5-Day Ski Adventure in Yellowstone Country

Yellowstone Country

Day 1: Downhill Skiing At Bridger Bowl

After flying in to Bozeman and checking into a hotel in Bozeman’s bustling downtown wake up to powder day one. You’ll find a hearty breakfast and good coffee here, too; try Jam! or the Nova Café. Or, snag a breakfast burrito at the Jim Bridger Lodge. Bridger Bowl is just 16 miles from downtown. On the mountain, you’ve got your choice of 75 named trails varying in level from beginner to expert. For starters, take the Sunnyside Lift to one of two terrain parks, including the upper (more challenging with larger jumps) and lower Sunnyside (smaller rails, boxes and jumps) runs. More experienced beginner and intermediate skiers can enjoy 500 acres of North Bowl skiing from the Alpine and Powder Park lifts. Grab lunch at the Alpine Cabin. Après ski, enjoy locally-crafted beer and spirits from one of Bozeman’s renowned breweries or distilleries—like Mountains Walking Brewery or Bozeman Distillery, then make your way to Blacksmith Italian, Open Range or Blackbird for some farm-to-table fine dining. Post meal, sit back and relax in the soothing mineral waters of a Bozeman Hot Springs.

For more information about skiing at Bridger Bowl:

For more information about Bozeman and where to eat, drink and stay:

Yellowstone Country

Day 2: Downhill Skiing At Bridger Bowl

Find a new breakfast spot, like Cateye Café or The Western. Head Back up to Bridger Bowl and take the Virginia City Lift to the South Bowl for more intermediate skiing. Cruise long runs and nice chutes off the Pierre’s Knob Lift. If you’re an advanced skier, head to the High Traverse (from the Bridger Lift) or use the same lift to access more North Bowl fun that’s less challenging. Grab lunch at Jim Bridger Lodge. Après ski, check out one of the town’s local burger and beer hangouts, like the Bozeman Taproom, or hit up Bridger Brewing. Cap off the night with live music at Rialto Theatre. in Bozeman, you can find a show pretty much any night of the week.

For more information about skiing at Bridger Bowl:

For more information about Bozeman and where to eat, drink and stay:

Yellowstone Country

Day 3: Drive Day From Bozeman To Red Lodge

After a hearty and delicious breakfast sandwich at Feed Café in Bozeman, hop on a bus to Red Lodge, or rent a car, watching for wildlife along the scenic, 2.5-hour ride. You’ll drive through Livingston and Big Timer—two small towns well worth the stop. Grab lunch in Livingston at Gil’s Goods and pick up some growlers at Katabatic Brewing or Neptune’s Brewery. Or, stop in Big Timer at the Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ or Star Pizza. Once in Red Lodge, explore the idyllic downtown, home to a historic hotel, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co., bars, shops, restaurants and true western hospitality just minutes from the mountain. Or, get cozy in a ski lodge or chalet. This quaint small town serves up big flavor, from fine dining, fresh trout and local steaks, to authentic Mexican and Italian fare. Mosey into a local pub for a night cap and some live local tunes, and take in the small-town vibes.

For more information about Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain:

For more information about Red Lodge and where to eat, drink and stay:

Yellowstone Country

Day 4: Skiing At Red Lodge Mountain

Red Lodge has no shortage of good places to fuel up for the day ahead. Honey’s serves up some of the best coffee in town, and you’ll find a locally sourced breakfast menu there too. Then, get to the mountain for big mountain fun without big mountain crowds or prices. Snowpack is king at Red Lodge, offering 1600+ acres and 2,400’ vertical drop. Take the Willow Creek chairlift to the Midway Chalet for lunch and enjoy views of five mountain ranges. Après ski, head to the base of the mountain for Bierstube fun, where you’ll find pub fare, live music and 10 beers on tap. If you didn’t fill up at the ‘Stube, head back into town for whatever you’re craving. Then, settle in to some live music and local fun in downtown Red Lodge.

For more information about Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain:

For more information about Red Lodge and where to eat, drink and stay:

Yellowstone Country

Day 5: Skiing At Red Lodge Mountain

What you need before a day on the slopes is good hot coffee and a homestyle breakfast. Ask any local and they’ll point you in the direction of the best diner in town (there are multiple). On the mountain, settle in to your last day of Montana skiing. Pick your pleasure—powder days at Red Lodge last a week and you won’t find any lift lines here. Ski your heart out. Lunch in the main lodge, or head back to the Midway Chalet—it’s worth the repeat. Celebrate your slope time with fine dining and a menu made from locally-sourced ingredients at the Pollard Hotel in downtown Red Lodge, or stay casual at a local pub. Then, stand out on Broadway Ave and let the din draw you into your last stop—the nightlife here is lively and cozy. Cheers to five days well spent.

For more information about Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain:

Current Conditions

  • Big Sky Resort
  • Bridger Bowl
  • Red Lodge Mountain

Big Sky Resort Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky is known as “the little town that’s next to everything,” and couldn’t be more quintessential ski town if it tried. With 5,800 acres of terrain and 4,350 feet of vertical served by more than 30 lifts, runs up to 6 miles long, a 2,000 vertical foot, powder-filled bowl beneath Lone Mountain, challenging chutes and views of three states, two national parks and numerous mountain ranges, skiing Big Sky isn’t just big, it’s huge.

  • Weather
  • Temperature 20.5°F
  • Base Depth 9"
  • Fresh 2"
  • Lifts Open 28/36

Bridger Bowl Bozeman, Montana

Just 16 miles from the exquisitely hip college town of Bozeman, Bridger offers 2,000 acres spanning 2,600 vertical feet, plus sought-after alpine ridge terrain, light dry powder, and the steep chutes craved by experts. Not to mention it was recently named one of the “world’s top 25 ski towns” by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Bridger is a true Montana gem—a big mountain experience with a friendly, local vibe, where you can enjoy some of the best skiing in the Rockies for a fraction of the price.

  • Weather
  • Temperature 23.7°F
  • Base Depth 9"
  • Fresh 3"
  • Lifts Open 11/11

Red Lodge Mountain Red Lodge, Montana

Dubbed the “Coolest ski town you’ve never heard of” idyllic Red Lodge takes you back to skiing pure and simple. This family-friendly mountain boasts a laid-back attitude and affordability, where you can bask in big mountain fun without big mountain crowds, prices or lift lines. Snowpack is king at Red Lodge, offering 1,600+ acres and 2,400 vertical feet, and the town itself will leave you smitten.

  • Weather
  • Temperature 25.9°F
  • Base Depth 5"
  • Fresh 1"
  • Lifts Open 5/7