6 Best Montana ski resorts for enjoyable, runs, and après, Western type in 2026

Montana is world-renowned for its huge, open areas – and fortunately, the identical applies to most of its ski resorts. If the limitless carry strains in Tahoe, Colorado, or Utah have you ever down, could we advocate testing the scene within the third least-populated US state? There, you’re liable to seek out terrain for each style, delicacies starting from humble and hearty to fine-dining, and an unlimited array of lodging. Most importantly, you’ll probably discover extra elbow room right here than wherever else within the decrease 48, offering the uncommon likelihood to essentially stretch out these turns.

The ski scene has skilled vital progress in the previous few years, however the remoteness of the state stays, creating the sensation of a real getaway. Montana’s northern latitude ensures it will get completely blanketed with snow each winter (with low temperatures maintaining all of it contemporary powder for days), and the tall, rocky peaks cradle the snow like a catcher’s glove. That mixture ends in a ski expertise that appears like nowhere else on Earth. Here are our picks for the perfect Montana ski resorts, and learn how to hit them like a professional.

Our high picks:

Best for freshmen: Big Sky Resort
Best for its après scene: Montana Snowbowl
Best for backcountry snowboarding: Whitefish Mountain Resort

Big Sky’s general excellence is the sum of its components

Courtesy Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort

If you’ve solely ever heard of 1 Montana resort, it’s in all probability Big Sky – and for good cause. Firstly, Big Sky is very large: Coming in at 5,850 skiable acres, it’s the third-largest ski resort in North America (simply behind Whistler Blackcomb and Park City/Canyons). It averages round 400 inches of snow annually, and the terrain is nothing wanting spectacular. It has loads of inexperienced and blue runs for many who are newer, however there’s additionally an array of triple-black-diamond chutes pouring into a number of bowls for consultants and adrenaline junkies. Despite that, Big Sky by no means feels crowded – it averages greater than an acre of terrain per individual on most days. It has about 40 lifts (together with floor lifts), six of that are high-speed. Five of them have bubbles and heated seats, to defend you from the wind and chilly.

The 10-person Explorer Gondola debuted in December 2025, taking guests instantly from the Mountain Village base to the Lone Peak Tram – making a fluid, base-to-peak carry expertise for skiers and sightseers alike. For advanced-intermediate skiers and snowboarders trying to hone their expertise, take a look at the Summit Pursuits clinic, led by Ski Hall-of-Famer Dan Egan. It acquired me down Big Sky’s legendary triple-black Big Couloir for the primary time, and it was a 50-degree steep, 1,400-foot thrill that I’ll be grinning about for the remainder of my life. Overall, Big Sky is a perfect mixture of wilderness and developed facilities.

Where to remain: There’s all kinds of locations to remain in Big Sky, starting from resorts to leases. The Summit Hotel is the crown jewel of slope-side lodging in Big Sky, and it’s contemporary off a transformative renovation: The design provides a up to date nod to ski tradition throughout 213 up to date rooms, widespread areas, eating places, and lounges. Montage Big Sky is ideal for these desirous to go luxe at a comfortable spa with a beautiful, heated indoor pool you gained’t need to miss.