Montana skiing landscape

Montana Skiing & Snowboarding Guide

All 16 Montana ski areas — vertical drop, acreage, snowfall, prices & pass info

Montana is one of the most underrated ski destinations in North America. With 16 ski areas spread across the western half of the state — ranging from a 5,800-acre destination resort to a tribal-owned community hill that doesn’t take credit cards — the Treasure State offers something for every skier and snowboarder, at every price point. Lift tickets range from $25 to $226.

⛷️ Montana Ski Areas (16)

Bear Paw Ski Bowl

Tribal

Bear Paw Ski Bowl is owned by the Chippewa-Cree Tribe on Rocky Boy's Reservation and offers the most affordable skiing in Montana at approximately $25 per day. With 1,080 feet of vertical drop and 11 runs, it is Montana's smallest ski hill. Cash only. No lodge. Burgers are grilled behind the ski patrol shack. Does not open every year — call ahead.

Vertical Drop: 1,080 ft
Skiable Acres: 80
Runs: 11
Lifts: 2
Annual Snowfall: 140 in
Day Ticket: $25
Season: DecemberMarch
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 30%Intermediate 50%Advanced 20%

Owned by Chippewa-Cree Tribe. Cash only. No lodge. Does not open every year — call ahead. Cheapest skiing in Montana (~$25/day).

Havre Town Profile →Get Directions →

Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area

Summer Skiing

Beartooth Basin is one of only a handful of summer ski areas in the United States, operating on the Beartooth Plateau at approximately 11,000 feet. Accessible via the Beartooth Highway (US-212), it typically opens Memorial Day weekend and runs through late June. Two Pomalifts serve 9 runs on a permanent snowfield. No rentals, no lodge. Expert-only in most conditions.

Vertical Drop: 1,000 ft
Skiable Acres: 600
Runs: 9
Lifts: 2
Annual Snowfall: Varies
Day Ticket: $50
Season: Memorial DayLate June
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Intermediate 20%Advanced 50%Expert 30%

Summer skiing only (Memorial Day–late June). Technically in Wyoming but accessed via Montana. No rentals or lodge. Expert-only in most conditions. Check conditions before driving.

Red Lodge Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Big Sky Resort

Destination Resort

America's largest ski resort by skiable acreage, Big Sky Resort offers 5,800 acres of terrain across Lone Mountain and Andesite Mountain. With 317 runs, 36 lifts, and an average of 400 inches of annual snowfall, Big Sky is one of the premier ski destinations in North America. The resort is 50 miles south of Bozeman and 1 hour from West Yellowstone. The Skyline bus from Bozeman runs daily for $5. Prices drop significantly in late season.

Vertical Drop: 4,350 ft
Skiable Acres: 5,800
Runs: 317
Lifts: 36
Annual Snowfall: 400 in
Day Ticket: $226
Season: Late NovemberMid April
Pass: Ikon Pass
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 15%Intermediate 25%Advanced 42%Expert 18%

America's largest ski resort by acreage. Skyline bus from Bozeman $5/day. Late-season prices drop 50%+. Lone Peak Tram accesses expert-only summit terrain.

Big Sky Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Independent

Blacktail Mountain is a unique 'upside-down mountain' ski area where the lodge sits at the summit and skiers ride up to the top before skiing down. Located above Flathead Lake, the views of the lake and Mission Mountains are spectacular. Thrifty Thursday tickets are $35. Indy Pass accepted. The Ski for Free program is available through Discover Kalispell.

Vertical Drop: 1,440 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,000
Runs: 26
Lifts: 4
Annual Snowfall: 250 in
Day Ticket: $75
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: Indy Pass
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 15%Intermediate 45%Advanced 30%Expert 10%

Unique upside-down mountain layout — lodge at summit. Views of Flathead Lake. Thrifty Thursday $35. Indy Pass accepted.

