An unsung hero of the mom-and-pop resorts that the 406 embraces, Maverick is a hotspot in more ways than one. Get immersed in the ski culture on this mountain with the lone double-chair ski lift that offers two options: exit midway, or head all the way to the top. Since the hill is only open Thursdays through Sundays (plus holidays), you can still hit the good stuff even when snow falls earlier in the week. And it doesn’t get better than nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs, perfect for a soothing apès ski soak.
Whitefish draws in celebs from all realms. Both ski and snowboard bigwigs with world-class credits and movie stars and pop singers love the snow and fun on offer, both in town and slopeside. Frontside, backside, and backcountry will keep you into it while you carve it up after that fluffy stuff has dumped down. And the infamous Flathead Valley inversion keeps the snow fresher, and longer, for powder days that just don’t end.
Bozeman’s hometown ski hill has a cult following with locals and for good reason. This locally owned nonprofit is home to the light and fluffy “cold smoke” known far and wide as some of the best skiing you can find. This is ski culture at its finest, so be sure to check it out while the snow is epic.
With lift tickets available for less than $50—and a 5-pack deal bringing prices down to $44 per ticket—you’ll love budget-friendly Discovery. The three faces of this mountain bring the powder action to skiers of all abilities in more than 2,000 acres, with varied terrain to keep things interesting. North-facing Limelight lift on the backside offers some of the steepest skiing in Montana.
No question: Big Sky is the place to be. This resort gets the tagline “Biggest Skiing in America” for good reason. This unbelievable resort has more than 5,000 acres to find your fresh tracks. And zippy lifts mean you won’t have to wait in line to put down fresh tracks.
This is Montana’s oldest ski area, and it’s grown up a lot since first starting up the chairlift in 1936. What it lacks in size, Showdown makes up for in style and culture, with plenty of snow to go around. Another ski hill close to a hot spring—be sure to make the post-ski stop in White Sulphur Springs to let your tired legs relax.
Are you in Idaho or Montana? Since it sits right on the border, off of I-90, all bets are off at Lookout Pass ski area. This is a spot that many breeze past on their way into or out of the state, but pump the brakes and check it out. Easy access and affordable prices bring you an epic session out on the runs. This is usually one of the first places to open up in the area, so don’t miss out on the early season. And with plenty of beginner runs alongside more technical stuff, everyone in your group will be excited to hit it up.
There are plenty of ski hills in Montana to keep even the most experienced of skiers busy this winter. So pack up your skis and pull out that warm winter gear and get ready for an action-packed season of road trips, fresh powder, and amazing skiing. And, if you need a new car to support all the ski-themed road trips, get a new car financed through RMCU. We offer many financing options to help you!
