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6 Montanan Ski Resorts within 3 hours of Bozeman
Located in southwestern Montana lies the fourth largest city in the entire state, Bozeman. Over the past four decades, the city has more than doubled its population to nearly 50,000 residents, and being that the city is surrounded by ski resorts, it’s no wonder why. When people think of skiing in Montana, their minds often …
4 Ski Resorts near Cody, Wyoming
For those looking to have some winter fun that comes with a generous helping of pioneer spirit, check out the ski resorts near Cody, Wyoming. While there are only a few resorts to choose from, there is truly something for everyone. “Buffalo Bill” Cody settled the area in the 1890s, recognizing the potential of its …
Guide to Montana’s Ski Resorts
Not many ski areas offer the same experience as Montana. Deep power, consistent snow, and cold temperatures combined with fewer visitors is the perfect recipe for a true Montana ski experience.
Ski season in the state is lengthy. Many resorts open in mid-November and don’t close until mid-April. While the weather always dictates how great or poor the snow will be, most resorts in Montana receive enough snow that they don’t rely on manmade options. Montana’s resorts receive an average of 273 inches of snow annually, but the lack of snowmaking can still impact the opening of resorts or cause certain runs to be cut early in the season.
All of Montana’s 14 public ski areas are located in its western half, with most in the Rocky Mountains. The state also has a handful of resorts that are part of private communities and an area dedicated to cat skiing.
The Big Ski Resorts
When many people think of Montana skiing, they think of Big Sky Resort. Its 5,850 skiable acres are massive and make it second in size among ski resorts in the U.S. Lift tickets are expensive but provide access to 300 named runs and 6 terrain parks.
Many trails are lengthy, with the longest extending 6 miles. The resort has its share of beginner slopes but caters more to intermediate and advanced skiers.
There are many sides to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Most of the 111 trails are on the front side of the mountain, but there’s plenty of skiing located on the back and to the west with additional basins. Only 12 percent are beginner slopes, with 7 percent labeled double black diamond.
The resort is located near the Canadian border and receives 320 inches of snow each year. Adventurous skiers can enjoy tree skiing and 4 terrain parks on Whitefish’s 3,000 skiable areas.
Fly In and Ski
Located just 30 minutes from the Helena Regional Airport, Great Divide Ski Area is best known for its 5 terrain parks and a variety of events throughout the season. Great Divide is noted as one of the top small ski areas on the continent, covering 1,600 skiable acres.
The resort stretches wide across the mountain face and only has 6 lifts servicing its 110 trails, but on the way down skiers can experience glades and basins on runs that are almost exclusively blue or black. It’s also one of the most inexpensive resorts around.
Bridger Bowl, located in Bozeman, is one of the best skiing deals in the state, plus the non-profit ski area packs a punch in size. Bridger Bowl has 2,000 skiable acres and receives 350 inches of snow annually. Skiers benefit from a combined experience of 75 named trails, rock cliffs, chutes, and 2 terrain parks.
Montana’s Other Ski Areas
There are plenty of other affordable options on a smaller scale throughout Montana. Some are cash-only and some have no ski rentals available, but all receive a multitude of snow to make any skier happy.
- Red Lodge Mountain Resort
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain
- Discovery Ski Area
- Montana Snowbowl
- Maverick Mountain
- Showdown Montana
- Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
- Teton Pass Ski Resort
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl
- Turner Mountain Ski Area
With the state nickname “Big Sky Country,” the beautiful views here stretch as far as the eye can see. Make the most of your ski holiday by visiting one of Montana’s favorite winter resorts.
