Think of skiing in Montana, and the mega-resort Big Sky no doubt comes to mind. It’s one of the largest ski areas in North America and offers world-class, big-mountain terrain for skiers of all abilities.
But, with lift tickets coming in at more than $200 a day at Big Sky and the resort existing more or less in isolation (the neighboring Yellowstone Club is a private ski area and not open to the public), everyday skiers and snowboarders may be looking for an alternative Montana ski experience, one that’s easier on the wallet and offers a little more in the way of variety.
Just south of Missoula is a string of small towns and independently owned ski areas that make for a great road trip, with options to ski multiple resorts at affordable rates and several small-town hubs with local offerings.
Come along as we check out the route to several small ski areas from Missoula. Below is a sample itinerary, and it can, of course, be altered based on your personal logistics.
Why Visit Smaller Ski Areas?
Small ski areas are, by way of their name, much smaller than large resorts like Big Sky, Vail, Aspen, Tahoe and the like, so they don’t offer the same amount of opportunity as far as the size of the terrain, the number of runs and lifts, the variety of restaurants, or the amount of on-mountain amenities.
But, they do have their perks. First, they are significantly cheaper. You can often ski a small local ski area three or four days for the price of one day at a larger mountain. They also tend to have unique personalities, as compared to the corporate-driven atmospheres of the mega-resorts. Overall, small ski areas have less pomp, more local skiers, and prioritize the actual skiing above all else.
The Hub – Missoula
The road trip begins in Missoula. Bozeman gets much of the attention in Montana these days and is growing like a weed, while Missoula remains pleasantly overlooked. Spend the night if you can, to get a sense of its mountain, college-town vibe.
Rent skis or equipment here if needed, and stock up on anything you might want for the upcoming road trip, especially things that might be more difficult to find in rural areas (dietary needs, etc). If the timing works out, ski Montana Snowbowl, located just 30 minutes from downtown Missoula.
Day 1 – Missoula to Philipsburg
From here, head southeast on Interstate 90 East and then south on Highway 1. It’s about an hour and a half from Missoula to the first stop, Philipsburg.
This old mining town features a historic, charming downtown, full of brick buildings and some comfortable overnight options, like the Broadway Hotel. Sporting a lodge-like feel, it offers guests access to a large kitchen and is adjacent to Philipsburg Brewing Company.
If you spend the night in Missoula the night before, you could leave early and ski Discovery (see below) before spending the night in Philipsburg. Otherwise, fly into Missoula and immediately drive to Philipsburg.
Day 2 – Discovery Ski Area to Anaconda
The first ski area on the itinerary is Discovery Ski Area, less than 30 minutes from Philipsburg. Its beginner-friendly front side gives way to a spacious, black-diamond dominated backside, with plenty of steep terrain to keep even the most experienced riders entertained.
A cafeteria-style lodge serves up a variety of filling fare (beer, bison burgers, and chili), but you should especially not miss the chocolate chip cookies, which are made in-house every day and are considered a locally delicacy.
Return to Philipsburg to spend the night, or continue southeast to the town of Anaconda, a 30-minute drive. Here you can experience another old-west mining town with plenty of outdoor access (come back in summer for hiking and fishing) while quenching your thirst at a local gem like Smelter City Brewing. Consider bunking up at the Pintler’s Portal Hostel, a hub for hikers along the Continental Divide Trail.
Day 3 – Lost Trail Ski Area to Jackson
Regardless of whether you stay in Philipsburg or Anaconda, next stop is Lost Trail Ski Area, about 1.5 hours from Anaconda. Rise early and arrive when lifts open for a full day on the slopes.
Lost Trail Ski Area owner Scott Grasser recently spoke about what it’s like to run a small ski resort, the future of skiing, and the trend of big corporations buying up small ski areas on a podcast:
On the mountain, you can expect an old-school feel, with lifts numbered 1 through 5, featuring wide-open, in-bounds side country tree terrain off the right side of Chair 4 and bowl terrain (known as The White House) off the left side. A super small lodge features local beer and burgers.
After a day on the slopes at Lost Trail, make your way to the tiny town of Jackson, which will make Philipsburg and Anaconda seem like large metropolitan areas (kidding, kinda). There, you can soak the night away at Jackson Hot Springs.
Day 4 – Maverick or Missoula
From here, many options await, depending on how much time you have. Maverick Ski Area is just 35 minutes east of Jackson, making a Jackson-Maverick-Jackson or Jackon-Maverick-Missoula kind of day very obtainable.
Or, if short on time, head straight back to Missoula (2.5 hours) and catch your flight home. On the way, stop in the small town of Wisdom for coffee or breakfast/lunch, locally famous for its skijoring event every February.