Kalispell Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Non-Profit

A non-profit ski area 20 minutes from Bozeman, Bridger Bowl is beloved by locals for its 2,600-foot vertical drop, 350 inches of annual snowfall, and the expert-only Ridge terrain. The Ridge is a designated expert zone accessible by hiking from the top of the Bridger lift, offering steep chutes, open bowls, and cliff bands. Popular with Montana State University students and Bozeman locals.

Vertical Drop: 2,600 ft
Skiable Acres: 2,000
Runs: 75
Lifts: 11
Annual Snowfall: 350 in
Day Ticket: $84
Season: DecemberEarly April
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 15%Intermediate 25%Advanced 35%Expert 25%

Non-profit ski area. The Ridge is expert-only — hiking required. Expect crowds on powder days. 20 minutes from Bozeman.

Bozeman Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Discovery Ski Area

Independent

Located in the Flint Creek Range above Anaconda, Discovery Ski Area offers 2,388 feet of vertical drop across 2,200 skiable acres. The backside of Rumsey Peak features some of the most challenging double-black-diamond chutes in Montana. Discovery is known for its uncrowded terrain, homemade food, and community atmosphere. 1 hour from Butte, 1.5 hours from Missoula.

Vertical Drop: 2,388 ft
Skiable Acres: 2,200
Runs: 67
Lifts: 8
Annual Snowfall: 150 in
Day Ticket: $72
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 20%Intermediate 40%Advanced 25%Expert 15%

Lower snowfall than other Montana areas — bring rock skis early/late season. Rumsey Peak backside has expert chutes. Homemade food in the lodge.

Anaconda Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Great Divide Ski Area

Independent

Montana's first ski area to open each season and last to close, Great Divide near Helena offers 140 runs across 1,500 skiable acres. The east-facing slopes catch morning sun and the long season extends well into April. Night skiing is available every Friday for $15. 35 minutes from Helena.

Vertical Drop: 1,330 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,500
Runs: 140
Lifts: 6
Annual Snowfall: 180 in
Day Ticket: $65
Season: Late NovemberMid April
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 15%Intermediate 40%Advanced 30%Expert 15%
🌙 Night Skiing Available

Montana's longest season. Night skiing every Friday ($15). 35 minutes from Helena. East-facing slopes — sunny mornings.

Helena Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Lookout Pass Ski Area

Independent

Straddling the Montana-Idaho border at I-90 Exit 0, Lookout Pass averages 450 inches of annual snowfall — the highest of any ski area in the region. Established in 1935, it is the oldest ski area in either Montana or Idaho. The 2022 Eagle Peak expansion added 500 acres and a new high-speed quad. Free ski school for skiers under 18. Season pass holders from any mountain receive half-price tickets Monday through Thursday.

Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,023
Runs: 54
Lifts: 5
Annual Snowfall: 450 in
Day Ticket: $69
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 20%Intermediate 40%Advanced 30%Expert 10%

Highest snowfall in the region (450 in/year). Straddles MT/ID border. Free ski school for under-18. Eagle Peak expansion (2022) added 500 acres.

Superior Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Lost Trail Powder Mountain

Independent

Located on the Montana-Idaho border at Lost Trail Pass, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a throwback ski area with rope tows still in operation alongside chairlifts. With 325 inches of annual snowfall and 1,800 skiable acres, it offers deep powder and genuine retro ski culture. The White House section provides challenging expert terrain. Indy Pass accepted.

Vertical Drop: 1,800 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,800
Runs: 60
Lifts: 8
Annual Snowfall: 325 in
Day Ticket: $70
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: Indy Pass
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 20%Intermediate 40%Advanced 25%Expert 15%

On the Idaho border. Rope tows still in operation. Nearly 2 hours from Missoula. Indy Pass accepted. White House section for experts.

Hamilton Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Maverick Mountain Ski Area

Community Hill

Maverick Mountain is a weekend-only community ski area in southwest Montana, 4 miles from Elkhorn Hot Springs. With 2,020 feet of vertical drop across 350 skiable acres, it offers surprising terrain for its size. Expert runs ski like intermediates — excellent for pushing your limits. Elkhorn Hot Springs provides a natural après-ski option.

