If you're chasing the best snow in the country or feeling inspired by the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, think out-of-the-box for a Big Sky family-friendly venue: Montana. The snowpack may be dwindling in other areas of the West, but Montana has fresh powder and more on the way.
Montana winter opportunities are accessible by vehicle or direct flights from many of the country’s major airports. Fly directly to Whitefish or Bozeman from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, or Las Vegas and enjoy easy access to top ski resorts like Whitefish Mountain or Big Sky.
Montana’s Snow Report provides current snow and temperature information for Montana’s 15 ski areas and resorts. Seven of these locations are showing summit depths of at least 6 feet. In early February, the top resort for snowpack is Whitefish Mountain Resort with a base depth of more than 10 feet; the deepest the resort has seen in over a decade, with 21 days of straight snowfall in Whitefish.
Travelers looking for less-crowded ski experiences will find Montana is home to a number of world-class ski towns and family-owned gems ready to be discovered. When locals spend a day on the mountain, they avoid the long lines at these lesser known ski destinations with great deals. Consider heading to one of Montana’s mom-and-pop ski destinations where you don’t have to wait for the ski-lift to tackle your run. Here are a few of the best:
-- Blacktail Mountain is the only Montana ski area where you can drive to the top. With views of Flathead Lake and the nearby Swan Mountains, the drive up is almost as enjoyable as the ski down. As every run is easy to access, Blacktail Mountain feels like a secret spot for winter enthusiasts. You may feel you have the mountain yourself as you shred the pristine powder.
-- Discovery has three faces, each with distinct features and challenges. The front face offers a blend of beginner and intermediate runs. Off the Granite Chair, things step up a notch with steeper groomed runs and mogul skiing, while the back face provides a back-country feel with easy accessibility from a chair lift. Discovery is a short drive from Missoula, Butte and Helena making it a great destination for a ski weekend or day trip. Skiers and boarders are sure to find their favorite spot to carve after a day on the mountain, with terrain ranging from fast-paced tree skiing, groomed trails and sweeping powder bowls.
-- Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Southwest Montana, Maverick Mountain has an old-school ski vibe for a classic thrill without resort frills. Skiers feel like they’re taking a step back in time in a relaxed environment at affordable prices. Maverick Mountain has earned a loyal community of ski enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, making for the perfect small-town feel. With 22 challenging trails, this is a special local secret.
-- Lost Powder Mountain straddles the Montana-Idaho border. This family-owned resort has earned its reputation as a top-class destination with 80 years of intimate skiing. Trails for every age and skill level will encourage the whole family to ask for one chance to shred through the powder.
