Montana Snowbowl + Lookout Pass + Lost Trail + Discovery + Great Divide + Bridger Bowl + Big Sky Resort + Red Lodge Mountain
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
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 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 Transporter chairlift mid-mountain or 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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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
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. Five chairlifts serve 1,023 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. When the afternoon comes to a close, drive back to Missoula for dinner. 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, 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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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Situated at the southern tip of Montana’s beautiful Bitterroot Valley and just over an hour's drive from Missoula, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a local gem. This beloved ski area offers stunning views, uncrowded slopes and reliable snowfall with a mix of renowned tree skiing, powder bowls and groomed runs. Whether you're exploring expert terrain, like The White House (a steep, double black), or enjoying the beginner-friendly runs, Lost Trail offers something for every skier via 5 double chairlifts, 69 trails and 1,800 vertical feet. Warm up with lunch in the cozy lodge and consider an overnight stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast or cabin in the Bitterroot Valley, or opt for a night at nearby Lost Trail Hot Springs for an extra-relaxing end to your ski day.
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Southwest Montana
Depending on your route, Philipsburg is almost 3 hours from the Bitterroot Valley; in the winter, State Highway 38 is closed, and State Highway 43 can be rough depending on winter conditions. Your best bet might be to head back north to Missoula and over to Philipsburg on I-90. When you arrive, grab lunch downtown, and make sure to stop at The Sweet Palace for some sweet treats. 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 a hearty breakfast in Philipsburg, or take a quick drive to Anaconda for breakfast 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 Helena, which is about 90 minutes.
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Southwest Montana
Fuel up with breakfast in Helena before heading to Great Divide, a beloved local ski area 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 Mt. Ascension Brewing Co. or The Hopper, and settle in for the night at a cozy B&B or The Great Northern Hotel.
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Montana’s Yellowstone Country
It’s just under two hours from Helena to Bozeman. Before your first full day on the slopes in Yellowstone Country, grab a hearty breakfast and some good coffee. Try 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 Village Center 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 Village Center, then make your way up the Swift Current 6 lift to the Powder Seeker 6 and Challenger 3 chairs. Take in the views of Lone Peak as well as Big Couloir. 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. You can also ride the Lone Peak Tram to 11,166 feet for 300 degrees of skiing, plus views of three states and two national parks. 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. Or, 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, the Ramcharger 8 lift offers 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 head 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. Red Lodge has also 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. Then, get to the mountain 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 for 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, settle in to some live music and local fun in downtown Red Lodge. Cheers to nine 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:
Western Montana’s Glacier Country Airports
Southwest Montana Airports
Montana's Yellowstone Country Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Western Montana’s Glacier Country Car Rentals
Southwest Montana Car Rentals
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.