Vertical Drop: 2,020 ft
Skiable Acres: 350
Runs: 24
Lifts: 1
Annual Snowfall: 200 in
Day Ticket: $54
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 20%Intermediate 40%Advanced 30%Expert 10%

Weekend-only operation. 4 miles from Elkhorn Hot Springs (natural après-ski). Southwest Montana. Expert runs ski like intermediates.

Dillon Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Montana Snowbowl

Independent

Montana Snowbowl is a no-frills ski area 25 minutes from Missoula with 2,600 feet of vertical drop across 950 skiable acres. The terrain skews expert — narrow chutes, ungroomed intermediates, and challenging conditions. Popular with University of Montana students and Missoula locals. Indy Pass accepted.

Vertical Drop: 2,600 ft
Skiable Acres: 950
Runs: 39
Lifts: 4
Annual Snowfall: 300 in
Day Ticket: $82
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: Indy Pass
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 10%Intermediate 30%Advanced 40%Expert 20%

Expert-skewed terrain. Small parking lot — arrive early on weekends. 25 minutes from Missoula. Indy Pass accepted.

Missoula Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Red Lodge Mountain

Independent

Red Lodge Mountain is a classic Montana ski area with 2,400 feet of vertical drop, 1,635 skiable acres, and a genuine old-school ski town feel. Located just outside the historic town of Red Lodge, it offers excellent tree skiing off the Cole Creek Lift and is the closest ski area to Billings (60 miles). The National Skijoring Finals are held in Red Lodge each March. Indy Pass accepted.

Vertical Drop: 2,400 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,635
Runs: 70
Lifts: 7
Annual Snowfall: 250 in
Day Ticket: $77
Season: Late NovemberEarly April
Pass: Indy Pass
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 30%Intermediate 40%Advanced 20%Expert 10%

Easternmost ski area in Montana. 60 miles from Billings. National Skijoring Finals in Red Lodge each March. Indy Pass accepted.

Red Lodge Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Showdown Montana

Community Hill

Montana's oldest ski area, established in 1936, Showdown Montana is a family-friendly community hill in the Little Belt Mountains. With 1,400 feet of vertical drop and 640 skiable acres, it offers affordable skiing 1.5 hours from Great Falls. Thursday tickets are $35. Half-price season passes are available one day each March.

Vertical Drop: 1,400 ft
Skiable Acres: 640
Runs: 36
Lifts: 4
Annual Snowfall: 240 in
Day Ticket: $70
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 25%Intermediate 40%Advanced 25%Expert 10%

Montana's oldest ski area (1936). 1.5 hours from Great Falls. Thursday tickets $35. Half-price season passes available one day in March.

Great Falls Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Teton Pass Ski Resort

Community Hill

Teton Pass Ski Resort is a small community ski area on the Rocky Mountain Front near Choteau, with spectacular views of the Front Range. With 1,010 feet of vertical drop and 26 runs, it is a weekend-only operation beloved by locals from Choteau, Cut Bank, and Shelby. The last 10 miles to the resort are on gravel road. Snow-dependent — call ahead.

Vertical Drop: 1,010 ft
Skiable Acres: 114
Runs: 26
Lifts: 2
Annual Snowfall: 250 in
Day Ticket: $59
Season: DecemberMarch
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 25%Intermediate 50%Advanced 25%

Weekend-only. Last 10 miles on gravel road. Snow-dependent — call ahead. Views of the Rocky Mountain Front. No lift lines.

Choteau Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Turner Mountain Ski Area

Community Hill

Turner Mountain is one of Montana's best-kept secrets — a steep, deep, cheap ski area 20 minutes from Libby in the Purcell Mountains. With 2,110 feet of vertical drop and approximately two-thirds of runs rated black diamond, it is one of the most challenging ski areas in Montana for its size. Open Friday through Sunday only. Adult lift tickets are $45.

