Ski Destinations Billings Locals Love

February 2026 | The Outskirts

Article by Morgan Williams

BEST FOR A FAMILY SKI TRIP

DISCOVERY SKI AREA

Discovery – affectionately known as “Disco” - is one of Montana’s most underrated ski resorts. Lift tickets typically cost under $80, and children under 7 ski free with an adult ticket, making it an accessible option for households with young skiers. The bunny hill has an actual chairlift to the top (vs a magic carpet), so it’s long enough for kids to really get a chance to practice some turns. The slope is forgiving, and the lodge sits directly across from the hill, offering a clear view for parents or grandparents who prefer to watch from indoors.

Affordability, visibility, and light crowds make for an overall great family experience. If you have an extra day, you can practice your ice skating in Philipsburg (skates are provided in the warming hut and are free of charge for the public), eat lunch at the Philipsburg Brewery, and pay a visit to the renowned Sweet Palace.

Drive Time: 4 hours, 13 minutes to the mountain

BEST FOR AN AFFORDABLE & ROMANTIC GETAWAY

SHOWDOWN MONTANA

Hear us out: White Sulphur Springs may not have the hallmark feel of Whitefish, but the recently remodeled Edith Hotel offers a boutique hotel experience for less than $250 a night.

Showdown Ski Area is just a 34-minute drive from White Sulphur and often surprises first-time visitors. The terrain is varied and uncrowded, adult lift tickets hover around $70, and the mountain averages more than 200 inches of natural snowfall each year - no snowmaking required. Add in military discounts and a laid-back atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Showdown has a loyal following.

Drive Time: 2 hours, 47 minutes to the mountain

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK BRIDGER BOWL, BOZEMAN, MT

Bridger Bowl is an iconic Montana ski area known for its steep lines and challenging terrain. Lift tickets remain under $100, and its proximity to Bozeman makes it a popular choice for experienced skiers looking to maximize value.

Less flashy and far less pretentious than its southern neighbor, Bridger Bowl delivers big-mountain skiing without the big-resort price tag. It’s close enough for a day trip, but adventurous skiers may find themselves planning a return visit.

Drive Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes to the mountain

BEST FOR WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE

RED LODGE MOUNTAIN

If you’re looking for a ski getaway that doesn’t require hours behind the wheel, Red Lodge Mountain is hard to beat. With more groomed terrain than Bridger Bowl, it offers a welcoming mix of runs for skiers of all abilities - and skiing doesn’t have to be the only focus of your trip. In town, Red Lodge Ice offers free outdoor skating to the community, and live music is often scheduled at Red Lodge Ales or Babcock & Miles. In early March, the town hosts the National Finals Ski-Joring races at the Home of Champions rodeo grounds, adding a uniquely Montana twist to the weekend.

Drive Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes to the mountain

BEST FOR A BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE

BIG SKY RESORT

Big Sky Resort earns its reputation as one of the world’s premier ski destinations. With more than three times the skiable acreage of Bridger Bowl, it offers expansive terrain, modern amenities, and sweeping mountain views.

Lift tickets typically range from $250–$300, but the experience includes heated lifts, signature blue bubbles, and a full-scale resort atmosphere. Given the distance, an overnight stay makes sense. For true ski-in, ski-out convenience, The Huntley Lodge puts you right at the base - because if you’re going to see how the other half lives, you might as well do it properly.

Drive Time: 3 Hours

Originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Morgan Williams

Morgan Williams is a lifelong Montanan. She is married to Nathan, and together they attempt to wrangle three young kids while running a small construction business, Montana Ground Screw. She loves a good workout, quality time with friends, and rarely turns down the opportunity for a new adventure.

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