Skiing & Snowboarding:
A Downhill Haven

Western Montana features six well-rounded, full-service downhill ski areas ideal for hitting the slopes on top of your skis are strapped to your board.

Ski Areas and Resorts

Whitefish Mountain Resort

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A notable world-class ski resort, Whitefish Mountain Resort has been one of American's favorite destinations since 1947. Located on Big Mountain above the historic railroad town of Whitefish, the resort has gained notoriety for its laid-back vibe, stellar skiing and summer recreation. It's also well-known for its lack of lift lines, friendly people and deep powder. Whitefish Mountain Resort boats more than 3,000 skiable acres of terrain and breathtaking views of the peaks of Glacier National Park. The mountain received around 300 inches of snow per year and serenely covers 98 marked trails, varying from beginner to expert. The resort offers a full range of amenities, including dining, lodging, shopping, entertainment and family-friendly activities. Plus, it's a short drive of about 20 minutes to Glacier Park International Airport.

Getting Here:

Whitefish Mountain Resort is located 8 miles north of Whitefish and 23 miles north of Kalispell. Glacier Park International Airport is served daily by flights from Salt Lake City (Delta), Minneapolis (Delta), Seattle (Alaska/Horizon), and Denver (United). Shuttle service and car rentals are available at the airport. The historic Whitefish Depot is served daily by rail (Amtrak's Empire Builder) from Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as points in between.

The Goods

Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked in the top 20 of SKI Magazine's annual reader survey.

Turner Mountain

  • City: Libby
  • Phone: 406-293-2468
  • Email: contact@skiturner.com
  • Website: skiturner.com
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Located in northwest Montana, Turner Mountain offers excellent snow conditions, wide-open slopes, beautiful scenery, no crowds and affordable lift tickets. Combine all that with a vertical drop of 2,110 feet and 25 named runs and you have a great day on the slopes. Another bonus: you can be king of the hill. Turner Mountain is available for all-day (or more) rentals

Getting Here:

Turner Mountain is located 22 miles north of Libby on Montana 567 (Pipe Creek Road). Libby is serviced by Amtrak's Empire Builder, while commercial flights are available into Glacier International Airport and Spokane, WA.

The Goods

Turner Mountain was named "the ski area with the friendliest locals" in Skiing Magazine's 2010 Resort Awards.

Blacktail Mountain

  • City: Lakeside
  • Phone: 406-844-0999
  • Email: skiing@blacktailmountain.com
  • Website: Blacktailmountain.com
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With 250 inches of snow each year, Blacktail Mountain is an ideal family-friendly ski destination. Ski its light, dry snow as you take in the brilliant views of Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park and the Mission Mountains.

Getting Here:

Blacktail Mountain is 45 minutes from downtown Kalispell and two hours north of Missoula. When traveling from Highway 93 south, turn west at Blacktail Grocery in Lakeside. Then follow Blacktail Road 14 miles to the ski area. Commercial flights are available into Glacier Park International Airport and Missoula International Airport, while Amtrak's Empire Builder stops in Whitefish.

The Goods

Blacktail Mountain is an upside-down hill, meaning you ski down to the bottom before riding the chair.

Lookout Pass

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Located on the Montana/Idaho border, the snow comes early and in full force to Lookout Pass, dropping around 400 inches per year. In operation since 1935, Lookout Pass has 540 skiable acres and 34 named runs. It also offers two terrain parks with huge banks, mounds, launches, rails and an 1,111 foot quarter pipe. The full-service lodge provides food, drinks, rentals and lessons.

Getting Here:

Lookout Pass is located 50 feet from Interstate 90 at Exit 0 just 30 miles from St. Regis or 101 miles from Missoula. From Missoula, Montana head west on Interstate 90 towards Idaho. Lookout is located on the Idaho/Montana border at exit 0 (zero). There is a sign showing the offramp for Lookout Pass shortly before you get to the Idaho border. The parking lot is 200 yards from the I-90 offramp. It is 100 miles to Lookout from Downtown Missoula.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain

  • City:Montana/Idaho border
  • Phone: 406-821-3211
  • Website: losttrail.com
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Lost Trail Powder Mountain straddles the Montana/Idaho border on top of the Continental Divide. Well-known for its reliable 300 inches of snowfall each year, Lost Trail offers consistently good snow condition in the breathtaking Bitterroot Range of the Northern Rockies. Lost Trail is family-owned and operated and offers ample room for all types of skiers and boarders, whether you're a beginner or novice.

Getting Here:

Lost Trail Powder Mountain is located 90 miles south of Missoula on US Highway 93. Commercial flights are available into Missoula International Airport. Car rentals are available at the airport.

The Goods

Lost Trail has two terrain parks, ideal for tricks, jumps and big air.

Montana Snowbowl

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Located minutes from Missoula, Montana Snowbowl is a local's favorite and a vacation's gem. With deep, powdery bowls and 2,600 feet of continuous vertical drop, Snowbowl is an extremist's dream, while still offering plenty of runs for all skill levels.

Getting Here:

Montana Snowbowl is located 12 miles northwest of Missoula. From I-90, take Exit 101 (Reserve Street), turn north on Grant Creek Road, then left onto Snowbowl Road. Commercial flights are available into Missoula International Airport. Car rentals are available at the airport.

The Goods

Snowbowl is known just as much for its Bloody Marys, as it is for its extreme skiing.