MAIN Sports Skiing Montana Ski Resorts

Wide-open scenery and historical Wild West attractions make Montana a great summer destination.

But the action really begins to kick up in late November, as the state attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities to wide expanses of the Northern Rockies.

Montana features almost 14,000 acres of skiable terrain and 548 ski trails encompassing some of the most popular ski areas in the mountainous western half of the state.

Names like Big Sky, Big Mountain, and Red Lodge often evoke the names of famous cattle ranches, but the running herds are more likely thousands of winter sports enthusiasts who find pure primal joy in the state's more rugged expanses.

Usually ranked as Montana's best skiing and snowboarding mecca, Big Sky Resort is located near Bozeman offering 3,600 acres of hugely varied terrain with 150 trails and 21 lifts. Along with snowtubing and family friendly "newbie"runs, the combination ticket with nearby Moonlight Basin gets you entry to the largest total skiable acreage in the USA.

Another Bozeman favorite, Bridger Bowl, is popular with nearby Montana State University students as well as families for an affordable day out in deep white powder, including beginner and intermediate runs as well as the challenging Ridge Terrain containing numerous steep chutes and rock cliffs.

More about Montana skiing around the Web:

Ski Montana - The state's official travel site with heaps of information on lodging, resorts, ski areas, cross country skiing, snowboarding and related winter sports & activities throughout the season.

Montana Ski Guide - An encyclopedia of information and reviews on the state's top ski resorts with details on ski trails and snowboarding terrains, photos, trail maps.

Montana Ski Resorts - Complete guide to all major ski resorts statewide with overviews, trail ratings, stats on vertical drops and total acreage, lodging resources.

Ski the real Montana: Big Sky or Big Mountain? - MSNBC feature with photos and a discussion comparing Big Sky and Big Mountain ski resorts.

Montana Snow Report - Current weather conditions, new snow and base depth reports, plus star-rated visitor reviews and photos of major ski resorts throughout the state

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots