Skiing & boarding abound in western Montana. Montana sets the bar high for exhilarating and affordable snow sports. Visit Skimt.com to determine which ski area near the Butler Creek Lodge is right for you, or check out some of the local hills below.
Montana Snowbowl
MontanaSnowbowl.com
Closest to our Lodge is Snowbowl, a mere 20 minutes away. With 950 lift-served, skiable acres, the mountain boasts a 2,600-foot vertical drop. Built on two peaks and connected by a skiable saddle, Snowbowl has two high-speed, double lifts. The backside hosts Lavelle Creek, which is the ideal ski getaway for families.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
(formerly Big Mountain)
SkiWhitefish.com
From our Lodge, take Interstate 90 west of Missoula to U.S. Hwy. 93 North. From there, it’s only 125 miles to Whitefish Mountain Resort, one of Montana’s largest full-service, year-round resorts.
Three high-speed quads, two quad chairlifts, four triple chairs, one magic carpet conveyor, and two T-bars accommodate all ages and levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The 3,000-acre mountain has 94 marked trails with vast amounts of bowl and tree skiing. From the 6,817-foot summit, you can see north to Canada and south over the Flathead and Mission Valley.
Blacktail Mountain
BlacktailMountain.com
Expert and novice skiers/snowboarders are served by this ski area outside the Flathead Lake town of Lakeside. The family-friendly facility offers views of the majestic lake, Glacier Park, and the Mission Range. The mountain is served by three chairlifts and one handle tow.
Discovery Basin
SkiDiscovery.com
Overlooking Georgetown Lake near Anaconda, this regional secret boasts great terrain, uncrowded slopes, amazing views, and a friendly atmosphere. Located 90 miles east of Missoula on the historic Pintlar Scenic Route, Discovery’s 614 skiable acres are spread over 2,100 acres.
Two north-facing bowls offer some of the steepest lift-served skiing around. The extensive front side offers excellent beginner and intermediate runs. Lessons, rentals, and cross-country skiing are also available.
Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area
SkiLookout.com
Found just over Montana’s western border in Saltese, Idaho, Lookout is 100 miles from downtown Missoula. Hop on I-90 to the Idaho/Montana border, Exit 0. The parking lot is 200 yards from the I-90 off ramp.
Ski or ride two states on one mountain—head up the summit chair on the Idaho side then drop on over to the Montana side. Lookout offers a 1,150-foot vertical drop with 34 named runs, two glade areas, and acres of tree skiing covering 540 acres of skiable terrain.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
LostTrail.com
From Missoula, drive south on Highway 93, a 45-mile trip to Hamilton. From here, you are just another 45 minutes from Lost Trail. At Lost Trail Powder Mountain, enjoy the beauty and uncrowded slopes of the Rocky Mountain’s hidden jewel. Experience affordable family skiing from the top of the Continental Divide. Lost Trail features group rates and half-day tickets for all five chairs in the mornings and afternoons.