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7-DAY DOWNHILL SKI GETAWAY: GLACIERS TO GEYSERS

Montana Snowbowl + Lookout Pass + Discovery Ski Area + Bridger Bowl + Big Sky Resort

Glacier Country

Day 1: Montana Snowbowl + Missoula

Fly into Missoula Montana Airport and check into the Residence Inn by Marriott, or get even closer to Snowbowl ski area by staying at the Best Western Plus – Grant Creek Inn or the C'mon Inn. Wake up in Missoula and find a local coffeehouse or breakfast hot spot then make your way up to Montana Snowbowl, just minutes from downtown. Play all day in this deep powdery bowl (hence the name). If you're an expert on the slopes you'll have plenty of extreme terrain and tree runs to conquer. Intermediate skiers take the LaValle Creek chairlift to the summit for access to runs better suited for their skill level. The Spartan Headwall trail can be a fun run for both intermediate and experts alike. When it's time to call it a day, make your way to the Last Run Inn for their much-talked-about wood-fired pizza and bloody marys. After heading down the mountain, explore downtown Missoula for some of the best dining in the state. You'll have your pick of breweries and distilleries, too.

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Glacier Country

Day 2: Lookout Pass + Montana/idaho Border

Another wake-up call in Missoula means another delicious breakfast in historic downtown Missoula. Next, you'll drive just over 1.5 hours to Lookout Pass on the Montana/Idaho border. Don't miss the St. Regis Travel Center, about 30 miles before you reach the mountain. Lookout's best-kept secret is some of the largest annual snowfall in the state—up to 400 inches—and the on-slope views of the St. Regis Basin are stunning. Take the Chair 1 quad lift and enjoy 540 acres and two terrain parks— Huckleberry Jam, a progression park perfect for beginners, and Rolling Thunder, an all-natural terrain park featuring a 1,111 ft long quarter-pipe. Grab lunch in the historic Lodge—one of the oldest in the West. After the afternoon comes to a close, drive back to Missoula and fill up at The Mustard Seed, leaving room for one of their amazing desserts. Then, take advantage of Missoula's vibrant nightlife. You'll find live tunes any night of the week here in this music mecca, either at the Wilma, the Top Hat, or another local hot spot. You'll also find plenty of cozy places for a nightcap, including wine bars and iconic Missoula watering holes.

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Glacier Country

Day 3: Discovery Ski Area + Philipsburg

Philipsburg is just over an hour's drive from Missoula. When you get into town, make sure to stop at The Sweet Palace for a few sweet treats to take to the mountain. Lovingly known as “Disco,” Discovery Ski Area is a local's favorite with incredible views and uncrowded slopes offering plenty of tree skiing, powder bowls and groomed runs. Head 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. Have lunch in the lodge and don't miss their famous chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven all day every day. Overnight at a historic bed-and-breakfast in Philipsburg and check out the local brewery. If you'd rather give yourself a leg up on tomorrow's driving, stay at the hot springs midway between Anaconda and Butte.

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Day 4: DRIVE DAY: GLACIER COUNTRY TO YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY

It's about a 2-hour drive from Anaconda to Bozeman, and it's a scenic one, too. Once in Bozeman, check into the Element Bozeman or the RSVP Motel, then explore the Museum of the Rockies, Spire Climbing Center and downtown Bozeman. Grab some food at Jam!, Ted's Montana Grill or Co-Op Downtown, and hit up a brewery or distillery before taking full advantage of Bozeman's nightlife.

Yellowstone Country

Day 5: BRIDGER BOWL + BOZEMAN

Before your first full day on the slopes in Yellowstone Country, grab a hearty breakfast at the Nova Café. Bridger bowl—just 16 miles from downtown—has 75 named trails to choose from, varying in level from beginner to expert. 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). Lunch at Jim Bridger Lodge before heading back out for more powder. Après ski, the nightlife in Bozeman ranges from beloved small-town dive bars to upscale restaurants— like Blacksmith Italian, Open Range and Blackbird—and the number of breweries cannot be counted on one hand. Try Mountains Walking Brewery or Bridger Brewing. Close out the evening with a live show at the Rialto Theatre.

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Yellowstone Country

Day 6: BIG SKY RESORT + BIG SKY

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 High-Speed Quad 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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Yellowstone Country

Day 7: BIG SKY RESORT + BIG SKY

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 lift to the new Powder Seeker bowl 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.

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Trip Tips

Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.

If you’re flying in:
Glacier Country Airports
Yellowstone Country Airports

If you’re renting a car:
Glacier Country Car Rentals
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals

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Know before you go

Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.

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Play it safe

Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.

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Tread lightly

Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.

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Keep our waters clean

Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.

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Respect tribal lands

Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.

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Follow fire safety

Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.

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Be wildlife wise

View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

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Leave no trace

Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.

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Explore mindfully

Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.

Recreate Responsibly