Known for plenty of skiable mountains with great powder and many high-speed lifts, Montana is an incredible place for families to hit the slopes. A quick look at the Montana’s official state site will tell you how amazing this lovely state is!
Most mountains in this region are ideal for all ability levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Nearly all these resorts are nestled in the western part of the state, but there are a few excellent ski areas in Southern Montana.
Some of the stunning things to expect when skiing in Montana resorts are well-groomed slopes, swift lifts, and spectacular Rocky Mountain sceneries.
Now, when planning a big ski trip, the people you are going with are usually a great deal, and there is no better way to be happy on the mountains than hitting the slopes with your family.
If you are looking for the best Montana ski resort to ski with your family, search no more. We have prepared a guide consisting of the six best ski resorts in Montana for family skiing.
The resorts we included in our list offer the best ski conditions for families and excellent après skiing. This way, you and your family can be sure of a fantastic experience on the ski mountain.
Keep reading to discover the best Montana Ski resorts for families!
Table of Contents
6 Best Ski Resorts in Montana for Families
#1. Big Sky Resort
- Vertical Drop – 4,300 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 5,850 acres
- Ski Lifts – 38
Big Sky is a world-renowned ski resort, and its whopping 5,850 acres of skiable terrain couldn’t be more suitable for family skiing.
Being one of the largest ski areas in North America, Big Sky Resort has more than enough terrain for both young and adult skiers to explore.
You might think a popular resort like this is usually crowded, especially on the slopes, but this isn’t always the case.
The reason is that the vast terrain in this resort allows skiers and snowboarders to spread out on the mountain, reducing busy ski trails and lift lines.
This resort gives skiers in North America a feel of the Alps due to its enormous terrain and steep slopes that suit both beginners and expert skiers.
Its towering peak of about 11,166 feet provides skiers with the most spectacular mountain views of Yellowstone National Park and the beautiful slopes of Yellowstone club.
You also get to see three states from the top of the mountain, including Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
With plenty of groomed trails and scenic runs, Big Sky Resort provides skiers and snowboarders with a great skiing experience.
If you are looking for ski slopes that will give you a pure adrenaline rush when skiing downhill, you can try the legendary Summit Snowfield and Big Couloir runs.
For skiers looking for moderate and easy slopes, there are plenty of green and blue runs to ski out in Big Sky Resort and have a great experience on the mountain. In fact, about 40% of the skiable terrain is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.
And if a member of your family is just getting started in skiing, they don’t have to stay on the lower part of the resort as there are some green trails that run from the top. This ensures that no one misses out on the incredible views.
Accommodation in Big Sky lodges is luxurious, giving guests the most comfortable experience they can ever ask for in a winter holiday.
When you are not hitting the slopes in Big Sky Resort, après ski activities are something no family member should miss.
You can sip beer from the Beehive Basin Brewery with your partner or friends while your kids enjoy snacks after a long day of skiing.
Other fantastic spots for après ski in Big Sky include Carabiner Lounge, Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana Jack, and Gallatin Riverhouse Grill.
If you don’t have your own ski gear, you can rent everything you need, as Big Sky has several ski shops that offer all the required equipment to hit the slopes.
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If your kids are winter enthusiasts, they will love spending time in this resort. They can learn to ski and snowboard as they make new friends on the slopes.
Kids under six years can ski free while those under 12 years can get a free ticket when they register for a ski program on the day of their training.
Ski training for kids can last for half or a full day, but you don’t have to worry about your little one having a burnout. If they get tired of hitting the slopes, they can be transferred to the daycare.
Your kids will also have great fun engaging in activities like ice-skating, sledging, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, and enjoying après ski entertainment like live music.
#2. Discovery Ski Area
- Vertical Drop – 2,388 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 2,200 acres
- Ski Lifts – 6
Popularly known as ‘Ski Disco’ by regular skiers, Discovery Ski Area is a vast ski mountain resort that provides perfect skiing conditions and reliable snow for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities.
There are three types of runs to choose from in this resort, including beginner, intermediate and expert trails, which are accessible via chairlifts and surface lifts.
Advanced skiers will have an added advantage as some expert slopes are designed to be extremely difficult for people to challenge their skills.
And if you are a cross-country skiing fanatic, you’ll love the 20 miles of trails the resort provides for freestyle skiers and boarders.
Since Discovery Ski Resort is nestled near the wilderness, skiers and boarders of this resort can easily access the backcountry terrain for a remarkable adventure on the rough slopes.
When you are tired of hitting the slopes, you can head on to the nearby ski town, where there are plenty of après ski activities to engage in.
Being a remote ski area, lodging options are nearby the resort and range from Airbnb to rentals.
