Montana's Red Lodge Mountain, popular with snowsports enthusiasts on the western side of the Heartland, has announced they are beginning an improvement plan to upgrade the ski area's lift service to the lower mountain and improve the learning area terrain.

Midwestern Indy Pass holders on the far west side of the Heartland don't have a lot of choices for using the pass on road trips. In other parts of the Midwest, it's fairly easy to combine ski areas for a road trip hitting two or three areas on a trip.

For years the mantra of the ski industry has been “bigger is better.”

Like other outdoor industries, Montana ski areas suffered through two challenging seasons due to the pandemic. Yet skiers and snowboarders were still anxious to be on the mountains and outdoors despite masking requirements and some limitations on service and ticket sales.

This past week featured the first significant snow of the season. Many ski areas across the Rockies received 4”-10”, with locally near a foot and a half, of fresh snow.

Alaska Airlines is relaunching its “Ski Free” promotion, giving free lift passes to skiers and snowboarders at resorts across the U.S. and Canada when they show their boarding pass. 

Montana ski areas are opening over the next couple of weeks, and lift ticket deals are still available at several of them. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially help lower daily lift ticket costs. Check out early season specials and what's new around the state.

Here we go again! The second strong, early-winter storm has moved across the Rocky Mountain range in the western United States and Canada.

Trevor Kennison doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit.”

“It’s like this is what you have and you’ve got to deal with it, the cards you’ve (been) dealt,” Kennison told SnoCountry.com.

The ski season is winding down across Montana, but the major ski areas are staying open into April. There’s plenty of time for Heartlanders to plan one more western trip to close out the season.

Montana ski areas have been reveling in the powder lately, with some mountains receiving over 40 inches in a week's span, including Red Lodge Mountain which nabbed nearly four feet.

Early winter has been good to Montana skiers and riders, and four of the Treasure State’s top resorts are offering some attractive January lift and lodging packages. It’s an easy drive for many Heartlanders on the western side of the Midwest. Take advantage and enjoy some great snow conditions.

A few Montana ski areas have already opened, and the rest follow in the next couple of weeks. Lift ticket deals are still available at several of the areas. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially help lower daily lift ticket costs.

Whitefish has received above average snowfall this season.

The ski season is winding down across Montana with the last day taking place at many this weekend, but a few are staying open later through Easter. At least one has extended their season with all the snow that has fallen this winter.

Steamboat, Colorado turned snowier during Christmas. (Larry Pierce)

A majority of Canada and U.S. resorts will experience cold weather through New Year’s Day, while a few feet of snow may fall in the West.

Big Sky offers big snow and big views. (Big Sky/Facebook)

The ski season is winding down across Montana with the last day taking place at many this weekend, but a few are staying open later through Easter. At least one has extended their season with all the snow that has fallen this winter.

Whitefish Mountain Resort has received more than 31 feet of snow so far this season. Conditions are prime spring skiing, but plans on closing after skiing and riding Saturday, April 8. Dummy Derby takes place this coming Saturday, April 1 as competitors compete for a $400 cash purse. The annual season-ending Pond Skim is scheduled for the closing Saturday. Lift and lodging packages start from $98 per person, per night and include breakfast and hot tub access.

Big Sky Resort remains open through April 16 affording a little more time to enjoy those spring conditions. The annual, spectator friendly Pond Skim takes place Saturday, April 15, with live music following at Whiskey Jacks. April lift and lodging packages offer 30 percent off select condos booked through central reservations. Tours of nearby Yellowstone National Park are also available, and this is an excellent time of year to tour the park. It’s a great time to catch the bison before they start moving to higher ground.

Red Lodge Mountain has extended its season through Easter to April 16 and lift and lodging packages start from $72 per person. It’s some of the best late season skiing and riding in recent years.

Discovery Ski Area remains open through April 9 and lift and lodging packages start from $128.

Great Divide plans on remaining open through April 9 and on weekends through the month as long as the snow remains skiable. They’ll pick the best weather day of each weekend, 10am-5pm. Lift tickets are $10 per hour or $30 for the day.

Whitefish Mountain powder day. (Whitefish)

It’s not too late to find lift ticket deals at several Montana ski resorts. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially lower your daily lift ticket cost. Check it out.

The time for season pass deals at Montana ski resorts may be over, but several lift ticket deals remain. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially lower your daily lift ticket cost. Check out these offers.

The ski season is winding down across Montana with the last day taking place at some resorts this weekend. Get out and enjoy some of the last skiing and riding of the season.

Early winter has been good to Montana skiers and riders, and four of the Treasure State’s top resorts are offering some attractive January lift and lodging packages. It’s an easy drive for many Heartlanders on the western side of the Midwest. Take advantage and enjoy the snow conditions.