7 Ski Areas Near Bozeman You Need to Visit This Winter

Bozeman is full of die-hard skiers and snowboarders, thanks to the two sizable ski areas within an hour’s drive from the town. In fact, many people even visit or move to Bozeman just to ski. We don’t blame them — the snow here is pretty famous. It’s earned the nickname “Cold Smoke”, which describes the snow’s low moisture content and light, airy feel.

 

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ski areas near Bozeman. From a more resort feel at Big Sky, to small mom-and-pop hills like Maverick Mountain, Southwest Montana has a bit of everything. Each ski area also offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or an adrenaline-filled adventure.

 

We’ve rounded up seven awesome ski areas within a three-hour distance from Bozeman below. We hope this list helps you plan your next day trip or ski vacation!

 

 

Bridger Bowl is Bozeman’s local hill — at just under 30 minutes from downtown, it’s pretty easy to leave work early and sneak in some afternoon runs. And because tourists usually head to the nearby Big Sky, residents typically get the mountain all to themselves!

 

More advanced skiers can take the Schlasman's lift up to The Ridge, which is just as fun (or terrifying) as it sounds. This area is technically out of bounds, so you need to have avalanche gear (and know how to use it) if you venture up there. And if you’d prefer a more relaxing day, there’s plenty of green and blue runs — along with numerous lodges for après breaks.

 

 

Almost everyone’s heard of Big Sky, and for good reason. As the biggest ski area in Montana (and the only ski resort near Bozeman), it’s famous for its vast amount and variety of terrain. With 5,850 acres, 38 chairlifts, and four peaks, you’ll need more than a day to see — or should we say, ski — it all!

 

Take the Lone Peak Tram to the top of Lone Mountain for a truly memorable adventure. From the peak, you can either ski down or take the tram back.

 

There’s plenty to do when you’re done skiing too. Grab a drink at Umbrella Bar, a unique all-glass enclosure offering 360-degree views. Or, order food at Montana Jack — check the calendar to see if there’s live music. The Enchanted Forest is another popular activity (especially for families) you can do when you’re done skiing, and features over 10,000 lights along a kilometer-long path.

 

 

Discovery Ski Area, or “Disco” for short, is located just outside of the charming town of Philipsburg. Not only is this mom-and-pop hill known for its fun runs, but it’s also famous for something else: their chocolate chip cookies. Don’t leave without trying one—and maybe even bring some home!

 

With plenty of beginner and intermediate runs on the front side of the mountain, and a plethora of advanced routes on the back side, there’s something for everyone there! If you have time, check out the town of Philipsburg too. It’s small and charming, with old Western-style buildings lining the downtown area.

 

 

With 39 runs, Showdown Montana is one of the smaller ski areas near Bozeman, but still shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s a respectable variety of terrain, with numerous green, blue, and black runs.

 

With both an uphill ski route and designated snowshoeing pathways, you can try something new in between runs. Or, take in the views from the Top Rock Cafe, a restaurant at the top of the mountain. After a long day of skiing, grab a drink at the Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon or soak in the hot pool at the Spa Hot Springs Motel!

 

 

Located near Helena, Great Divide is definitely worth a stop. With over 100 runs spread across 1,500 acres and six terrain parks, it’ll be tough to “run” out of places to ski!

 

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down, either—Great Divide also offers night skiing. On select days, they’ll keep some runs open and line them with lights. And on Fridays, they have live music too!

 

Getting there: Drive 2 hours from Bozeman

 

Maverick Mountain is the smallest ski area near Bozeman on this list, with just one lift and 24 runs. However, this mountain is the definition of quality over quantity, and you’ll still have a blast tearing down the slopes at this mom-and-pop hill. Not only does it have a good number of runs for its size, but it also features a pretty big vertical descent of 2,121 feet.

 

Afterwards, be sure to grab food and a drink from the restaurant/bar area. If you’re lucky, you can listen to some live music while you eat — check their Instagram for the schedule. Dogs are welcome to join the party too, and are often wandering around the bar area looking for pets. Before you head home, rest your sore muscles in the nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs.

 

Getting there: Drive 2.5 hours from Bozeman

 

We’re not sure what people love more: the charming town of Red Lodge, or the ski area, Red Lodge Mountain. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose. After a day on the hill, head straight downtown to shop, eat, and drink. Fan favorite spots include Cattail Bakery for baked goods, Prerogative Kitchen for a variety of small bites, and One Legged Magpie for cocktails, food, and live music.

 

On the mountain, you can explore 70 runs and a terrain park across 1,635 acres. And if you get hungry, there are a few spots for food and drinks, of course!

 

 

While this list compiles seven established ski areas near Bozeman, there’s still more to see. Head to Visit Montana’s site for a comprehensive list of all the ski areas and resorts in Montana. We’ll see you out on the slopes!

 

If you have any questions about living in Montana (we love to talk skiing!), or if you’re interested in moving to the Bozeman area, please contact us. We’d love to help you find your new home in Bozeman (and beyond).