Montana is world-renowned for its big, open spaces—and thankfully, the same applies to most of its ski resorts. If the endless lift lines in Tahoe, Colorado, or Utah have you down, may we recommend checking out the scene in the third least-populated US state? There, you’re liable to find terrain for every taste, cuisine ranging from humble and hearty to fine-dining, and a vast array of accommodations. Most importantly, you’ll likely find more elbow room here than anywhere else in the lower 48, providing the rare chance to really stretch out those turns.
The ski scene has experienced significant growth in the last few years, but the remoteness of the state remains, creating the feeling of a true getaway. Montana's northern latitude ensures it gets absolutely blanketed with snow every winter (with low temperatures keeping it all fresh powder for days), and the tall, rocky peaks cradle the snow like a catcher’s glove. That combination results in a ski experience that feels like nowhere else on Earth. Here are our picks for the best Montana ski resorts, and how to hit them like a pro.
Our top picks:
- Best for beginners: Big Sky Resort
- Best for its après scene: Montana Snowbowl
- Best for backcountry skiing: Whitefish Mountain Resort
Big Sky Resort
If you’ve only ever heard of one Montana resort, it’s probably Big Sky—and for good reason. Firstly, Big Sky is massive: Coming in at 5,850 skiable acres, it’s the third-largest ski resort in North America (just behind Whistler Blackcomb and Park City/Canyons). It averages around 400 inches of snow each year, and the terrain is nothing short of spectacular. It has plenty of green and blue runs for those who are newer, but there is also an array of triple-black-diamond chutes pouring into several bowls for experts and adrenaline junkies. Despite that, Big Sky never feels crowded—it averages more than an acre of terrain per person on most days. It has about 40 lifts (including surface lifts), six of which are high-speed. Five of them have bubbles and heated seats, to shield you from the wind and cold.
The 10-person Explorer Gondola debuted in December 2025, taking visitors directly from the Mountain Village base to the Lone Peak Tram—creating a fluid, base-to-peak lift experience for skiers and sightseers alike. For advanced-intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to hone their skills, check out the Summit Pursuits clinic, led by Ski Hall-of-Famer Dan Egan. It got me down Big Sky’s legendary triple-black Big Couloir for the first time, and it was a 50-degree steep, 1,400-foot thrill that I’ll be grinning about for the rest of my life. Overall, Big Sky is an ideal combination of wilderness and developed amenities.
The pass situation:
Peak season lift tickets start around $200 per day, though discounts are often available (especially early in the season), as are packaging deals with lodging. Big Sky is on the Ikon Pass as well as the Mountain Collective Pass. Tickets for the Lone Peak Tram (with access to the steepest areas) are included with season and day passes, but are an add-on for Ikon and Mountain Collective passes.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
One of the best on-mountain restaurants is Everett’s 8800, which sits atop the (weatherproof and heated) Ramcharger 8 chairlift. It has upscale log cabin aesthetics and stunning panoramic views. Stop in for a mid-day lunch, or for a nice dinner if you made reservations. The Peak’s Chophouse in the Summit Hotel also slices and sears some absolutely killer steaks, in a state known for its meats. For the 2025-2026 ski season, look out for M by The Alinea Group. The four-month residency from Michelin Three-Star and James Beard Award winner Grant Achatz fuses European cuisine with seasonal Montana ingredients.
For après, hit The Umbrella bar. It offers a mix of alfresco and coziness—tucked under a gigantic umbrella with glass walls—where you can enjoy craft beer and cocktails. And if you want something really special, make a reservation at the Montana Dinner Yurt, where you take a snowcat ride up the mountain to a well-appointed yurt set in the woods. You can go sledding while a chef prepares a family-style dinner.
Where to stay:
There’s a wide variety of places to stay in Big Sky, ranging from hotels to vacation rentals. The Summit Hotel is the crown jewel of slope-side lodging in Big Sky, and it’s fresh off a transformative renovation: The design gives a contemporary nod to ski culture across 213 updated rooms, common spaces, restaurants, and lounges. Montage Big Sky is perfect for those wanting to go luxe at a cushy spa with a gorgeous, heated indoor pool you won’t want to miss.
