SUMMER ON THE SLOPES

While living near a Montana ski town often conjures visions of powder-filled bluebird days, many ski resorts offer even more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the Treasure State’s offerings during summer. Here are a few options to consider around the state when you’re making your seasonal to-do list!

 

Whitefish Mountain Resort: The Whitefish Bike Park offers 30 miles of lift-accessed scenic flow trails high above the Flathead Valley. For the elevated adventurer, the resort operates an Aerial Adventure Park, while low-riding speedsters can ride a sled down the Alpine Slide. From the summit of Big Mountain, reached by hiking the popular Danny On trail or by riding the scenic chairlift, visitors can take in the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park and learn about their surroundings at the Flathead National Forest’s Summit Nature Center.

 

Marshall Mountain: East of Missoula, a public-private partnership opened up 160 acres of recreation space at the former Marshal Mountain Ski Area in 2021, an arrangement that may lead to the area becoming a City Park. The area includes dozens of single and double-track trails, with mountain biking routes designed for use as competitive courses. City-led youth biking camps are held throughout the summer, and the park has hosted national-caliber races over the years.

 

Big (Summer) Sky: Big Sky is a home base for mountain travelers in search of adventure and exhilaration, as well as relaxation and comfort. The resort offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, two different zip line routes, frisbee golf courses, and lift-served mountain biking trails. From the base Village, enjoy a scenic lift ride up to the top of iconic Lone Peak and take a self-guided hike along one of the marked nature trails, or explore the area with a guide.



Red Lodge Mountain:  As soon as the snow melts off the links, it's time to hit the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course. Sure, a lot of mountain golf courses are similar at first site, but here the 126-acre course includes creek crossings, several lakes, and good odds for a moose or deer to wander down the fairway, ensuring you'll play a game you'll never forget. 



No matter which mountain you head towards, you can be sure your local ski resort will provide the perfect summer opportunities to maximize your Montana adventures.