Ski Area Roundup 2024: The Three to Ski

Montana's Yellowstone Country is fortunate to be home to three stellar ski areas, each with its own unique vibe, incredible terrain, and, generally, loads of snow. Experiencing all three makes for a ski season to remember if you're a skier or snowboarder. And, for those who love a good après-ski scene, Red Lodge, Bozeman, and Big Sky boast incredible dining, live entertainment, and a variety of accommodations.

Plus, getting here keeps getting easier. New winter flights from Boise, Idaho, (BOI) on Alaska, a nonstop Saturday service from Washington D.C. (IAD), and Jet Blue Mint Premium service from Boston (BOS) and New York City (JFK) bring the total to twenty nonstop connections from coast to coast.

We've rounded up what's new at each ski area, and with the snow that hit in the past few days, the stoke is on for opening days!

Red Lodge Mountain

Opening Day: November 29, 2024 (weather and snow permitting)

Known for its big-mountain skiing without big-mountain crowds, Red Lodge Mountain offers a quintessential family ski experience. One-third of the terrain is advanced or expert, while The Stache Express, a high-speed triple chair lift in its second year, gives beginners a great experience. (You can check out the conditions from the new webcam at the top of the lift.)



Their Learn 4 Life First-Timer Program is designed to instill the love of skiing first-time skiers and snowboarders and is one of the most affordable beginner packages in the country: four days of rentals, lessons, and lift tickets for $299, and once the program is complete, participants get a season pass for the remainder of the season.

Book online and in advance to save on their day passes, or check out their 4-packs and 6-tix, which give you flexibility on the days you ski.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Projected Opening Day: December 13, 2024

A big congratulations to Bridger Bowl on their EPA Regional Pollution and Prevention Recognition Award! Bridger was granted the award for demonstrating leadership in innovative pollution prevention practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.

Specifics include:

• Reducing electricity through LED and motion-activated lighting


• Installing on-site 50kW solar array


• Implementing a free transit and carpooling program


• Replacing petroleum-based ski wax with a plant-based alternative

These projects resulted in an annual energy savings of 76.3 Metric Tons of CO2 and over $9,000 in annual cost savings. True to its new mission and vision statements, Bridger is leading the way in sustainability and community recreation.



Check out their free shuttle bus service, which stops at the SUB at Montana State University, Gallatin County Fairgrounds, and the Park and Ride on Tamarack. On-mountain improvements include an improved entrance road, more parking, and a food trailer at the bottom of Alpine Lift called Ridge Dogs, serving, you guessed it, delicious hot dogs.

Mission: Remain a locally focused recreation area that balances quality, affordability, and sustainability in a way that best serves our community.

Vision: Be the model nonprofit community resource that fosters a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation to benefit all generations.

Big Sky Resort

Opening Day: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Big Sky Resort is set to open its newest chairlift, Madison 8, this winter, the latest step toward building North America's most technologically advanced chairlift network. The 8-person, heated bubble chair is the third in the resort's bubble D-line lifts. Madison 8 replaces the former Six-Shooter lift and will double uphill capacity and reduce ride time by 30%, bringing the ride time to 8 minutes on the world's longest 8-place lift.

(The M8 Mountain Lager by MAP Brewing is also debuting. This limited-edition craft beer, made in honor of the new lift, has subtle floral hops and a hint of malt sweetness. Look for it in the Resort bars and restaurants.)

The new Lone Peak Tram debuted last winter, and this year, the Lower Terminal is complete. The architectural marvel has a sweeping glass dome protecting the base and tram cars. Lone Peak can be accessed from the tram to ski or snowboard or for a scenic experience, where guests can ride the tram back down.

Big Sky Resort guests will also have access to a new dining and après-ski option at One&Only's first luxury resort. The resort's Ski Lodge and Gondola for One&Only Moonlight Basin will open for the 24/25 season, with the full resort expected to open in 2025.