New this year is the first US One&Only, which opened in November 2025. Located on the Moonlight Basin side of the mountain, this luxurious property features six restaurants, a gorgeous spa, and even a private gondola to get you onto Big Sky’s slopes with zero hassle.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Just outside of Glacier National Park, the small and charming Whitefish just might be the quintessential northern mountain town. You won’t find any heated bubble lifts, but there are some pretty incredible turns to be had on the not-so-little local mountain. Coming in at 3,000 acres with 113 named trails, this mountain has something for everybody. There are plenty of greens, blues, and terrain parks, as well as a huge collection of blacks and double-blacks.
The slopes are uncrowded, the lift lines are short, and the tree skiing is absolutely legendary (I spent almost all of my time in them when I visited). At just over 6,800 feet at the summit, it’s not the tallest mountain around, but it still averages almost 300 inches of snow per year, and the terrain is remarkable. Whitefish also offers night skiing under several chairs.
The pass situation:
Adult lift tickets start at $115 per day (or $104 for two days or more). Whitefish is proudly independent, affordable, and family-friendly; and while it is not on any multi-resort passes, season ticket holders do get some free days at other nearby mountains as a part of their Passholder Perks.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
For breakfast you can’t do much better than a stack of brioche French toast at the Buffalo Café. Or, hit Markus Community Market for hearty grab-and-go breakfast options, especially if you’re eager to hit the mountain. On the slopes, the Summit House is a great spot to have lunch, rehydrate, and enjoy views of the Northern Rockies.
When you get back to town (just a 15-minute drive away), visit Spotted Bear Spirits to après in a downtown distillery mixing inventive cocktails. If beer is more your thing, the Montana Tap House has nearly 60 craft beers on tap.
For dinner, try riffs on Southern classics at Tupelo Grille or unique maki rolls at Indah Sushi. If you’re looking for a great date spot, check out Latitude 48, which features locally-sourced ingredients and rustic charm. Of course, no visit to Northern Montana would be complete without a slice of huckleberry pie at Loula’s Café.
Where to stay:
You've got all of Whitefish to choose from, which has tons of hotels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals. If skiing is your primary objective, the resort has a variety of hotel and condo-style lodgings on the mountain, which you can book through the resort. The Kintla Lodge and Morning Eagle buildings both have ski-in/ski-out access, so that might be the best place to start.
In town, there’s the Firebrand Hotel, which features upscale, contemporary design, plush beds, and easy access to all the action in downtown Whitefish. If you’d like something a little quieter, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers warm, spacious rooms, a massive indoor hot tub and fitness center, with some suites featuring lake-side views.
Discovery Ski Area
Tucked away in southwestern Montana, just between the historic mining towns of Anaconda and Philipsburg, Discovery Ski Area (or simply “Disco” to the locals) is the platonic ideal of an unpretentious, local hill punching far above its weight. While the front side of the mountain offers gentle cruising perfect for families and beginners, the real thrill lies on the backside, where the expert-only terrain (accessible by the Limelight Triple chairlift) provides some of the steepest and deepest skiing in the state.
Disco maintains that rare, old-school ski culture—no high-speed quads or mega-village developments—just a welcoming lodge, consistent snow, and none of the lines or high prices. It offers 2,200 acres of skiable terrain; boasts a vertical drop of 2,388 feet from its 8,158-foot summit; and averages 215 inches of annual snowfall. With 67 trails spread pretty evenly across difficulty levels, there's plenty for everybody to explore.
The pass situation:
Following Montana’s reputation for offering exceptional value, an adult day lift ticket typically costs around $68 on a weekday, with some packages bringing it as low as $50 a day. If you’re keeping tabs, that makes it one of the most affordable mountains in the region. Discovery isn’t on any of the multi-resort passes, but season tickets start at $525 for adults and $325 for kids under 13.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
On the mountain, when you’re ready to take a lunch break, you’ll find the widest variety of food at Café Main Line, including sandwiches, salads, and dishes from the grill. While there’s no après scene at Discovery itself, in nearby, historic Philipsburg, the Winning Ridge Ale House is the top local choice, transforming from a bistro by day into an elegant steakhouse by night—boasting a menu featuring seafood, local beef, and a large selection of craft beer and wine. The town has several well-regarded breweries, too, including the Philipsburg Brewing Company. If you’d like to try bison, elk, or Montana wagyu head over to Doe Brothers Restaurant. Kiko’s serves up the best Mexican in town—and if whiskey is your thing, then head over to Bunkhouse Whiskey, home to a large tasting room,for lunch and dinner.
