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

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

There’s no shortage of ski areas in Montana, but there’s only one in America’s “most charming” town. Founded in 1960 as Grizzly Peak Ski Area, Red Lodge Mountain is just seven miles from downtown Red Lodge’s delightfully Western main street, where galleries, shops, cafés, and historic buildings line the walkable blocks. 

“For those coming from the Midwest, like myself, Red Lodge Mountain is the first stop ski area once you hit the Rockies,” explains Anne Kosorok, the director of mountain operations. Located along the Beartooth Mountains, the ski area is directly above the Wyoming border and the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. While the location may seem a bit remote for some travelers, the mountain itself is more than worth the trip — especially if you’re looking for a variety of terrain and an approachable, friendly scene. According to Kosorok, “People from all over join local legends, families, race teams, and school groups, and they find turns regardless of their ability level.” 

If you need hard numbers to convince you to book the flight, consider this: Red Lodge Mountain has 1,635 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 2,400 feet, and an average snowfall of 250 inches each season. 

With those statistics in mind, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect ski trip to Red Lodge Mountain. 

  • Red Lodge Mountain is known for its spring skiing; the best powder arrives in March and April. 
  • It’s a relatively affordable, family-friendly mountain with decent deals on lift tickets and an impressive range of terrain. 
  • With a historic hotel, a saloon, and a host of local shops on its main street, the nearby town of Red Lodge is right out of a Western movie. 

When to Go

For anyone looking to fill their calendar with spring skiing trips, Red Lodge is a great option. “We are in a very unique location as far as weather patterns go, so it can be a real wildcard, but springtime tends to be our time to shine,” says Kosorok. “You can typically score the best skiing in March and April.” The mountain does, however, have snowmaking capabilities, so you’ll be able to get in some runs as early as late November. Opening day is usually the day after Thanksgiving, and the season runs through the second Sunday in April. 

Downtown Red Lodge, Montana.

Courtesy of Visit Montana


Where to Stay 

The Yodeler Motel

The Yodeler offers a hip little place to crash right in town,” says Kosorok. The building itself dates back to 1909, but it didn’t become a Bavarian-themed motel until 1961. Guests are greeted by a chalet-style entrance, and the standard-but-cozy rooms feature southern German motifs and elements of ski culture. There’s also a hot tub to enjoy after a long day on the slopes. 

The Pollard Hotel

A storied history meets modern amenities at The Pollard Hotel, housed inside the first brick building constructed in Red Lodge. Located right in the middle of town, the 38-room hotel is also a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, and a chill après scene. The on-site restaurant, Marli’s, serves up buttermilk pancakes, waffles, and breakfast burritos in the morning; at lunchtime, you can dine on grilled cheese and giant pretzels. When it’s cocktail hour, sip on a Cowboy Coffee (the hotel’s version of an espresso martini) or a Marli’s Old Fashioned. 

A full table at Cafe Regis.

Courtesy of Cafe Regis


Where to Eat

Prindy’s Place

A big ski or snowboarding day requires a hearty breakfast, and you’ll find just that at Prindy’s Place. The classic diner opens at 6 a.m. every day, so you can get your fill of their famous sweet cream pancakes or omelets before making your way to the mountain. And if you’re only skiing for a few hours? Come back for lunch; the under-$10 hot dogs and hamburgers are waiting. 

Cafe Regis

Cafe Regis is another reliable breakfast spot in Red Lodge (although it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Along with its vintage grocery store facade and a cozy neighborhood feel, the restaurant has an extensive menu of filling entrees — with everything from the house favorite huevos rancheros to a tofu burrito and biscuits and gravy. 

Midway Lodge

As far as eating on the mountain, you have a couple of choices. Kosorok suggests the Midway Lodge for “great views,” and it gets bonus points because “you don’t have to make your way back down to the base area.” The meat-heavy menu may be on the smaller side, but it’s filling; think chili, chicken tenders, and pulled pork sandwiches.

