Ski Resorts and Ski Areas are Hot

There’s Options for Winter

In the winter time, Montana can be one of the most magical places on earth.  The most popular reasons to visit Montana in the winter is to go skiing or snowboarding.  But you don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy Montana when it’s cold. Come to Montana just to enjoy the peace and quiet in a rustic cabin way back in the mountains where no one can find you.  Another reason people visit Montana in the winter is to photograph the beauty of a frozen waterfall or the freshly laid snow in a park or a meadow. There’s lots of other reasons to visit Montana in the winter but in this article we’re going to focus on the ski resorts and some of the other ski areas that draw most of the Montana winter tourists.

Staying at a Resort

Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort are the two main ski resorts. Big Sky Resort is in Big Sky, Montana which is about 45 miles south of Bozeman Montana.  Whitefish Mountain Resort is about 25 miles north of Kalispell. Both of these Resorts have many lodging options available. Both resorts offer lodging and skiing packages. The best way to go at either of the resorts is to find an AirBNB that is ski-in-ski-out that is big enough for your party. If that’s not what your looking for both resorts have condos and hotel rooms for rent. We always like renting a ski-in-ski-out place that fits our party so that we can grocery shop and have all the comforts of home. Staying in a condo or hotel room gives you the option of being near restaurants where the clean up is left to someone else.

Montana Ski Areas

you want to get away from the crowds then you want to go to a smaller ski area.  Your lodging options will be a little more limited here and your travel time to and from the ski hill may also add a little inconvenience. But in my opinion, the slower pace of a smaller ski area can be just what the doctor ordered.  If you are driving your own car make sure you are well prepared for the road conditions that you may encounter otherwise let the rental company know you need a vehicle that is capable of handling the snow and ice. We suggest that you spend some time getting to know the specific ski area you will visit and understand the drive times to and from the ski hill and where you will stay. There are about 7 other ski areas in Montana better priced right for a family budget. Click here to see a list of our top 5 ski areas in Montana.

Time it Right

When is the best time to ski in Montana?  The middle of December through the first week of January is usually okay.  And, this also depends on where you’re going, but chances are if you’re visiting from the middle of February through the end of March, you’re going to be skiing on new snow or recent snow.  Most people don’t have the luxury to show up when we’re getting a storm so the best way to time it is to come from the middle to the end of the season when the snow totals are way up. Towards the end of March is usually good everywhere but only a week or so into April and the smaller ski areas may be closing. Big Sky usually has their last day of the year around April 15th give or take a day.