Where to stay:
If you want a uniquely Montana take on luxury retreats, you’ll find that The Ranch at Rock Creek (about 13 miles from Discovery) features all-inclusive, high-end accommodations ranging from elegant rooms in the Granite Lodge to multi-room luxury cabins and glamping tents. Its restaurants are some of the best around, too.
If you’d rather stay in town, check out the charming and folksy Broadway Hotel in downtown Philipsburg. It’s a fully restored 1890s historic building that offers nicely appointed rooms and suites.
Philipsburg also has a number of private rentals and B&Bs. For a well-priced, family-friendly option, look toward the surrounding towns. A bit farther afield, the town of Anaconda (about 35 minutes away) has the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort features two Olympic swimming pools and two mineral soaking pools, all naturally heated by geothermal vents.
Great Divide Ski Resort
Tucked high on the Continental Divide, just 25 miles north of Helena, Great Divide Ski Resort is a locals hill that really delivers in terms of scale and challenging terrain. Known for its excellent value and relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere, Great Divide is built across a trio of mountains. It offers a huge variety of trails, from wide-open cruising runs on the lower mountain to steep, un-groomed powder and glades across the upper reaches. It is one of the few in Montana that offers extensive night skiing options, with 13 runs lit up for evening action under the stars. It’s also one of Montana's largest ski areas, with more than 1,500 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of approximately 1,500 feet from its summit elevation of 7,330 feet. The resort is roughly a 50/50 split between beginner and intermediate versus advanced and expert (though, beginner makes up the smallest slice of the pie). The mountain is served by five double chairlifts and a beginner tow.
The pass situation:
Great Divide has one of the most budget-friendly lift ticket structures in the state, perfect for spontaneous day trips when you’re visiting the state’s capital. A full-day adult ticket is generally $68, with steeply discounted rates for students, seniors, military, and children. The resort also offers a $48 weekday ticket deal throughout the winter. Multi-day packs and punch passes offer more discount options. Great Divide is not on any multi-resort passes.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
While there’s a cafeteria, saloon, and lodge at the resort, if you’re wanting a higher-end restaurant experience head to Helena (about a 40-minute drive). Lucca’s Fine Italian Fare is an excellent choice, specializing in seasonal Italian traditions with house-made pasta in an elegant, intimate setting. If you’re looking for farm-to-table lunch or dinner, Benny’s Bistro has a ton of great options and is committed to supporting local farmers. Silver Star Steak Company is regarded as one of the best steakhouses in the area, offering custom cocktails and a full wine list in a refined atmosphere.
Closer to the mountain, the historic Marysville House in nearby Marysville (roughly, five minutes from the mountain) is famous for its hearty meats, seafood, and full bar in an old railroad station.
Where to stay:
If you want to stay as close to the mountain as possible, there are a handful of small vacation homes and rustic cabins in nearby Marysville, but if you want something a bit more polished, you should head to Helena. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial offers one of the best full-service experiences in the area, featuring an indoor pool and a sophisticated restaurant at the Colonial Lounge. The historic Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel also provides an upscale stay near downtown, with modern amenities and quality dining. Some hotels in Helena, such as the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, have collaborated with Great Divide to offer special "Ski and Stay" packages, which include a deeply discounted lift ticket for a full-day adult pass.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
If only all local mountains were as serious as this one. Just 16 miles from the excellent city of Bozeman, Bridger Bowl has something for everybody—from kids taking their first lessons to the most hardcore rippers out there. The resort’s slogan is “ski the cold smoke,” a reference to the 300 inches of powder it gets in a typical season over its 2,000 skiable acres. It has eight lifts to keep people moving, but the crown jewel is a hike-to area known as “The Ridge.” The 20-minute bootpack will take you to an (avalanche-beacon-mandatory) wonderland of chutes, cliffs, pillows, and powder-fields sure to keep an expert skier’s heart pounding all day. Bridger Bowl is a nonprofit community ski area—a rarity these days.