Vertical Drop: 2,110 ft
Skiable Acres: 1,000
Runs: 22
Lifts: 1
Annual Snowfall: 200 in
Day Ticket: $45
Season: DecemberLate March
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 5%Intermediate 25%Advanced 45%Expert 25%

Open Friday–Sunday only. 2+ hours northwest of Kalispell. ~2/3 of runs are black diamonds. One of Montana's best-kept secrets. No beginner runs from summit.

Libby Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Destination Resort

Formerly known as Big Mountain, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a full-service destination resort 25 miles from Glacier National Park. With 3,000 skiable acres, 105 runs, and a gondola, it offers a balanced experience for all ability levels. The resort is independently owned and operated — not part of Vail or Ikon pass networks. The town of Whitefish is 8 miles away and offers excellent dining and lodging options.

Vertical Drop: 2,353 ft
Skiable Acres: 3,000
Runs: 105
Lifts: 14
Annual Snowfall: 300 in
Day Ticket: $115
Season: Late NovemberMid April
Pass: None
Terrain Difficulty
Beginner 13%Intermediate 40%Advanced 27%Expert 20%

Independent resort — no major pass accepted. Glacier National Park 25 miles away. Fog can reduce visibility on the upper mountain. Excellent tree skiing in the glades.

Whitefish Town Profile →Official Website →Get Directions →

📖 Skier’s Guide to Montana

Montana Skiing & Snowboarding Guide

Browse by Category

Montana is one of the most underrated ski destinations in North America. With 16 ski areas spread across the western half of the state — ranging from a 5,800-acre destination resort to a tribal-owned community hill that doesn't take credit cards — the Treasure State offers something for every skier and snowboarder, at every price point. This directory covers all 16 ski areas, organized by experience type and sorted by terrain size.


🏔️ Destination Resorts (2)

Full-service mountain resorts with ski-in/ski-out lodging, multiple dining options, and resort-scale amenities.

Big Sky Resort

★★★★★ 4.5 (12,400+)

Destination Resort

Nearest Town: Big Sky / Bozeman

Vertical Drop: 4,350 ft

Skiable Acres: 5,800

Runs: 317

Lifts: 36 (including gondola and heated bubble chairs)

Annual Snowfall: ~400 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$226/day

Season: Late November – mid-April

Website: bigskyresort.com

Phone: (800) 548-4486

Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716

Best For: Big mountain terrain, variety, après-ski, families, all ability levels

Notes: America's largest ski resort by acreage. Only 50 miles from Bozeman and 1 hour from West Yellowstone. Skyline bus from Bozeman runs daily for $5. Prices drop 50%+ late season.


Whitefish Mountain Resort

★★★★★ 4.4 (8,200+)

Destination Resort

Nearest Town: Whitefish

Vertical Drop: 2,353 ft

Skiable Acres: 3,000

Runs: 105

Lifts: 14 (including gondola)

Annual Snowfall: ~300 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$115/day

Season: Late November – mid-April

Website: skiwhitefish.com

Phone: (406) 862-2900

Address: 3889 Big Mountain Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937

Best For: Balanced resort experience, proximity to Glacier National Park, intermediate terrain

Notes: Formerly called Big Mountain. Independent resort (not part of Vail or Ikon). Fog can be unpredictable. Glacier National Park is 25 miles away.


🎿 Expert & Off-Piste Favorites (4)

Serious terrain without resort trappings — deep powder, challenging runs, and no lift lines.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

★★★★★ 4.6 (3,100+)

Non-Profit Ski Area

Nearest Town: Bozeman

Vertical Drop: 2,600 ft

Skiable Acres: 2,000

Runs: 75

Lifts: 11

Annual Snowfall: ~350 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$84/day

Season: December – early April

Website: bridgerbowl.com

Phone: (406) 587-2111

Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715

Best For: Big bowls, off-piste, expert chutes (The Ridge), college-town proximity

Notes: Non-profit ski area. 20 minutes from Bozeman. The Ridge is a designated expert-only zone. Popular with MSU students — expect crowds on powder days.


