Ski Area Roundup, 2026-27

Montana’s Yellowstone Country is home to three of the state’s most-loved ski areas: Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, and Red Lodge Mountain. Each has its own distinct vibe, and all are worth a visit. Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, or just starting, you can find something for every ability. And, situated near Big Sky, Bozeman and Red Lodge, Montana, your time off the slopes will be as much fun as on!

 

Big Sky Resort

Over the past decade, Big Sky Resort has diligently revamped its lift infrastructure, on-mountain amenities, and guest experience. Today, they boast the most technologically advanced lift system in North America (think heated seats and bubbles over the chairlifts for inclement weather). In fact, the U.S. Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards named it the “Number One Resort in the U.S.”

The Explorer Gondola, the world’s fastest 10-person gondola, links Big Sky Mountain Village with Lone Peak Tram for skiers, riders and even sightseers! The tram takes you to the top of Lone Peak (11,166 feet) to Kircliff, an alpine observatory with a glass floor and sweeping 360-degree views, including three states and two national parks.

This winter will bring a beginner area expansion, featuring a mid-station Learning Center complete with magic carpets and great terrain to learn on. And, back for another year, Iglu Big Sky, a snow-built bar serving great bubbly, M by Alinea Group, and the Enchanted Forest, an evening experience mid-mountain with 10,000 lights through a forest path, with an outdoor fire pit for warming up.

Big Sky Resort offers on-mountain lodging. Additional lodging is available at Town Center and the mountain-adjacent luxury hotels, Montage and One&Only Moonlight Basin.

Bridger Bowl

One of the most well-loved non-profit ski areas, Bridger Bowl is known for its light, dry powder (affectionately called the Cold Smoke) and the steep chutes expert skiers love. But Bridger also has plenty of beginner terrain. If you’re coming for the holidays, their Holiday Camp is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy a day of adventure with kids of similar ability. They’ll search out powder stashes and learn new skills and tricks!

The annual Torchlight Parade and Spaghetti Feed takes place Dec. 30 (the day before New Year’s Eve). Bring the family for skiing, spaghetti, live music and a beautiful display of torchlights as they snake down the mountain just after dark.

Focused on sustainability, Bridger also has a free bus service to and from the mountain during the winter season. Shuttles take roughly a half hour, depending on conditions, with pickup locations at Montana State University and Gallatin County Fairgrounds. You can find the full bus schedule here.

Bridger Bowl does not have on-mountain lodging; however, Bozeman and Belgrade offer plenty of options and price points.

Red Lodge Mountain

A small-town mountain with a big skiing vibe, Red Lodge Mountain is a great place for a family ski vacation. The terrain is varied, the pace is slower and the town itself feels like you are stepping into a postcard. Skiers and boarders gather on the Bierstube deck at the end of the day for cold beers and hearty pub food.

For the best rates, buy tickets early, online, and save up to 30%. Red Lodge Mountain also has one of the best learn-to-ski packages in the country! The Learn 4 Life First-Timer Program is available to first-time skiers ages 4 and over and first-time boarders ages 7 or older. The package includes 4 lessons, 4 lift tickets, and 4 rentals for ONLY $299 plus bonus graduation gifts, including a season pass good for the remainder of the season!

Red Lodge does not have on-mountain lodging, but the newly remodeled Rock Creek Resort is just at the base of the road. The Yodeler Motel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, celebrates authentic Bavarian charm with distinctive ski-town character. And The Pollard Hotel, with the charm of a bygone era, has lovely, renovated rooms and sits right in the heart of downtown Red Lodge.