Bozeman + Red Lodge: Bridger Bowl + Red Lodge Mountain
Yellowstone Country
After flying in to Bozeman and checking into a hotel in Bozeman's bustling downtown wake up to powder day one. You'll find a hearty breakfast and good coffee here, too; try Jam! or the Nova Café. Or, snag a breakfast burrito at the Jim Bridger Lodge. Bridger Bowl is just 16 miles from downtown. On the mountain, you've got your choice of 75 named trails varying in level from beginner to expert. For starters, take the Sunnyside Lift to one of two terrain parks, including the upper (more challenging with larger jumps) and lower Sunnyside (smaller rails, boxes and jumps) runs. More experienced beginner and intermediate skiers can enjoy 500 acres of North Bowl skiing from the Alpine and Powder Park lifts. Grab lunch at the Alpine Cabin. Après ski, enjoy locally-crafted beer and spirits from one of Bozeman's renowned breweries or distilleries—like Mountains Walking Brewery or Bozeman Distillery, then make your way to Blacksmith Italian, Open Range or Blackbird for some farm-to-table fine dining. Post meal, sit back and relax in the soothing mineral waters of a Bozeman Hot Springs.
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Yellowstone Country
Find a new breakfast spot, like Cateye Café or The Western. Head Back up to Bridger Bowl and take the Virginia City Lift to the South Bowl for more intermediate skiing. Cruise long runs and nice chutes off the Pierre's Knob Lift. If you're an advanced skier, head to the High Traverse (from the Bridger Lift) or use the same lift to access more North Bowl fun that's less challenging. Grab lunch at Jim Bridger Lodge. Après ski, check out one of the town's local burger and beer hangouts, like the Bozeman Taproom, or hit up Bridger Brewing. Cap off the night with live music at Rialto Theatre. in Bozeman, you can find a show pretty much any night of the week.
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Yellowstone Country
After a hearty and delicious breakfast sandwich at Feed Café in Bozeman, hop on a bus to Red Lodge, or rent a car, watching for wildlife along the scenic, 2.5-hour ride. You'll drive through Livingston and Big Timer—two small towns well worth the stop. Grab lunch in Livingston at Gil's Goods and pick up some growlers at Katabatic Brewing or Neptune's Brewery. Or, stop in Big Timer at the Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ or Star Pizza. Once in Red Lodge, explore the idyllic downtown, home to a historic hotel, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co., bars, shops, restaurants and true western hospitality just minutes from the mountain. Or, get cozy in a ski lodge or chalet. This quaint small town serves up big flavor, from fine dining, fresh trout and local steaks, to authentic Mexican and Italian fare. Mosey into a local pub for a night cap and some live local tunes, and take in the small-town vibes.
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Yellowstone Country
Red Lodge has no shortage of good places to fuel up for the day ahead. Honey's serves up some of the best coffee in town, and you'll find a locally sourced breakfast menu there too. Then, get to the mountain for big mountain fun without big mountain crowds or prices. Snowpack is king at Red Lodge, offering 1600+ acres and 2,400' vertical drop. Take the Willow Creek chairlift to the Midway Chalet for lunch and enjoy views of five mountain ranges. Après ski, head to the base of the mountain for Bierstube fun, where you'll find pub fare, live music and 10 beers on tap. If you didn't fill up at the ‘Stube, head back into town for whatever you're craving. Then, settle in to some live music and local fun in downtown Red Lodge.
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Yellowstone Country
What you need before a day on the slopes is good hot coffee and a homestyle breakfast. Ask any local and they'll point you in the direction of the best diner in town (there are multiple). On the mountain, settle in to your last day of Montana skiing. Pick your pleasure—powder days at Red Lodge last a week and you won't find any lift lines here. Ski your heart out. Lunch in the main lodge, or head back to the Midway Chalet—it's worth the repeat. Celebrate your slope time with fine dining and a menu made from locally-sourced ingredients at the Pollard Hotel in downtown Red Lodge, or stay casual at a local pub. Then, stand out on Broadway Ave and let the din draw you into your last stop—the nightlife here is lively and cozy. Cheers to five days well spent.
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Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you’re flying in:
Yellowstone Country Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
Check the status of your destination before arriving.
Make reservations in advance and pack essentials like water.
Take it slow and choose low-risk activities.
Learn wildlife safety. View from a safe distance, never approach or feed, and carry bear spray.
Be mindful of your impact on communities.
Take your trash, including fruit rinds, with you and clean up properly.
Make outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for all.
Follow the steps Clean. Drain. Dry. and pull over for inspections.
Check avalanche forecasts, carry gear and know your snow.
Properly use outdoor equipment, learn campfire safety and check fire restrictions.
