When it comes to picking a destination for a family ski trip, there are many options to choose from. But there’s only one place that delivers 14 ski areas, 15,000 acres of terrain filled with deep, light powder (the kind that’s perfect for a variety of skill levels) and two national parks that anchor the state’s northern and southern ends: Montana.

 

Whitefish Mountain Resort

With 3,000 skiable acres, half of the resort's runs are for beginner and intermediate, while the other half is designed for advanced and expert skiers.

For families traveling with kids, the resort offers group lessons and child board and play programs.

 

 

The resort has a large selection of on-mountain lodging, including ski-in/ski-out accommodations, condos and more. Plus, the world’s first ski-in/ski-out luxury treehouses (Snow Bear Chalets) are located slopeside. The first accommodation of its kind, the chalets have a cozy cabin feeling, complete with outdoor decks, full kitchens and hot tubs.

 

 

Whitefish Town

Any family ski trip to Whitefish Mountain Resort should include time spent in town strolling along boardwalk-covered Central Avenue, checking out local shops and tasting Montana at breweries, distilleries and restaurants.

Additional winter-themed activities include:

• Bundling up behind a team of horses on a sleigh ride at Bar W Guest Ranch
• Ice skating at Stumptown Ice Den
• Taking a ranger-led snowshoe excursion in Glacier National Park
• Spending the day skiing at nearby Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

 

 

For family travelers looking to hop direct flights to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, winter flights arrive from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Plus, the airport is a short 20-minute drive from Whitefish.

 

 

Big Sky Resort

While the town of Big Sky may be small, the resort is known for "the biggest skiing in America." Widely known for its advanced and expert runs, 40% of its terrain is beginner and intermediate, making it a perfect choice for families of varying experience levels.

Additional family perks, the resort has youth group lessons for ages 3 and up, children 6 years old and under always ski free and they offer ski and stay packages that combine lift tickets and lodging.

 

 

Accommodations

Big Sky Resort has a charming mountain village with four hotel properties and condo accommodations, as well as 15 dining options. It's located a few minutes from the town of Big Sky where families can find plentiful culinary selections.

During the winter season, Lone Mountain Ranch and 320 Guest Ranch have winter lodging packages, making it easy for families to experience a cozy ranch stay as part of their downhill ski trip.

 

 

Activities 

For families looking for off-mountain fun, Big Sky has a wide array of activities, including sleigh rides at Lone Mountain Ranch, 320 Guest Ranch and Cache Creek Outfitters.

Additional family-friendly offerings nearby include: Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Bozeman Hot Springs, Bridger Bowl (Bozeman’s local ski area) and Yellowstone National Park.

 

 

Flights

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport welcomes direct flights from 16 cities, including:

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Denver
• Houston
• Las Vegas
• Long Beach
• Los Angeles

• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Newark
• New York City
• Phoenix/Mesa
• Portland
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Seattle

 

 

On the Road

For families looking for an easy road trip option, Lookout Pass Ski Area (located on the Montana/Idaho border just off I-90) provides fun terrain, offers free ski lessons for kids 6-17 years old and has 25km of on-site cross-country ski trails.

In addition, it’s just a 45-minute drive to Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, one of the region’s best family destinations. The resort is decked out with lodge rooms, cabins and natural hot springs pools.

 

 

Learn more about Montana’s mountain town magic and discover the state’s family-friendly ski destinations at visitmt.com