Where Is the Best Skiing in Montana: Guide to the Montana Ski Resorts and Runs
- Last Best Blog
- Oct 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
When winter hits Montana, the mountains come alive. Powder hounds, beginners, and families all chase that perfect snow under the wide-open Big Sky. Whether you’re carving gentle greens or dropping into double blacks, Montana has slopes that fit every style. Here’s your guide to the best ski resorts across Montana, broken down by easy, intermediate, and hard runs — plus what makes each one special.
Best Ski Resorts for Beginners and Families
1. Red Lodge Mountain – Red Lodge, MT
Vibe: Small-town charm, wide-open groomers, and no lift-line stress.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Red Lodge offers long, forgiving runs like Lazy M and Miami Beach where you can practice turns without feeling rushed. The ski school here is one of the friendliest in Montana, with great kids’ programs and easy rental access.
Insider tip: Grab a cup of cocoa at Midway Chalet — the views of the Beartooths are unbeatable.
2. Discovery Ski Area – Near Philipsburg
Vibe: Underrated and surprisingly diverse — locals call it “Disco.”
Easy side: The Anaconda and Limelight lifts serve some of the best beginner and intermediate groomers in the state.
What’s nearby: The charming old mining town of Philipsburg, perfect for après-ski candy shopping or brewery hopping.
Bonus: Discovery’s smaller crowds mean more time skiing, less time waiting.
3. Showdown Montana – Near Neihart
Vibe: Friendly, old-school, and family-run since the 1930s.
Why it’s great for new skiers: Showdown has a gentle learning area right at the base and affordable lift tickets. The community atmosphere makes it one of Montana’s most welcoming hills.
Must-try run: Meadow Run — wide, scenic, and perfect for new riders building confidence.
Intermediate and All-Mountain Favorites
4. Bridger Bowl – Bozeman
Vibe: Local legend with real Montana soul.
Intermediate fun: Runs like Emigrant and North Bowl Road balance pitch with flow, offering long, satisfying descents.
Why locals love it: Bridger has something for everyone — mellow cruisers, natural rollers, and, for experts, a lift that goes straight to some of the most challenging in-bounds terrain in the country.
Pro tip: Grab lunch at Jim Bridger Lodge and watch the experts tackle “The Ridge.”
5. Whitefish Mountain Resort – Whitefish
Vibe: Big mountain feel with a laid-back Northern Montana attitude.
Intermediate dream runs: Big Ravine and Gray Wolf are the perfect blend of speed and scenery, with tree-lined turns and views of Glacier National Park.
Bonus: The town of Whitefish itself — cozy, walkable, and full of après-ski charm.
Advanced and Expert Terrain
6. Big Sky Resort – Big Sky
Vibe: Massive, world-class, and jaw-dropping.
For thrill-seekers: The Lone Peak Tram takes you to 11,166 feet — the top of the world. From there, it’s steep chutes, narrow couloirs, and adrenaline-pumping descents like Big Couloir and Liberty Bowl.
Hard runs: You’ll find plenty on Headwaters, Dictator Chutes, and North Summit Snowfield.
But don’t worry: Big Sky also has gentle blues off Andesite Mountain, making it great for mixed-ability groups.
Pro tip: Bring your legs — this mountain is huge.
7. Lost Trail Powder Mountain – Near Darby
Vibe: Old-school powder paradise straddling the Montana–Idaho border.
Why experts love it: Uncrowded terrain, tree runs galore, and untouched powder days after a storm.
Challenging favorites: Chair 4 terrain offers rolling steeps and hidden glades that stay fresh long after other resorts are tracked out.
Bonus: Affordable tickets and a truly local atmosphere — it’s skiing the way it used to be.
A Few Hidden Local Hills Worth Mentioning
Blacktail Mountain (Lakeside): Ski down, see Flathead Lake — rare and stunning views.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Havre): Small but full of heart, perfect for locals and learners.
Teton Pass (Choteau): Great snow, no crowds, and a solid mix of groomers and glades.
Best Montana Skiing Tips
Best snow months: Late December through March.
Powder days: Arrive early — locals take them seriously.
Gear up: Bozeman and Whitefish both have excellent rental shops and outfitters.
Altitude check: Most resorts range from 5,000–11,000 ft, so hydrate and take it slow your first day.
The Last Best Turns
Whether you’re learning your first carve or tackling expert chutes, Montana’s slopes deliver something few places can — world-class skiing with wide-open space and a genuine local feel. So wax your skis, pack your gloves, and get ready to fall in love with winter in Big Sky Country.
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