How to Plan a Ski Trip to Red Lodge Mountain, Montana

"Founded in 1960 (originally known as Grizzly Peak Ski Area) and located about seven miles from downtown, this ski area sits along the Beartooth Mountains just above the Wyoming border and the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. Anne Kosorok, the director of mountain operations, says, “For those coming from the Midwest, like myself, this is the first stop ski area once you hit the Rockies,” and notes that “People from all over join local legends, families, race teams, and school groups, and they find turns regardless of their ability level.” The mountain offers 1,635 skiable acres, a 2,400-foot vertical drop, and an average seasonal snowfall of 250 inches; snowmaking allows runs as early as late November, with opening day usually the day after Thanksgiving and the season running through the second Sunday in April. Spring is a highlight—Kosorok calls it “our time to shine,” with the best powder typically arriving in March and April. Infrastructure includes eight lifts and 70 marked trails (terrain mix: 19% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 20% expert); the new Stache Express high-speed detachable triple (installed summer 2023) has a 521-foot vertical rise and a capacity of 1,800 riders per hour. For beginners Kosorok recommends sticking near the base—“Miami Beach, top to bottom, is great for beginners, and the three-minute lift ride makes for a quick turnaround,” she says—while advanced skiers can head up Lazy M for classic corduroy and ride Cole Creek to reach a number of advanced runs. On the opposite side, the Grizzly Peak lift gives access to Drainage, which Kosorok says “takes the cake for best run on the mountain.” Instruction and packages include private and group lessons and a Learn 4 Life program ($299) that provides four lessons, four lift tickets, and four rentals and awards a season pass upon graduation. Lift tickets and rentals are available on-site (adult lift tickets start around $57; children 5 and under ski free; basic ski/snowboard rentals start at $38/day), and the area participates in the Indy Pass (two free days plus 25% off a third day)." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines