Red Lodge Mountain

It’s hard to think of a more inviting ski area than Red Lodge Mountain. No matter what level of skier you consider yourself, you’re bound to find something here that smears a smile across your face. And if you find yourself with an insatiable hunger for steep tree skiing and bountiful snow, welcome to the ski area of your dreams. 

The mountain offers 2,400 vertical feet of riding, with 1,635 skiable acres. These aren’t world record numbers, but like we always say, it’s about quality, not quantity. And off the Cole Creek chairlift, you’re bound to find a lot of quality. A few laps in the Headwaters glades, down Black Powder or Sluice Box should get your heart thumping on that side of the mountain, especially as all eyes from the chairlift above will be on you. Or take a few steep cruisers off Grizzly Peak and enjoy wall-to-wall groomer turns on an empty slope.

About 33% of the runs at Red Lodge Mountain are advanced, with an additional 24% labeled expert. By those numbers, you’ll be pushing into some tough terrain more than half the time. With a summit elevation of 9,390 feet, storms will roll over the nearby Beartooth-Absaroka wilderness and drop copious amounts of snow on Red Lodge. While March brings warm temperatures to the rest of the Treasure State, it can bring precipitation-laden blizzards to the Beartooths, with the rewards falling on Red Lodge Mountain. Trust us, after you catch a spring pow day here, you’ll consider setting up shop at the base of the ski area.

Red Lodge is about an hour and a half outside of Billings, Montana, which is where you’ll find the closest airport. From there, it’s a quick drive along Interstate 90 followed by Highway 212 until you roll into town. Driving in on a clear day is an unforgettable experience, as you roll over the hills that precede the mighty Beartooth Mountains, with the towering peaks slowly crawling into view. Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is also an option, as the airport features more flights and is just two hours away.

Once in the town of Red Lodge, you’ll find plenty of inviting eateries like Black Canyon Bistro or Palmita Mexican Restaurant. When you’re ready to bunk down, the Yodeler Motel is a must-hit. A staple of Red Lodge since 1909, there’s no better place to tuck into on a cold Montana night after a day of snorkeling through pow. The newly remodeled Rock Creek Resort is another FREESKIER favorite, and the lodge often runs promotional deals with the ski area to get you the best deal in town.

On weekends or holidays, you can catch the Montana Tour shuttle bus from the town up to the ski area. Otherwise, parking at the hill usually isn’t too much of a hassle. Just make sure your ride is ready to handle variable roads and weather.