The pass situation:
Bridger Bowl is pretty easy on the wallet. Adult single day passes start at $84 if you buy them online (or $99 at the window), with multi-day passes bringing the price down even further. Bridger Bowl isn’t on any multi-resort passes.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
Just walk down Main Street in Bozeman and see what catches your eye (or nose). It’s about 15 blocks of locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops where you’ll definitely find something that appeals. On the upscale side, hit J.W. Heist’s Steakhouse for local meats, or grab a nice wine or a craft cocktail at Plonk. For something tasty but more low-key, hit Dave’s Sushi, Montana Ale Works, or the excellent MAP Brewing Company.
If you don’t mind driving a half hour from Bozeman, head to 2nd Street Bistro in Livingston to follow in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps. Or if you want the real-deal Montana experience, hit Land of Magic Steakhouse in Logan-Manhattan. There’s also Norris Hot Springs, which features a naturally fed pool as well as food and tipples.
Where to stay:
Winter is the slow season in Bozeman (Yellowstone tourism is the big draw in summer), so you’ll probably find a pretty good rate at the many properties and rentals in the city. The Lark on Main Street has sleek vibes with comfy beds just steps from all the action. The Element by Westin is a larger property that features studios with fully-equipped kitchens as well as a fine dining restaurant, if you don’t feel like cooking. RSVP is a boutique hotel that really zeroed in on making every detail perfect, and it is home to Farmer’s Daughter for excellent local eats. The Kimpton Armory took over the historic downtown armory building and converted it into a high-end experience from top to bottom.
Montana Snowbowl
Sometimes good things really do come in small packages. Snowbowl may only have 950 acres of skiable terrain and just three lifts, but those chairs give you access to more than 2,000 feet of vert and some of the best tree skiing in the whole state. There are enough greens and blues to keep the whole family happy, and it’s a great place to take lessons—but the black diamonds are absolutely phenomenal. Each year the bowl fills in with an average of 300 inches of powder, and it sits really nicely in all the little nooks and crannies. Huge sections of trees seem perfectly spaced as if for skiing alone, so you can bomb all the way down to one of the best après bars in the country: Last Run Inn. It’s affordable, uncrowded, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a mere 13 miles from downtown Missoula, which just happens to be my favorite town in Montana, thanks to its welcoming and inclusive vibe, proximity to nature, and fun nightlife.
The pass situation:
Lift tickets at Montana Snowbowl start at a very reasonable $76 or $82 for weekends and holidays. It is a partner of Indy Pass, which gets you two days at an array of small resorts around the country.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
Do not even think about leaving Snowbowl without stopping at the Last Run Inn, just at the bottom of the slopes. It’s a big, warm, welcoming, wooden bar that serves up brick oven pizzas and some of the best Bloody Marys you’ll ever have. After that, head to Missoula, which has a slew of restaurants and is the heart of Montana’s craft brewing scene. Draft Works is an excellent local brewery that features a lot of quality suds on tap, and it often has live music. The Brasserie Porte Rouge features delectable shareables and hearty plates. Biga Pizza features classic pies as well as more modern combinations, like fig and prosciutto and four cheese plus hot honey. For breakfast, don’t sleep on the Catalyst Café. If you want a great local hang, Charlie B’s Bar is as casual and chill as it gets, and it features the Dinosaur Café in the back, serving up spicy Cajun delights until late night (try the gumbo).
Where to stay:
There’s only one ski-in/ski-out option at Montana Snowbowl, and that’s the Gelandesprung Lodge. It’s a European-style lodge with private and shared baths, a shared kitchen, and an outdoor hot tub. If you want to be where the action is, though, head to Missoula. The Wren is one of the newest hotels in the heart of downtown, and features hip yet warm design flourishes in all its rooms. Also downtown: The local AC Hotel by Marriott boasts sleek, minimalist styling, plus a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
