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    Montana, Usa

    Montana Snowbowl

    950 acres, 37 runs 12 miles from Missoula. 2,600ft vertical drop, National Forest terrain.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    6 Dec 2025
    Closes
    13 Apr 2026
    Days open
    128
    Annual snow
    19ft
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Montana Snowbowl's summit reaches 7,579 feet, dropping 2,600 vertical feet to a base at 4,980 feet across 37 runs spread over 950 acres roughly 12 miles from Missoula, Montana. The resort carries no major multi-resort pass affiliation and operates under a Special Use Authorization on National Forest land. Specific lift configuration details beyond the resort's core chairlift network are not confirmed in available resort information.

    When Montana Snowbowl opened in December 1962, it was promoted as offering the most vertical drop of any ski area in the Pacific Northwest region at the time, a distinction that has remained a point of pride for the resort ever since. Its proximity to Missoula, a considerable university city, gives Snowbowl a distinctly local, no-frills character relative to Montana's larger destination resorts. The mountain hosted the National Alpine Championship in 1967, a notable early marker of its standing among serious ski racers.

    The resort's origins trace to a facility known as Snow Park on TV Mountain, developed with connections to the Thorsrud family, who had earlier been involved with the smaller Diamond Mountain ski area near Potomac, Montana. By the early 1960s, a single chairlift served the mountain, supporting the area's opening in December 1962 and its rapid rise in reputation given its considerable vertical drop.

    By the mid-1980s, the resort faced closure, and Brad Morris and his family purchased Snowbowl to save it, installing the LaValle chairlift around 1985 as part of their investment in the mountain's future. Specific current ownership and adult daily ticket pricing are not confirmed in available resort information.

    2,598ft
    Vertical
    37
    Runs
    950 acres
    Skiable
    19ft
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    37 runs across 950 acres skiable

    Montana Snowbowl spreads 37 runs across 950 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 7 beginner runs to find your feet and 15 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    37
    runs
    37 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner7 runs · 20%
    Intermediate15 runs · 40%
    Advanced13 runs · 35%
    Expert2 runs · 5%
    Time it right

    When to visit Montana Snowbowl

    The 2025-26 season at Montana Snowbowl ran through the winter months, with the resort's considerable 2,600-foot vertical drop and elevation supporting reliable conditions across the season. Specific opening and closing dates for the 2025-26 season are not confirmed in available resort information.

    Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to the mountain's varied 950-acre terrain. Given Snowbowl's proximity to Missoula, roughly 12 miles away, the resort draws heavily from the university city's population, giving it a distinctly local, accessible character relative to Montana's more remote destination resorts.

    As an independently operated resort without major pass affiliation, Snowbowl's visitor base skews toward Missoula-area locals and University of Montana students and staff seeking convenient, nearby skiing. Weekend crowds draw primarily from the Missoula region, with the resort's considerable vertical drop attracting skiers seeking a genuine mountain experience close to the city.

    Specific event programming beyond the resort's historic hosting of the 1967 National Alpine Championship and standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Since Brad Morris and his family's purchase in the mid-1980s, which saved the resort from closure, Snowbowl has continued operating under Special Use Authorization on National Forest land. The mountain's considerable vertical relief remains central to its seasonal appeal for Missoula-area skiers.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    6 Dec 2025
    Opens
    13 Apr 2026
    Closes
    128
    Days open
    19 ft
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Montana Snowbowl, and where to stay

    Montana Snowbowl sits roughly 12 miles from Missoula, Montana, with a base elevation of 4,980 feet and a summit at 7,579 feet across a 2,600-foot vertical drop over 950 acres of National Forest land. This proximity to a considerable university city makes Snowbowl one of the more accessible mountains in Montana relative to its scale.

    Missoula, home to the University of Montana, provides the resort's primary lodging, dining and visitor base, with the ski area functioning as a genuine local mountain for the city's population. The broader Missoula Valley combines the resort with extensive additional outdoor recreation options across the surrounding region.

    Local roads connect Missoula directly to the resort, a relatively short drive given the mountain's proximity to the city. Winter driving conditions on the approach can include snow and ice, though the route is well travelled given the resort's role as Missoula's primary nearby ski destination. Specific public transport service to the resort is not confirmed in available resort information.

    Missoula International Airport, within the city itself, is the nearest airport with commercial service, making Snowbowl notably accessible for fly-in visitors given its short distance from both the airport and downtown Missoula. This combination of proximity and considerable vertical drop distinguishes Snowbowl among Montana's ski areas.

    Where to stay

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    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Arosa to Replace 40-Year-Old Hörnli Lifts With New Gondola and Chair

    Arosa to Replace 40-Year-Old Hörnli Lifts With New Gondola and Chair

    Arosa's Hörnli sector is getting its biggest overhaul in decades. The 1986 gondola and 1994 chairlift linking toward Lenzerheide are both being replaced, with capacity up, tower count down and a new base station lower on the hill. At roughly CHF 67 million, it is the largest single investment Arosa Bergbahnen has ever made - and the target opening has already slipped a year, to December 2028. Here is what is changing, and why the timeline moved.

    20 Aug 2026
    Sundance Mountain Resort Is Getting a New High-Speed Quad and More Back Mountain Terrain This Winter

    Sundance Mountain Resort Is Getting a New High-Speed Quad and More Back Mountain Terrain This Winter

    Sundance Mountain Resort's back mountain is finally getting a proper lift. The Electric Horseman Express opens for 2026-27, unlocking a new bowl next to Bishop's Bowl and three expert gladed chutes across roughly 105 fresh acres - on top of the Storyteller ridge run that debuted in preview form last season. It's Sundance's biggest expansion since 1985, and it turns a three-lift slog into a single six-minute ride to Bearclaw Summit.