Discovery Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.2 (1,800+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Anaconda

Vertical Drop: 2,388 ft

Skiable Acres: 2,200

Runs: 67

Lifts: 8

Annual Snowfall: ~150 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$72/day

Season: December – late March

Website: skidiscovery.com

Phone: (406) 563-2184

Address: 1 Discovery Way, Anaconda, MT 59711

Best For: Double-black chutes on Rumsey Peak backside, uncrowded, homemade cookies

Notes: Low snowfall relative to other Montana areas — bring rock skis early/late season. Only 1 hour from Butte, 1.5 hours from Missoula.


Lost Trail Powder Mountain

★★★★☆ 4.3 (900+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Hamilton (Sula)

Vertical Drop: 1,800 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,800

Runs: 60

Lifts: 8 (including rope tows)

Annual Snowfall: ~325 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$70/day

Season: December – late March

Website: losttrail.com

Phone: (406) 821-3211

Address: 1 Lost Trail Pass Rd, Sula, MT 59871

Best For: Deep powder, no crowds, retro ski culture, White House expert section

Notes: On the Idaho border. Indy Pass accepted. Rope tows still in operation — a genuine throwback. Nearly 2 hours from Missoula.


Montana Snowbowl

★★★☆☆ 3.8 (1,200+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Missoula

Vertical Drop: 2,600 ft

Skiable Acres: 950

Runs: 39

Lifts: 4

Annual Snowfall: ~300 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$82/day

Season: December – late March

Website: montanasnowbowl.com

Phone: (406) 549-9777

Address: 1700 Snow Bowl Rd, Missoula, MT 59802

Best For: Expert skiers, unpretentious vibe, 25 minutes from Missoula

Notes: Indy Pass accepted. Snow can be icy. Narrow chutes, ungroomed intermediates. Small parking lot — arrive early on weekends.


🌲 Local & Family Favorites (5)

Community-oriented hills with affordable tickets, family terrain, and strong local character.

Red Lodge Mountain

★★★★☆ 4.1 (2,400+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Red Lodge

Vertical Drop: 2,400 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,635

Runs: 70

Lifts: 7

Annual Snowfall: ~250 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$77/day

Season: Late November – early April

Website: redlodgemountain.com

Phone: (406) 446-2610

Address: 305 Ski Run Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Best For: Old-school ski town feel, proximity to Red Lodge, tree skiing off Cole Creek Lift

Notes: Indy Pass accepted. Easternmost ski area in Montana. Snowpack variable — check conditions before late-season trips. National Skijoring Finals held in Red Lodge each March.


Great Divide Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.0 (1,600+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Helena

Vertical Drop: 1,330 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,500

Runs: 140

Lifts: 6

Annual Snowfall: ~180 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$65/day

Season: Late November – mid-April (longest season in Montana)

Website: skigd.com

Phone: (406) 449-3746

Address: 7385 Bald Mountain Rd, Marysville, MT 59640

Best For: Night skiing (Fridays, $15), long season, east-facing sunny slopes

Notes: Montana's first ski area to open each year and last to close. Night skiing every Friday. 35 minutes from Helena.


Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.2 (700+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Kalispell

Vertical Drop: 1,440 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,000

Runs: 26

Lifts: 4

Annual Snowfall: ~250 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$75/day

Season: December – late March

Website: blacktailmountain.com

Phone: (406) 844-0999

Address: 1 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922

Best For: Views of Flathead Lake, beginner terrain, Thrifty Thursday ($35 tickets)

Notes: Indy Pass accepted. Unique "upside-down mountain" layout with lodge at summit. Purchased by Washington ski resort in 2021. Ski for Free program available through Discover Kalispell.


Showdown Montana

★★★★☆ 4.0 (800+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Great Falls (Neihart)

Vertical Drop: 1,400 ft

Skiable Acres: 640

Runs: 36

Lifts: 4

Annual Snowfall: ~240 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$70/day

Season: December – late March

Website: showdownmontana.com

Phone: (406) 236-5522

Address: 1 Showdown Ski Area Rd, Neihart, MT 59465

Best For: Family-friendly, community atmosphere, $35 Thursday tickets

Notes: Montana's oldest ski area, established 1936. 1.5 hours from Great Falls. Half-price season passes available one day each March.


