With a dusting of snow on the top of the Rockies, it is a sure sign of another sensational ski season to come within Montana’s smaller ski areas. And fortunately for those who live here or make plans for a fun-filled ski vacation, there is nothing more charming than experiencing these quaint and quiet ski areas that call Montana ‘home.’ Each boast its own captivating charisma that can only be found within our Treasure State.
For generations, our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Big Fork, Montana has enjoyed the unparalleled experiences offered by these hidden treasures and we encourage you to do the same this year!
Blacktail Mountain
Lakeside, Montana
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Built with “A Whole Lot of Heart,” this ski area in Northwest Montana was built with families in mind, and with good reason. It’s how it all began 25 years ago. During their celebration last year, they produced a phenomenal film we know you will enjoy. Watch it on their YouTube platform and watch the resort come to life. And here’s fun tip: you can never have a ‘last run’ as the mountain is “upside down;” you park at the top where the lodge and slopes offer incredible 360-degree views of the Rockies, Flathead Lake, Glacier and beyond.
Snowbowl
Missoula, Montana
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With their slogan noting “The Whole Point of Winter,” you know the team at Snowbowl is fully focused on the subject at hand! This is Missoula’s “Go To” as it is just 12 miles north from downtown, making it super convenient to get to and from the slopes. Although it’s known for its steep runs and 2,600 vertical feet, it’s still a beginner’s and intermediate’s favorite for refining one’s ability to ski or snowboard throughout the winter months.
Bridger Bowl
Bozeman, Montana
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Here’s another video produced when the owners celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2015. Within the video of the history of Bridger Bowl, you will enjoy how the creators collected scenes from its beginning along classic old Super 8 film footage. You will learn how Bridger Bowl grew from one rope tow and a Quonset hut to a thriving family resort today. Put this one on your list!
Ski Discovery
Phillipsburg, Montana
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Centrally located in our Treasure state is a treasure to be found for families in particular. Ski Discovery is bit off the beaten track – which means you will discover why you may never wait in a lift line. Crowds are few and far between, really! For those who seek ‘just a good-old-fashioned’ ski experience, this is your spot; it’s a no-thrills, nothing fancy find with various runs to please everyone in your group. We suggest you watch their website as they do an exceptional job of letting you know the “Favorite Stashes” for sunny days, power days, windy days and the first run of the day.
Red Lodge Mountain
Red Lodge, Montana
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Nestled within the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge Mountain delivers big mountain fun without the big crowds or big prices. Much like the other charming small ski areas in Montana, their focus is on “great skiing and great people” and not any glitz or glamour. Thanks to their investment in snowmaking, they consistently open around Thanksgiving and maintain a good base into the spring season. Twenty-eight percent of their terrain can be covered by their snowmaking system which is the second largest in the state.
Showdown Ski Area
Neihart, Montana
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Well known in the industry as Montana’s “Oldest and Only Woman Owned Ski Resort,” Showdown is a showcase of sheer determination to build and sustain a ski area on one of the tallest peaks of Little Belt Mountains. Initially created in 1936, Showdown is Montana’s oldest operating ski area and one of the oldest in the United States today. Its three chair lifts and one surface lift service provide access to its well-designed mountain for first-timers to intermediates in particular; less than a third of the trails are expert-rated.
Lost Trail/Powder Mountain
Sula, Montana
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If you have every wanted to ski in two states in one day, cross that quest off your list! Located on the Montana and Idaho border, Lost Trail / Powder Mountain is a glade skiers paradise! They have plenty of well-groomed trails for all abilities, yet it is their ‘off-piste’ terrain that makes the drive to the state line worth every mile. Every acre will take you back in time; from its wood-warn Base Lodge to the Yurt that serves the best chili in the state, to the Outhouse, yes Outhouse, at the top of the mountain that remains ‘available’ for those who dare to give it try … in slippery ski boots! You really need to check out this mountain, it’s one of our favorites to recommend to our clients throughout Montana and beyond.
In closing, if you have ever thought about living in a Montana ski town or owning a slope-side vacation home in Montana, our team at Hollinger Real Estate in Northwest Montana knows the territory well. We’re also delighted to fill you in on the latest ski conditions throughout the winter months at Montana’s smaller ski areas and beyond. Feel free to connect with us for the local’s insight on mountain and lakefront homes for sale in Montana.
