Winter is an ideal time to visit Western Montana for student and active groups, as well as for those looking to add a bit of soft adventure to their itinerary. Montana’s winter season offers reliable snow conditions and a wide range of outdoor recreation options for all interests. Downhill skiing remains one of the region’s most popular winter activities, with ski areas accommodating all skill levels—from novice to expert. Western Montana’s ski resorts receive more than 300 inches of fresh powder each year, providing reliable snow and stunning alpine scenery. In Glacier Country, six full-service ski areas offer exceptional views, few crowds, affordable lift tickets and the welcoming atmosphere that keeps groups coming back year after year.

Whitefish Mountain Resort previously ranked No. 3 Top Ski Resort in the West by SKI magazine’s annual reader survey. Photo: Noah Couser

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Western Montana’s largest ski destination, offers more than 3,000 acres of terrain on Big Mountain—just eight miles north of Whitefish. The resort caters to all levels of skiers and riders, with a mix of groomers, glades and terrain parks, plus panoramic views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley from the summit. Night skiing, available Friday and Saturday evenings, adds an extra element of fun to any itinerary. On-mountain lodging, dining and shops make group coordination simple, while daily flights from Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Seattle and Denver—plus winter seasonal service from Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland—ensure easy access for visitors.

Downhill Detail: 3,000 acres | 110 runs | 2,353 ft. vertical drop

The summit offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and the expansive Flathead Valley. Photo: Nathan Peterson

Turner Mountain

Located 22 miles north of Libby, Turner Mountain is a hidden gem known for its friendly locals and exceptional terrain. This volunteer-run ski area caters primarily to advanced skiers, offering wide-open slopes, reliable snow conditions and a notable 2,110-foot vertical drop—with 60% of its runs rated black diamond. Affordable lift tickets and uncrowded conditions make it a rewarding stop for experienced groups. Turner is open Friday through Sunday, with the unique option to rent the entire mountain for private use—an opportunity that’s both memorable and surprisingly affordable. Libby is accessible via Amtrak’s Empire Builder, with nearby commercial flights into Glacier Park International Airport or Spokane, Washington.

Downhill Detail: 400 acres | 22 runs | 2,110 ft. vertical drop

Rent out the entire mountain for your group at Turner Mountain.

Lookout Pass

Straddling the Montana–Idaho border, Lookout Pass is known for some of the region’s earliest and heaviest snowfall—averaging more than 400 inches each season. Just 200 yards off Interstate 90, the resort offers easy access, affordable lift tickets and a welcoming atmosphere for groups. Lookout delivers impeccably groomed trails and deep powder suited to all skill levels. After a day on the slopes, guests can warm up in the historic lodge—one of the oldest in the West—and enjoy the charm of this classic mountain experience. Lookout Pass is 1.5 hours from Missoula, West on Interstate Highway 90.

Downhill Detail: 1,023 acres | 52 runs | 1,650 ft. vertical drop

Lookout Pass is open daily in January, February, and March. The full season runs November through April, open as conditions allow.

Blacktail Mountain

At Blacktail Mountain in Lakeside, just 45 minutes from downtown Kalispell and two hours north of Missoula, groups can enjoy sweeping views of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. This unique “upside-down” ski area, where the lodge and parking lot sit at the summit, offers an easy start to a day on the slopes. Skiers and riders will find a mix of terrain suited to a range of abilities, paired with some of the best lake and mountain vistas in the region. After a day on the snow, relax fireside in the lodge with a warm drink and hearty après fare.

Downhill Detail: 1,000 acres | 24 runs | 1,440 ft. vertical drop

Groups will love the view and the laid-back-vibes at Blacktail Mountain. Photo: Noah Couser

Lost Trail Powder Mountain

Also located on the Montana–Idaho border, Lost Trail Powder Mountain sits along the Continental Divide in the Bitterroot Valley, 90 miles south of Missoula on U.S. Highway 93. Known for its reliable snow conditions and welcoming local vibe, Lost Trail averages more than 325 inches of snowfall each season. The mountain offers a mix of intermediate and advanced terrain, along with expert runs in an area known as “The White House.” Groups can enjoy uncrowded slopes, affordable lift tickets, and a relaxed Montana ski experience.

Downhill Detail: 1,800 acres | 69 runs | 1,800 ft. vertical drop

Lost Trail has two terrain parks, ideal for tricks, jumps and big air.

Montana Snowbowl

Located 12 miles from Missoula, Montana Snowbowl is known for its “steep and deep” terrain, featuring powder-filled bowls, challenging black diamond runs and a continuous 2,600-foot vertical drop. The mountain also offers expanded beginner and intermediate terrain, with more than 1,000 additional acres added in recent years. A triple chairlift—among the steepest in the country—provides access to a 1,700-foot vertical and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After a day on the slopes, groups can gather at the lodge’s Last Run Inn to unwind with a wood-fired pizza and one of their locally famous bloody marys.

Downhill Detail: 2,300 acres | 49 runs | 2,600 ft. vertical drop

Montana Snowbowl is a local’s favorite, and an extremist’s dream. Photo: Larry Turner

For more information on winter in Western Montana, visit our tour operator website. If you need additional tour itinerary assistance, feel free to drop us a line; we’re always here to help.

Happy skiing,

DP

December 12, 2025

Related: FIT, Group Tours, Kalispell, Lakeside, Libby, Missoula, Outdoor Adventure, Student tours, Tour Operator, Whitefish, Winter

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