With plenty of mountains, like that little range known as the Rockies, and plenty of powder, Montana is an awesome place for families of all ability levels to get out and enjoy the slopes. These are our favorite ski destinations for families in the state!
The biggest ski resort in Montana—and one of the largest in the country—Big Sky Resort boasts almost 6,000 skiable acres and more than 4,300 feet of vertical, including tram-accessible Lone Peak at 11,166 feet of elevation. Thirty-four chair and surface lifts service thee runs. The resort has many lodging options of all levels. They have frequent activities and events for kids, and if you book you lodging through their central reservation system, children 10 and under ski free while they stay at the resort.
Discovery Ski Area is an awesome place for families to spend a winter weekend. Along with a number of beginner and intermediate runs, Discovery also has moguls, groomed trails, powder bowls, and some of the steepest terrain in the area that’s served by a lift.
Whitefish Mountain Resort, just west of Glacier National Park, has been a popular ski destination for more than 60 years. Despite its 3,000 skiable acres and the 300 annual inches of snow it receives, Whitefish is uncrowded and known for its lack of lift lines. There are multiple dining and lodging options, as well as plenty of fun activities for the whole family at the Mountain Village.
Bridger Bowl is Bozeman’s backyard ski area. The resort has been operating on a sustainable, nonprofit model for more than half a century. It has a dedicated area for beginners, 500 acres of terrain, and plenty of slope for experienced skiers and board riders. Nearby Bozeman offers plenty of lodging, dining, and entertainment options for the family.
Red Lodge Mountain is home to more than 70 runs that are spread between two mountains. Skiers of all levels are sure to find plenty of runs to keep them happy all day long. Red Lodge also offers rentals and lessons, as well as a retail shop and several dining options. The town of Red Lodge is only six miles away.
Folks in the central part of the state have been skiing Showdown Montana for more than 80 years, making it the oldest ski area under in the state. Showdown has dozens of runs for skiers of all levels spread across 640 acres and 1,400 vertical feet, as well as a terrain park and kid park.
Great Divide bills itself as the state’s “sunniest ski area.” This southwest Montana resort has more than 100 trails spread across three mountains and valleys, making for wide, open bowls. It’s 1,600 acres is also home to six terrain parks for all levels of skiers and board riders.
Families looking to spend a day in a gorgeous national forest setting will love hitting the slopes at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Blacktail boasts more than 1,000 skiable acres, including a terrain park, with runs for skiers and riders of all abilities. The top of the mountain offers views across Flathead Lake and east to Glacier National Park.
Montana Snowbowl is Missoula’s hometown ski spot. It’s got plenty of nice, long runs, some with nearly half a mile of continuous vertical drop. But there are also plenty of slopes for less-experienced skiers and riders. The Snowbowl also offers lessons and kids programs through its snow sports school.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain rides the shoulders of the beautiful Bitterroot Mountain Range, affording skiers panoramic views across both Montana and Idaho. Families will enjoy more than 60 trails spread over 1,800 acres and two mountains. More than 1,800 vertical feet and 325 inches of annual snowfall ensure plenty of downhill fun for everyone.
