaking the bank.
Red Lodge Mountain: Summer Opportunities
Red Lodge Mountain near the Beartooth Highway entrance offers 2,400 vertical feet of terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. The resort's location makes it a natural stop for travelers exploring the route between Yellowstone National Park and Billings.
The mountain has invested in summer operations to complement winter skiing, offering scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking trails, and disc golf. Red Lodge's historic downtown provides après-ski dining and entertainment options that capture authentic Montana character.
Montana Snowbowl: Perfect for Experts
Just 20 minutes from downtown Missoula, Montana Snowbowl offers 2,600 vertical feet of primarily expert terrain. The mountain is known for steep bowls, tree skiing, and challenging runs that reward confident skiers and riders.
When conditions are good, Snowbowl delivers some of the best powder skiing in Montana. The base lodge serves excellent pizza and famous Bloody Marys, making it a favorite spot to warm up after a long day on the mountain. The resort's proximity to Missoula allows visitors to enjoy city amenities while accessing quality mountain terrain.
Book Lodging for Your Montana Ski Trip
Start planning your Montana ski vacation today and discover why locals and visitors alike return to these mountains year after year. Book your stay at a Starry Night hotel, rental, or RV park and experience the best ski resorts in Montana with comfortable accommodations as your home base.
