Helena + Philipsburg
Southwest Montana
Fly into Helena Regional Airport and begin your Southwest Montana ski adventure in Montana’s capital city. Grab dinner and an overnight in downtown Helena before waking up to powder day one. Great Divide is a family-owned local gem offering 1,500 acres of varied terrain spread over three peaks. With more than 100 runs, there's something for everyone, but experts will especially enjoy the challenging options. Take a break for lunch at the on-mountain eateries, then stick around for night skiing when the slopes light up. After a thrilling day, unwind with a soak at Broadwater Hot Springs or explore Helena’s downtown shops and galleries. Then enjoy dinner at a local favorite, like The Hopper or Mt. Ascension Brewing Co., and settle in for the night at a cozy B&B or The Great Northern Hotel.
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Southwest Montana
Start your day with breakfast in Helena at General Mercantile, No Sweat Café, Montago Coffee Co. or Fire Tower Coffee, and gear up for another round of skiing at Great Divide. With its expansive terrain, you can challenge yourself on runs you didn’t get to the day before or find a new favorite spot. After a day on the slopes, head back to Helena for an evening of exploration. Wander through Reeder’s Alley, the oldest part of Helena, and then stroll along Last Chance Gulch and the Walking Mall, where you’ll find unique shops, galleries and historic sites. Wrap up the day with a warm meal at a local eatery before another overnight in town.
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Southwest Montana
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and begin the drive to Philipsburg, just over 90 minutes from Helena. When you arrive, make sure to stop at The Sweet Palace for some sweet treats to take to the slopes. Then, it’s time to head up the mountain for some afternoon skiing. Known around here as “Disco,” Discovery Ski Area is a local favorite with incredible views and uncrowded slopes offering plenty of tree skiing, powder bowls, and groomed runs. Make your way to the north-facing Limelight lift to access some of the steepest lift-served terrain around, or hop on the Anaconda and north-facing Granite lifts for beginner and intermediate runs. Overnight at a historic bed-and-breakfast in Philipsburg and check out the local brewery.
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Southwest Montana
Start your day with breakfast in Philipsburg, or take a quick drive to Anaconda for a bite at The Hangout Café or Donivan’s. Spend your morning exploring the expansive runs at Discovery Ski Area. For an exhilarating start, hit up the Rumsey lift to access varied terrain with stunning views, or explore the Granite lifts for more challenging slopes. After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch at the lodge—don’t miss the famous chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven. Spend the afternoon skiing the backside of the mountain, where advanced skiers can enjoy steep powder stashes. After a full day on the slopes, grab dinner in town before the drive to Jackson Hot Springs in Southwest Montana’s stunning Big Hole Valley. Finish the day with a relaxing soak.
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Southwest Montana
Wake up to the serene surroundings of Jackson Hot Springs and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Then enjoy a quick, 35-minute drive to Maverick Mountain, where you’ll experience classic Montana skiing with uncrowded slopes, powdery runs and 2,020 vertical feet. Spend the day carving through the mountain's diverse terrain. Afterward, return to Jackson Hot Springs to unwind in the soothing waters, reflecting on your adventurous day. Enjoy a leisurely soak, engage in a friendly game of pool or shuffleboard, or relax by a crackling fire. Grab a meal at the Hot Springs Grill and then warm up a little more—all cabins and guest rooms are equipped with a cozy fireplace.
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Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you’re flying in:
Southwest Montana Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Southwest Montana Car Rentals
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