Prerogative Kitchen

Two-time James Beard nominated chefs Chris Lockhart and Danny Mowatt are the minds behind Prerogative Kitchen, a weekend brunch and dinner spot with rave reviews. You’ll order from the rotating a la carte chalkboard menu, and the restaurant notes that they make an effort to accommodate dietary restrictions with vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

Exterior of bars in downtown Red Lodge.

Courtesy of Visit Montana


Where to Après-ski

Bierstube

If you’re trying to get in as many laps as possible, Kosorok says to “skip lunch and enjoy your après experience at the Bierstube.” The après menu is available from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and includes all the classics: cheese curds, beer cheese pretzels, hot chocolate, and hot toddies. When it’s sunny, drinks are best enjoyed on the deck. 

Snow Creek Saloon

It wouldn’t be a proper Western town without a saloon. Snow Creek Saloon is the perfect choice for casual beers, karaoke, and a proper night out in Red Lodge. Food service is limited, though, so make sure to grab dinner before you kick things off. 

A contestant in the National Finals Skijoring Races.

Jim Urquhart/Getty Images


Off-mountain Activities

Go cross-country skiing at the Red Lodge Nordic Center.

There are nearly one million acres of designated wilderness in our backyard. “You decide what to do, just respect the space,” says Kosorok. One way to experience the beauty of the area is to cross-country ski at the Red Lodge Nordic Center. Day passes are $10 (children under 12 ski for free), and you’ll have access to miles of groomed trails. Private and group lessons are also available.

Plan your trip around the National Finals Skijoring Races.

Every year in March, Red Lodge hosts the National Finals Skijoring Races; for those who aren’t familiar, skijoring involves a horse pulling a person on skis. It’s a decidedly Western event (although its roots are Scandadavian), and more than 100 teams come to town to compete for the top prize. The 2025 races will be held on March 8 and 9. 

Take a turn around the local ice rink.

Need a break from skiing? Try ice skating. The Red Lodge ice rink has open skating throughout the season, and while it’s free to skate, they do accept donations. Don’t have your own skates? Grizzly Peak Outdoors has rentals. 

How to Ride

Tickets

Red Lodge has day and multi-day passes, with adult lift tickets starting at $57; children ages 5 and under ski free. Exact ticket prices tend to fluctuate based on the day, and it’s always cheaper to pre-book your ticket online versus buying at the window day of. Red Lodge is also on the Indy Pass. Pass holders get two free days plus 25 percent off the third day. 

Rentals

There is a rental shop at the base of the mountain — ski and snowboard rentals start at $38 per day — but it’s important to note that they don’t rent goggles, helmets, jackets, or ski pants. You must travel with your own gear or purchase the necessary equipment and clothing at Grizzly Peak Outdoors in downtown Red Lodge. 

A young boy going up in a ski lift at Red Lodge Mountain.

Jordan Siemens/Getty Images


Skiing and Snowboarding

Red Lodge has eight lifts, including its newest addition, the Stache Express. The high-speed detachable triple chair, which was installed in summer 2023, has a vertical rise of 521 feet and can transport up to 1,800 riders every hour. 

The ski area has 70 marked trails across 1,635 acres, and the terrain breaks down into 19 percent beginner, 25 percent intermediate, 36 percent advanced, and 20 percent expert. If you’re just getting started on your skis or board, Kosorok recommends sticking close to the base of the mountain. “Miami Beach, top to bottom, is great for beginners, and the three-minute lift ride makes for a quick turnaround,” she says. “The top is wide open and mild in slope, and as you roll onto the lower section, there is some natural terrain that is super flowy and fun.” 

For those seeking out corduroy, head up to Lazy M, where she says, “the views from the Grizzly Peak are worth the trip” alone. By riding the Cole Creek lift, you’ll access a number of advanced runs — however, the other side of the mountain, where you’ll find the Grizzly Peak lift, is home to Drainage, a run Kosorok says “takes the cake for best run on the mountain.”

Programming

Red Lodge offers private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages. Those who have never skied or snowboarded before also have the option to participate in the Learn 4 Life program; for $299, participants receive four lessons, four lift tickets, and four rentals. Upon graduation, they receive a season pass.

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