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Discovery Ski Area offers a Kinder program for young kids between 3 and 6 years designed for the most gentle ski and snowboarding training.
The group sizes are usually kept small to ensure that each kid has the attention of the trainer and all their needs are catered for.
Once they get enough of the snowy slopes, they can participate in fun games with other kids and make new friends.
For older kids aged between 7 and 12 years, the Kid Kruizers program will keep them busy while you ride downhill.
#3. Bridger Bowl, Bozeman
- Vertical Drop – 2,700 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 2,000 acres
- Ski Lifts – 11
While Bridger Bowl Resort doesn’t have all the superiority and simulation common in extensive commercial ski areas, it does have some great slopes that are perfect for family skiing.
The non-profit community-based ski area has a skiable terrain of about 2,000 acres, with 11 ski lifts servicing the mountain.
It has been in operation, providing skiers and snowboarders with ideal skiing conditions at affordable prices for over 50 years.
With over 500 acres of beginner-friendly skiing terrain, Bridger Bowl is a perfect resort for families with new skiers looking to have fun on the slope as they gain experience.
You won’t have trouble finding a place to train as Bridger Bowl has a ski and snowboard school that offers lessons for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities.
But this doesn’t mean that the resort is not fit for experienced skiers. If you are a well-seasoned skier visiting Bridger Bowl Resort with your family, there are plenty of advanced slopes to explore.
When it comes to accommodation, there is an array of lodging options in nearby Bozeman that Bridger Bowl Resort skiers can visit.
Bozeman also has some great restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals with your family, from Italian cuisine to Mediterranean food.
Overall, Bridger Bowl, Bozeman, is an excellent place to ski, especially if you are looking to cut down the costs but still ski on great slopes with fantastic ski conditions.
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Your kids will not get bored while you get your skiing thrill on technical terrain, as the resort boasts a dedicated kid’s ski area and nursery runs for young skiers.
If you have young kids, you can take them to the on-site daycare, where they can have fun with other kids and have their needs catered for as you hit the slopes.
#4. Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Vertical Drop – 2,353 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 3,000 acres
- Ski Lifts – 14
Located near Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a fun ski area that provides skiers with an easy-going and relaxed vibe.
This resort is one of the most beautiful ski areas you can ski on, as it provides magnificent views of the snow ghost peaks and the Canadian Rockies.
It’s a family-friendly ski area where you can spend quality time with your family for your winter holiday.
With a skiable terrain of 3,000 acres, Whitefish Mountain Resort is indeed a big ski mountain to visit with your friends and family for some exciting adventures.
What I love about Whitefish Mountain Resort is that it’s a less-crowded mountain, so you don’t have to queue for long hours to board a lift and ride to your favorite trails.
Its vast terrain and fewer crowds also allow families to ski down the mountain with a lot of flexibility and freedom, unlike in most busy ski resorts where it’s easy to worry about fast skiers running over you.
The ski slopes in this resort aren’t very technical compared to what you get from other ski areas listed in this guide, but great intermediate and beginner trails make up for it.
Whitefish Mountain Resort ski trails are usually well-groomed to let skiers have the best experience riding down the mountain with confidence.
If you want some challenging adventures when spending time with your family in this resort, you can ride on their off-piste terrain.
When you are not on the slopes, you’ll have many exciting things to do in Whitefish Lake Lodge, which offers excellent amenities and luxurious accommodations.
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Whitefish Mountain Resort has two programs for kids, including the Play Program and Ski/Ride Program.
The Play Program allows your kids to enjoy themselves and rest while you hit the slopes. It involves activities like music, art, storytelling, kids’ games, and eating snacks.
If your kids are ready to learn how to ski, you can enroll them in the Ski/Ride Program and let them take some ski or snowboard lessons while you explore the mountain.
#5. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
- Vertical Drop – 1,440 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 1,000 acres
- Ski Lifts – 4
Are you looking to have fun with your family skiing in a resort with a lovely national forest setting? You’ll definitely fall in love with the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
Blacktail Ski Area is a gorgeous mountain with over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain serviced by three chairlifts and a surface lift.
Most terrain is suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, but there is a terrain park for more ski fun and to make up for the limited challenging terrain.
It boasts ski runs of all skiing and snowboarding abilities from beginner to advanced skiers. So, if your family has skiers of different levels, your whole family will have something relevant to enjoy.
The top of Blacktail Mountain Ski Area provides beautiful views across Flathead Lake in northern Montana and Glacier National Park.
As with other ski resorts on our list, Blacktail Mountain Resort is less crowded, providing a perfect environment for families looking to have fun on the snowy slopes.
When you are not skiing in Blacktail Mountain, you’ll be enjoying some delightful après ski activities like fine dining and warming up in a fireplace.
You can choose to stay within the resort, as it has a three-story lodge that provides all the amenities you need, or rent a modern home in Lakeside for an incredible holiday vibe.
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Just like for adult skiers, kids’ fun is unlimited in Blacktail Mountain. Your youngsters can learn how to ski or snowboard in this area and don’t have to bring their gear since the ski rentals provide everything needed.
Kids’ training happens in group and private lessons, but we always recommend group lessons with fewer kids to ensure your little one doesn’t feel intimidated to get their feet on the snow.
#6. Red Lodge Mountain
- Vertical Drop – 2,400 feet
- Skiable Terrain – 1,635 acres
- Ski Lifts – 8
If you are looking for a ski resort with all the advantages of a big mountain resort but with fewer lines and more affordable prices, Red Lodge Mountain is your best bet.
This resort is located near the famous Yellowstone National Park and the Wyoming borderline.
Its solid tuition program for young skiers aged three and above makes it one of the most favorable ski destinations for those traveling with their kids.
About 19% of the ski slopes in Red Lodge Mountain are ideal for beginner skiers, so you won’t have to worry about your teens who are just getting started in skiing.
Red Lodge Mountain boasts two terrain parks that allow you to practice and test your tricks. One of the terrain parks is beginner-friendly, while the other is an advanced one for seasoned skiers and boarders.
So, if you’ve been dying to perform some hit jumps, rails, and spin-all-directions tricks, this is your perfect destination.
The average snowfall may be low in some Montana resorts, but Red Lodge Mountain offers the best skiing conditions, as about 250 inches of snow falls on the mountain each season.
Wrangler lessons for kids aged three years and private or group lessons for kids between 4 and 6 make family skiing enjoyable in this resort.
All the instructors are well-trained and confident enough to handle young skiers and help them build skills and gain relevant experience hitting the slopes.
The nearby ski town in Red Lodge will give you a feel of an old-western style and has everything you need for your holiday, from well-priced lodging to fine dining.
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Your kids will have fun utilizing the Trailblazer lessons, which are usually versatile when it comes to training time and privacy.
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, your kids can also enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and sleigh riding.
Why Montana is Great for Family Skiing
Montana has excellent ski resorts with everything families need to have the best fun on the snowy slopes.
From Big Sky to Lost Trail Powder Mountain Resort, there are many exciting ski destinations where you can take your whole family for your winter vacation.
All the ski destinations listed above offer a unique experience for families, and there is always a place to leave your little ones to hit the slopes and have fun on the slopes.
Depending on their age, skill level, and interests, your kids can hit the slopes on beginner-friendly trails. They can even ski free in most ski areas, especially if they are under five years.
Best Ski Resorts in Montana
If you are looking for a good ski resort in Montana to have fun on your next winter holiday, here is a list of the best places to visit:
- Big Sky Resort
- Blacktail Mountain
- Bridger Bowl Ski Area
- Great Divide Ski Area
- Discovery Ski Area
- Montana Snowbowl
- Red Lodge Mountain
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain
- Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area
- Maverick Mountain
- Showdown Montana
FAQs
Q: Where is the Best Ski Resort for Kids?
A: The best ski resorts for kids in the US include Park City, Utah, Deer Valley, Utah, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Keystone, Colorado, Steamboat, Colorado, Northstar, California, Big Sky, Montana, and more.
If you are looking for kid-friendly ski resorts in Montana, you can visit Blacktail, Discovery Ski Area, Red Lodge Mountain, and other resorts listed above.
Q: Is Big Sky Montana Family-Friendly?
A: Yes, Big Sky Resort is one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in America that suits beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.
The lovely mountain is truly a perfect adventure for people of all ages and skill levels. It offers excellent amenities and fun activities that cater to all family members.
Q: Where Do Rich People Ski in Montana?
A: In Montana, rich people usually ski in Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin, Big Sky.
Q: Is Jackson Hole Skiing Kid-Friendly?
A: Yes, Jackson Hole is a kid-friendly resort that makes a perfect ski destination for families. It has well-groomed beginner runs where young skiers can build skill and gain confidence skiing.
Q: Where Can You Ski Near Glacier National Park?
A: There are many ski areas near Glacier National Park, including Whitefish, Blacktail Mountain, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Area, and more.
Final Thoughts
Montana is home to some of the best family-friendly ski areas in the US, providing excellent skiing conditions and great snow.
If you are wondering which resort to visit with your family in Montana, consider making reservations in one of the ski areas listed in our guide, and you won’t be disappointed.
For a long ski holiday, you can visit more than one of the ski areas, but you’ll need to bring your car or rent one since the mountains tend to be far apart.