    19 Aug 2026
    Levi and Ruka Confirm October 2 Opening on Farmed Summer Snow

    Levi and Ruka Confirm October 2 Opening on Farmed Summer Snow

    Finland's Levi and Ruka open for the 2026-27 season on October 2, more than seven weeks before most of Europe sees a lift turn. Neither resort is waiting on autumn snowfall - both are skiing on snow buried since last spring, insulated through the Finnish summer and dug back out for opening day. It is not a shortcut. It is a decades-old system now spreading from the Arctic Circle to Idaho, Utah, Vermont and Colorado. Here is how snow farming actually works, and why it is catching on.

    19 Aug 2026
    Nassfeld Invests €13 Million in New 6-Seater Chairlift for 2026/27 Season

    Nassfeld Invests €13 Million in New 6-Seater Chairlift for 2026/27 Season

    Nassfeld is putting €13 million into a new 6-seater chairlift, the Tressdorfer Almbahn, connecting Sonnleitn with the Tressdorfer Alm from December 2026. It replaces three ageing drag lifts and will run through summer too, from June 2027, moving up to 2,500 people an hour on the roughly three-minute ride. It's the latest step in Carinthia's largest ski resort building out a genuine year-round offering, following last year's Gartnerkofelbahn gondola.

    17 Aug 2026
    Stelvio Glacier Suspends Summer Skiing, Leaving Continental Europe Without a Lift-Served Slope

    Stelvio Glacier Suspends Summer Skiing, Leaving Continental Europe Without a Lift-Served Slope

    Italy's Stelvio Glacier has pulled the plug on summer skiing from August 15. It was the last lift-served ski option left standing in continental Europe, and now there's none. Operator SIFAS pointed to persistent heat, storms, and a snowpack that simply wasn't refreezing overnight anymore. The cable car keeps running. Whether skiing comes back later this summer depends on the weather turning - and right now, nobody's promising anything.

    15 Aug 2026
    Maverick Mountain's Only Chairlift Destroyed as Sand Creek Fire Tears Through Montana Ski Area

    Maverick Mountain's Only Chairlift Destroyed as Sand Creek Fire Tears Through Montana Ski Area

    Firefighters saved every base building at Maverick Mountain, Montana, but the resort's sole chairlift didn't survive the Sand Creek Fire. Owners Erik and Kristi Borge say the lift is "most likely" out for the 2026/27 season after flames tore through the mountain on August 8. The wildfire has since grown past 27,700 acres with zero percent containment. It's a gutting result for the tiny, one-lift operation near Dillon - though the lodge, groomers and equipment all made it through untouched.

    15 Aug 2026
    Fairmont Niseko: New Luxury Resort Revives Stalled La Plume Site for Early 2028 Opening

    Fairmont Niseko: New Luxury Resort Revives Stalled La Plume Site for Early 2028 Opening

    Fairmont is bringing its second Japanese property to Niseko, and this one's got history. The 165-room resort will rise on the site of the stalled La Plume project, which collapsed into bankruptcy in 2025 before J-Will Partners bought the site for redevelopment. Set between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, it's slated for an early 2028 opening - putting it in play for the 2027/28 season. Expect two restaurants, a spa, onsen bathing, and a kids' club, a short drive from Niseko Village and Hirafu.

    12 Aug 2026
    Saas-Fee Closes Its Glacier to Summer Skiing as Heat Wave Drags On

    Saas-Fee Closes Its Glacier to Summer Skiing as Heat Wave Drags On

    Saas-Fee is closing its glacier to summer skiing from Monday, August 10 - the second major Swiss resort to shut in under two weeks after Zermatt suspended operations on August 1. Persistent heat and warm nights that won't let the glacier refreeze are behind the call, per Saastal Bergbahnen. That leaves Italy's Stelvio as the only glacier ski area open in the Alps. Reopening could come as early as August 17, though nothing's confirmed - and racing teams are already looking south instead.

    8 Aug 2026

    Lift tickets

    5 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–59

    Adult Daily Lift Ticket

    US$37up to US$47 peak

    Montana Snowbowl adult lift tickets provide access to 2,600 vertical feet of steep terrain just 12 miles from Missoula. Known for deep powder bowls and expert terrain, Snowbowl offers authentic Montana skiing at affordable prices.

    Buy pass
    Senior 60–99

    Senior Daily Lift Ticket

    US$30up to US$35 peak

    Montana Snowbowl senior lift tickets for ages 60+ offer discounted access to steep Montana terrain. Enjoy Snowbowl's legendary West Bowl and challenging runs with senior savings.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–25

    Student Daily Lift Ticket

    US$30up to US$35 peak

    Montana Snowbowl student lift tickets provide discounted access with valid school ID. University of Montana students can purchase discounted coupons at the Outdoor Recreation office for additional savings.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Child Daily Lift Ticket

    US$25up to US$30 peak

    Montana Snowbowl child lift tickets provide affordable family skiing for ages 6-12. Kids enjoy access to Snowbowl's beginner terrain and ski school programs at discounted rates.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Children Daily Lift Ticket (5 & Under)

    Free

    Children 5 and younger ski free at Montana Snowbowl when accompanied by a paying adult. Free lift tickets include access to beginner areas and family-friendly terrain near Missoula.

    Buy pass

    Montana Snowbowl lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Montana Snowbowl closed on Apr 13, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$25, with peak rates up to US$47.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Montana Snowbowl day pass cost?+
    Montana Snowbowl day passes range from US$25 to US$47 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Montana Snowbowl lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Montana Snowbowl lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Montana Snowbowl, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Montana Snowbowl lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Montana Snowbowl - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Montana Snowbowl lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Montana Snowbowl offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Montana Snowbowl directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Montana Snowbowl.

    More Montana Snowbowl intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.