I have been skiing and snowboarding throughout Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Canada. But some of my all time favorite trails run through Montana. I'm sure you have heard of Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, but they are always jam packed now and prices are through the roof. While Montana has certainly changed and grown over the past few years, one thing that is constant is that they get absolutely dumped with snow. So in no particular order here are the top 3 ski mountains that are little more off the beaten path.
1. Big Mountain - Whitefish, MT
This mountain is special for multiple reasons (and not quite as off the beaten path, but bear with me). One being that the town below the mountain is exactly how you would picture a rustic Montana town. It is small with lots of character, good food, and a bus that will take you directly up the mountain for free from just about anywhere. It's a great option if you don't feel up to the windy roads.
The mountain itself is a perfect mix of greens, blues, and black diamonds. The real treasures runs are all the way at the top and on the back on the mountain. The ski lift can be long but it is absolutely stunning.
They also offer a stellar military discount. I had traveled light on one particular trip and rented a board and got lift ticket all day for $70. You won't find that in Colorado.
2. Lost Trail - Sula, MT
Lost Trail has a particularly special place in my heart. This is where we would go most frequently as kids. We typically went with school every Thursday. At the time the mountain was closed Tuesday and Wednesday so the powder was insane on those Thursday morning runs.
This mountain is a local bitterroot treasure. You won't find a ski down at the bottom of your run, but a decent sized lodge with the best french fries in the world.
Lost trail has a good balance of trails but is heavier on the black diamonds than most. A favorite run of mine on a snowboard would be all the way to the top, then down Oreo, to Elk Basic, to Side Street. If you are on ski's and don't mind black diamonds, I would suggest all the way to the top, to Oreo, down to Bear Claw, cut across to Sneaker. Finally, if double black diamonds are your jam then go all the way to the top and take your pick! There are a bunch and they are all fantastic and terrifying.
3. Discovery - Anaconda, MT
This is another great mountain that is my favorite to ski rather than snowboard to be completely honest. The back side of the mountain is filled with double black diamonds but it also gets a massive amount of snow so snowboarding through the powder is also a blast of course!
My favorite trail to ski or snowboard would be the back side of Rumsey Mnt. and down Winning Ridge to Orphan Girl. If you prefer to stay on black diamonds I would suggest Granite all the way down.
You really can't go wrong with any of these options and they are each spread throughout some of the best parts of Montana. Just remember, to be safe and respect the other boarders and skiers around you!!