It’s time for snow lovers to rejoice and head to the winter haven of Montana. The Big Sky state features an abundance of snow-covered jagged mountains and exhilarating opportunities for travelers to have fun on and off the slopes. Bundle up and get ready for these winter adventures.
Under-the-Radar Ski Areas to Avoid the Crowds
Nestled within the Beartooth Mountains just 6 miles from the historic town of Red Lodge ─ which was just named one of the “Coolest Small Towns for 2022” by Budget Travel ─ is Red Lodge Mountain. It features 71 runs spread across two mountains on 1,635 acres of skiable terrain, including steeps, glades, chutes, groomers and gentle cruisers. With an average snowfall of 250 inches and a peak elevation of 9,416 feet, it’s a skier’s dream. It has six chair lifts and one surface lift and numerous dining options.
Grab your skis or board and head to the trendy town of Bozeman for a unique ski experience. Bridger Bowl is a nonprofit ski area that has been recognized for its sustainable business model while also being known as one of the best ski areas in North America. With 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and a top elevation of 8,800 feet, Bridger offers a big mountain experience with a friendly local vibe and full customer service. It has one quad, six triple and one double chair lift along with three surface lifts and a variety of restaurants, bars, cafeterias and mountain-side decks with fireplaces.
Easily reached from Missoula, Butte and Helena, Discovery Basin Ski Area, or “Disco” as the locals refer to it, in Anaconda offers beautiful views and uncrowded slopes with enough tree skiing, powder bowls, groomed trails and mogul runs for all tastes. Disco features an average of 215 inches annual snowfall, a top elevation of 8,158, 2,200 acres, six lifts and a cafeteria in the lodge.
Located in the heart of the Little Belt Mountains, Showdown in Neihart has a friendly and local atmosphere. It features an annual snowfall of 255 inches, a peak elevation of 8,200 feet, and 36 runs on 640 acres of skiable terrain. It has one triple chairlift, two double chairs and one surface conveyor, an on-site cafe, grille, bar and coffee shop. Insider’s tip: don’t miss Showdown’s 85th anniversary party on Feb. 19.
Hidden away in the mountains of southwest Montana, you’ll find Maverick Mountain in Polaris, one of Montana’s best-kept secrets… and that means you’ll find lots of untouched powder. Maverick is a gem to the region with 24 trails covering 455 acres, 2,020 vertical feet, consistent fall line skiing, one double chairlift and a cafeteria/bar.
Known for reliable snowfall and consistently good snow conditions, Lost Trail Ski Area in Sula sits at 7,000 feet on top of the Continental Divide. It straddles the Montana-Idaho border in the breathtaking Bitterroot Range of the Northern Rockies. Lost Trail features 300 inches of annual snow, five double chair lifts and three rope tows that offer access to over 60 trails. Don’t miss the new extension off the lodge featuring indoor seating and big windows to enjoy the view. After your day on the slopes, head to Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley where you’ll find a variety of places to eat, drink, shop and stay.
