Bozeman + Big Sky + Red Lodge
Montana's 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 at Nova Café, Cateye Café, The Western, or Jam! (You can also 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. Or, 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). Grab lunch at Jim Bridger Lodge or 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 Spirits Distillery, then make your way to Open Range or Blackbird for some farm-to-table fine dining. Post meal, sit back and relax in the soothing mineral waters at Bozeman Hot Springs or 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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Montana's Yellowstone Country
Next up, head to Big Sky, which is just about an hour south of Bozeman. Find your basecamp accommodations in Mountain Village for close proximity to Town Center and ski-in-ski-out lodging. Then, get right to the powder with a ride up Ramcharger 8, an eight-seater lift that'll take you to Andesite where you'll find spacious groomers and epic tree runs. Grab lunch in Mountain Village then make your way up the Swift Current 6 where you can take your pick of greens, blues or blacks. For a unique on-mountain dining experience, head back up the Ramcharger Lift to Everett's 8800 for rustic American alpine fare and the ambiance of a crackling fire.
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Montana's Yellowstone Country
Your second day at Big Sky Resort calls for more exploring. Ride the Lone Peak Tram to 11,166 feet for 300 degrees of skiing, plus views of three states and two national parks. Head up the Swift Current 6 to the Powder Seeker chair. Take in the views of Lone Peak as well as Big Couloir descending from the peak. From the tram base, head to Moonlight Basin on the north side of the mountain. Seek solitude in the groomers and take on Moonlight Headwall for steep chutes. Après ski, head to Town Center's Beehive Basin Brewery for drinks and then enjoy dinner at Andiamo Italian Grille. If you’ve got more skiing in you, hop on Ramcharger 8 for night skiing under the stars on Andesite Mountain’s freshly groomed slopes.
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Montana's Yellowstone Country
Wake up bright and early in Big Sky and make your way to Red Lodge, watching for wildlife along the scenic, 3-hour drive. You'll pass through Livingston and Big Timber—two small towns well worth the stop. In Graycliff, don’t miss the coffee and bagels at Graycliff Mill. Once in Red Lodge, hit the slopes for big mountain fun without big mountain crowds or prices. Snowpack is king in 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, home to the historic Pollard Hotel, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co., bars, shops, restaurants and true western hospitality just minutes from the mountain. 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. Then, get cozy in a ski lodge or chalet.
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Montana's Yellowstone Country
Red Lodge has no shortage of good places to fuel up for the day ahead. Just ask any local and they'll point you in the direction of the best diner in town (there are multiple). Café Regis serves up hot coffee, and you'll find a locally sourced breakfast menu with organic options there, too. 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 PREROGATIvE Kitchen, 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:
Montana's Yellowstone Country Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Montana's Yellowstone Country 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.