Lookout Pass Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.3 (1,100+)

Independent Ski Area

Nearest Town: Superior (straddles MT/ID border)

Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,023

Runs: 54

Lifts: 5 (2 quads, 2 triples, 1 double)

Annual Snowfall: ~450 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$69/day

Season: December – late March

Website: skilookout.com

Phone: (208) 744-1301

Address: Exit 0, I-90, Mullan, ID 83846

Best For: Highest snowfall in the region, free ski school for under-18, all-ability terrain

Notes: Straddles Montana/Idaho border. Established 1935 — oldest ski area in either state. Eagle Peak expansion (2022) added 500 acres and a new high-speed quad. Season pass holders from any mountain get half-price tickets Mon–Thu.


🤫 Hidden Gems (4)

Locals-only hills where you'll ski with the same people every weekend — and they'll know your name by lunch.

Turner Mountain Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.4 (300+)

Community Ski Area

Nearest Town: Libby

Vertical Drop: 2,110 ft

Skiable Acres: 1,000

Runs: 22

Lifts: 1 (double chair)

Annual Snowfall: ~200 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$45/day

Season: Friday–Sunday, December – late March

Website: skiturner.com

Phone: (406) 293-4317

Address: Turner Mountain Rd, Libby, MT 59923

Best For: Steep, deep, and cheap — ~2/3 of runs are black diamonds

Notes: Open Friday–Sunday only. 2+ hours northwest of Kalispell. One of the best-kept secrets in Montana skiing. No beginner runs from the summit.


Maverick Mountain Ski Area

★★★★☆ 4.1 (400+)

Community Ski Area

Nearest Town: Dillon

Vertical Drop: 2,020 ft

Skiable Acres: 350

Runs: 24

Lifts: 1 (double chair)

Annual Snowfall: ~200 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$54/day

Season: Weekends, December – late March

Website: skimaverrickmontana.com

Phone: (406) 834-3454

Address: 1 Maverick Mountain Rd, Polaris, MT 59746

Best For: Community vibe, surprising vertical, Elkhorn Hot Springs 4 miles away

Notes: Southwest Montana. Weekend-only operation. Expert runs ski like intermediates — good for pushing your limits. Elkhorn Hot Springs nearby for après.


Teton Pass Ski Resort

★★★★☆ 4.0 (200+)

Community Ski Area

Nearest Town: Choteau

Vertical Drop: 1,010 ft

Skiable Acres: 114

Runs: 26

Lifts: 2

Annual Snowfall: ~250 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$59/day

Season: Weekends, December – March (snow dependent)

Website: tetonpassresort.com

Phone: (406) 466-2209

Address: 1 Teton Pass Rd, Choteau, MT 59422

Best For: Rocky Mountain Front views, community spirit, no lift lines ever

Notes: Last 10 miles on gravel road. Snow-dependent operation — call ahead. Views of the Front Range are spectacular. Beloved by Choteau, Cut Bank, and Shelby locals.


Bear Paw Ski Bowl

★★★☆☆ 3.9 (150+)

Tribal Community Ski Area

Nearest Town: Havre (Rocky Boy's Reservation)

Vertical Drop: 1,080 ft

Skiable Acres: 80

Runs: 11

Lifts: 2

Annual Snowfall: ~140 in.

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$25/day

Season: Weekends only, December – March (snow dependent)

Website: N/A

Phone: (406) 395-4686

Address: Rocky Boy's Reservation, Box Elder, MT 59521

Best For: Unique experience, cheapest tickets in Montana, tribal history

Notes: Owned by the Chippewa-Cree Tribe. Cash only. No lodge. Burgers grilled behind the ski patrol shack. Does not open every year — call ahead. Montana's smallest ski hill.


