7 Beautiful Off-The-Beaten-Path Places To Ski In Montana

Some people dread winter in Montana. Outdoor enthusiasts are not among them. When the snow finally starts to stick, skiers and snowboarders gather their gear and head for the hills. But since our most popular places to ski are almost always crowded, it’s nice to be aware of a few spots that have all the fresh powder with a more laid back atmosphere. These are some of our (slightly) lesser known places to ski.

1. Red Lodge Mountain

While everyone else heads to Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, you can head to Red Lodge Mountain where you’ll find great snow, great people and reasonable lift prices.

2. Maverick Mountain

Located in the Beaverhead National Forest in southwestern Montana, this mountain is a favorite for people living in Dillon and other locals who appreciate the area's retro style and no-frills vibe.

3. Lost Trail Powder Mountain

You'll find Lost Trail Powder Mountain in the quiet community of Conner, south of Darby. The family-owned facility has been in business for almost 80 years and is open Thursday-Sunday (opening December 8 this year).

4. Discovery Ski Area

Discovery is an alpine ski area located off Highway 1 in Anaconda. It's situated in a quiet loop that makes it a perfect place to ski.

5. Blacktail Mountain

You'll find Blacktail Mountain just south of Kalispell near Lakeside. This is a newer ski area with a beautiful lodge, daily skiing lessons, and a family-friendly environment.

6. Showdown

Since 1936, Montana families have been coming to Showdown to ski. Located in the heart of the Little Belt Mountains, it's run by a friendly team of people who love seeing people return year after year.

7. Turner Mountain

Turner Mountain is tucked up in the northwest corner of the state, and it's a true hidden gem. With the finest snow conditions, stunning scenery, few crowds and inexpensive lift tickets, it just might be the most ideal place to ski in Montana.

Are you ready for another Montana winter? Here are some thoughts we tend to have here when we know winter is coming.