Summer Ski Hill Roundup

Summer fun is in full swing here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. Art walks, farmers markets and rodeo season are all off to a roaring start. What you may not know is that our ski resorts are also full of summer fun. These winter wonderlands transform into summer playgrounds and offer a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Big Sky Resort

The new tram experience at Big Sky Resort is well worth a trip— the world’s fastest gondola takes you to Lone Mountain Tram and then to Kircliff, the glass observatory at 11,166 feet. It’s accessible to all, no experience required, and you’ll be treated to some jaw-dropping views. Big Sky also offers lift-served mountain biking, with miles of cross-country trails (from beginner to expert), mountain bike rentals, lessons, and kids' bike camps and programs.

Golfers can enjoy their Arnold Palmer-designed golf course. Plus, there’s hiking, ziplining, archery, disc golf and Adventure Mountain for the kids. Lake Levinski Marina offers paddleboarding and kayaking, and it's a great way to cool off in the summer sun!

Red Lodge Mountain

Red Lodge Mountain also has scenic lift rides Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (We suggest taking advantage of the lift and lunch special for $25 and enjoying a picnic at the top of the mountain!) Their 18-hole disc golf course is free to play any time — it’s one of the only downhill courses in Montana. And while they don’t offer lift-served biking, they are open for cross-country mountain biking on excellent trails maintained with help from Beartooth Trails.

Check their schedule for Palisades and Poses yoga, where you can take the lift to the top of the hill and practice yoga in the cool mountain air, surrounded by wildflowers. And finally, the Bierstube will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so you can enjoy a cold beer and some noshes on the deck at the end of your excursion.

The Red Lodge Golf Course is another spectacular course spread over 160 acres. Enjoy lunch or dinner (and the sunset!) at 28 Peaks, which serves locally sourced meats, their famous chicken sandwich, a full bar and yard games for the kids.

Bridger Bowl

Bridger Bowl is a prime location for events — Deer Park Chalet is mid-mountain, with large windows, southern exposure, panoramic views and a fantastic deck that seats 200 people. Bridger Bowl is located on U.S. Forest Service land managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest and is a great place for hiking, with trails that lead to the top of the ridge, where you can get a 360-degree view of the Gallatin Valley.

Picture Perfect Wedding Venues

And for those looking for wedding venues, all three ski areas are beautiful options with amazing views and venues with full-service catering available at all locations. (Big Sky Resort also has on-mountain lodging available.) Summer is wildflower season, which makes for great photo opportunities, and there’s nothing like the fresh Montana air to complement your special day.

 

We hope your summer plans include exploring our ski hills!