Montana Ski Areas You Can’t Miss This Winter
03/15/2022
When winter rolls around, Montana’s ski hills call. With fluffy powder days, bluebird skies, and views from the chairlift that will lift your mood, you know you want to get out there. But how do you choose when there are so many slopes to hit? From the big names to locals’ favorite mom-and-pop spots, here are a few must-visit ski hills you have to check out this winter.
Big Sky
Big Sky has big in its name for a reason. It’s in a cutthroat competition for top spot in the country as far as space goes, currently coming in second for skiable acres. There’s lots of room to spread out, with an average of an entire acre per person to go around. And the resort is also taking steps toward sustainability, making use of offsets to ensure that 100% of its energy use is carbon free. Plus its lifts have run on carbon-free energy since early 2020. There’s a lot to love about Big Sky.
Bridger Bowl
Bridger Bowl isn’t really a secret stash anymore, but you can still find plenty of fresh, fluffy pillows. And beyond that sweet cold smoke – the light powder the mountain is known for – there’s even more to get excited about at Bridger. They’re taking sustainability seriously, with solar, waste management, and water saving projects. And you can even opt for free public transit when you hop on a bus from Bozeman to the mountain.
Discovery Ski Area
Discovery Ski Area near Anaconda and Philipsburg gives you some local Montana flavor on four different mountain faces. On the Snow voted it the second most family friendly ski area in Montana, and the varied terrain that caters to all levels probably didn’t hurt there. Head out and explore all the mountain has to offer.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish has been independently operated since its birth in 1946, and this hill is a favorite with locals, pros, and visitors from around the world. This mountain has been the starting point for plenty of Olympic athletes, and it’s easy to see how someone could grow their love of the sport here. You’ll find varied terrain, with tree skiing reigning supreme. Thick, socked-in days are the norm, but that cloud cover does help to keep the powder fresh. Still, if you’re lucky enough to score a bluebird day here, it will be one you’ll remember. Revel in the views out over the Flathead Valley as you float down the mountain.
Blacktail Mountain
Blacktail might just have been purchased by an indie ski resort out of Washington state, but its community spirit still goes strong. Located just south of Kalispell, Blacktail offers low-cost lift tickets any day they’re open, with special deals for Thrifty Thursday that will make a ski trip easy on your wallet. Connect to community and get out with a day on the slopes at Blacktail.
When you’re ready to unwind after a day on the mountain, Highline Adventures has the Montana property to let you relax. Find your way to a cabin at Glacier Peaks RV Park for an affordable option in the Flathead Valley, or find a Bozeman property for easy access to Southwest Montana’s ski hills.
