Three phenomenal ski and snowboard areas are close to the
town of Bozeman, Montana.
Big Sky and
Moonlight are 50 miles to the south, while
Bridger is 18 miles north of town.
The
Big Sky Resort — with over 150 runs — receives over 400 inches of snow per year (in fact, they all get this much snow — this is one of the main ingredients skiing in Montana is famous for). When you combine the fact that Big Sky is three mountains under one resort with the quiet slopes, you get one of the greatest ski areas in the country. Lone Peak — the Big Sky signature — rises a mighty 11,166 feet and is packed with expert terrain. The Lone Peak Tram delivers 15 passengers at a time to the summit. Andesite Mountain holds a vast amount of intermediate runs, several expert runs and a giant half-pipe. Flat Iron Mountain, located on the eastern shoulder of Andesite, offers myriad of excellent terrain ranging from beginner to intermediate. The
Big Sky Snowsports School is a great place to learn to ski or refine your skills.
The
Moonlight Basin Resort, located on Lone Mountain, offers seven lifts, with 1,900 acres of skiable terrain. The terrain at Moonlight consists of stunning open bowls and deep chutes, not to mention moguls, groomers and excellent beginner terrain. Moonlight also offers a golf course (in summer), dining, a spa and excellent lodging options. Ski at Moonlight Basin and then return to the comfort of your piece of
Moonlight Basin real estate.
Bridger Bowl, named after Jim Bridger (a trapper, scout and explorer from the 1800s) is the local's hill for Bozeman residents and Montana State students. This locally owned, non-profit resort has great terrain and is usually less crowded than the other resorts. Bridger has been renovated recently, and is now decked out with a fresh ski patrol headquarters, mid-mountain and base lodge.
Backcountry skiing is another great option in Montana. Ski fresh powder all day in the solitude of Montana's fine mountains or ski into a back country yurt for dinner.
Montana Backcountry Adventures can help with the logistics.
Prefer
cross country skiing?
Lone Mountain Ranch is a working ranch turned cross country skiing paradise. It is one of the top Nordic ski centrs in the US with over 80 kilometers of groomed trials.