☀️ Summer Skiing (1)

Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area

★★★☆☆ 3.7 (200+)

Summer Ski Area

Nearest Town: Red Lodge

Vertical Drop: ~1,000 ft

Skiable Acres: ~600 (variable)

Runs: 9

Lifts: 2 (Pomalift)

Annual Snowfall: Varies widely

Adult Lift Ticket: ~$50/day

Season: Memorial Day – late June (snow dependent; some years does not open)

Website: beartothbasin.com

Phone: (307) 250-3729

Address: Beartooth Highway (US-212), near Cooke City, MT/WY border

Best For: Skiing in summer, unique high-alpine experience, Beartooth Highway scenery

Notes: Technically in Wyoming but only accessible via Montana. Opens after Beartooth Highway clears (usually Memorial Day weekend). No rentals, no lodge. Expert-only in most conditions. Check conditions before making the drive.


Montana Skiing at a Glance

Ski Area Nearest Town Vertical (ft) Acres Runs Lifts Snowfall (in.) Day Ticket
Big Sky Big Sky / Bozeman 4,350 5,800 317 36 400 ~$226
Whitefish Whitefish 2,353 3,000 105 14 300 ~$115
Bridger Bowl Bozeman 2,600 2,000 75 11 350 ~$84
Discovery Anaconda 2,388 2,200 67 8 150 ~$72
Lost Trail Hamilton 1,800 1,800 60 8 325 ~$70
Red Lodge Red Lodge 2,400 1,635 70 7 250 ~$77
Great Divide Helena 1,330 1,500 140 6 180 ~$65
Blacktail Kalispell 1,440 1,000 26 4 250 ~$75
Snowbowl Missoula 2,600 950 39 4 300 ~$82
Showdown Great Falls 1,400 640 36 4 240 ~$70
Lookout Pass Superior 1,650 1,023 54 5 450 ~$69
Turner Libby 2,110 1,000 22 1 200 ~$45
Maverick Dillon 2,020 350 24 1 200 ~$54
Teton Pass Choteau 1,010 114 26 2 250 ~$59
Bear Paw Havre 1,080 80 11 2 140 ~$25
Beartooth Basin Red Lodge ~1,000 ~600 9 2 Varies ~$50

Prices reflect 2024–2025 season. Many resorts offer discounted online pricing and mid-week deals.


Planning Your Montana Ski Trip

Montana skiing rewards those who plan ahead but also those who stay flexible. The state's ski season runs roughly from late November through mid-April, with the best powder conditions typically occurring in January and February. Snowfall varies dramatically by location — Lookout Pass averages 450 inches annually while Bear Paw averages just 140 — so matching your destination to your preferred snow conditions matters.

The Indy Pass ($349/season) is accepted at Red Lodge Mountain, Lost Trail, Blacktail Mountain, and Montana Snowbowl, making it an excellent value for skiers who want to sample multiple areas in a single trip. Big Sky and Whitefish are not included in any major pass system, though Big Sky participates in its own Ikon Pass partnership.

For budget-conscious skiers, the community hills — Turner Mountain ($45), Bear Paw ($25), Maverick Mountain ($54), and Teton Pass ($59) — offer genuine Montana terrain at prices that feel like a different era. Most are weekend-only operations, so plan accordingly.

Getting There: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the primary gateway for Big Sky and Bridger Bowl. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell serves Whitefish and Blacktail. Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) is closest to Snowbowl, Lost Trail, and Discovery. Helena Regional Airport (HLN) serves Great Divide.

Bear Safety: Montana's ski areas in grizzly country — particularly those near Glacier and the Bob Marshall Wilderness — may have bear activity in early and late season when snowpack is thin. Follow posted guidelines.


Source: Montana Discovered, individual resort websites, and Montana Office of Tourism. Verify current prices and conditions directly with each resort before visiting.

All lift ticket prices, terrain stats, and season dates reflect 2024–2025 information from individual resort websites and the Montana Office of Tourism. Always verify current conditions and pricing directly with each ski area before visiting.