The Ultimate Family Road Trip Through Northwest Montana

Are you looking for the perfect spring break getaway for your adventurous, nature-loving family? Our 10-day Montana spring break road trip through Northwest Montana was everything we could’ve dreamed of and more—packed with family-friendly skiing, affordable winter activities, cozy cabins, epic views, and outdoor fun for all ages. In this post, I’m sharing our ultimate 8-day Montana family road trip itinerary so you can plan your own unforgettable journey filled with Montana skiing, hot springs, dog sledding, charming mountain towns, and quality family time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more wild adventures, Montana with kids in late winter/early spring is truly something special.

*This post was created in collaboration with Visit Montana and Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Accommodations and some activities were exchanged for review purposes. All opinions expressed and all photos contained herein belong to the author.

Montana spring break

Montana had been calling to me ever since my visit to the Missoula area last October (listen to podcast episode 28 for more on that trip). The wide open spaces, the rugged mountain views, the peacefulness of the small towns, and the fresh, crisp air were all things I knew I had to share with my family. So when my kids started campaigning for a ski trip for spring break, it felt like the perfect excuse.

For spring break this year, we wanted a destination that combined epic skiing with affordable options and unique winter activities. We looked all over Colorado, Utah, Canada, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California and Idaho, and we kept coming back to Northwest Montana.

And I don’t know about you, but when I visit a new place, I want to explore as much as possible! Our family’s not great at sitting still or staying in one place. We like to move, experiences as much as we can, and do all.the.things. So, instead of parking ourselves in just one spot, we opted for an epic 8-day Northwestern Montana road trip, winding our way through scenic mountain towns, hitting multiple ski resorts, and packing in as many adventures as we could.

Why spring is a great season to visit Montana

Spring is one of Montana’s most underrated seasons—and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Visiting Montana in March means you get the best of both worlds: plenty of snow for skiing and winter sports, but fewer crowds, better availability, and more affordable prices than peak winter months.

The temperatures are starting to warm up (a little), the days are getting longer, and there’s this amazing energy in the air—like the whole state is waking up from winter’s slumber. You can still hit the slopes in the morning, then soak in a hot spring or hike through a sun-drenched valley by afternoon.

For families, spring break in Montana is a sweet spot— it’s got all the magic of a big western winter vacation without the big resort crowds or price tags. Less hustle, more space to explore, and a chance to enjoy all the snowy adventures without the chaos or cost of bigger ski towns. Win-win-win.

Northwest Montana Airports

One of the first questions we had when planning our Montana spring break road trip was: where do we fly into?

The two main airports serving Western Montana are Missoula (MSO) and Glacier Park International in Kalispell (FCA)—both newly updated, clean, modern, and super convenient. I flew into Missoula back in October and love how easy it is to navigate. It’s just minutes from downtown and a great jumping-off point for exploring this entire region.

For this particular trip, we flew into Bozeman (BZO)—not because it was the closest, but because we were able to use our Southwest points (anyone else loyal to that Companion Pass life?). But if you’re flying in specifically for skiing and winter adventures in Northwest Montana, Missoula or Kalispell will put you much closer to the action and cut down on your drive time significantly.

Getting Around Northwest Montana

Once you’re in Montana, you’ll definitely want a car—ideally a 4WD or AWD SUV if you’re visiting in the winter or spring. We rented a Suburban for our family of five (plus all our ski gear), and it was the perfect size for long drives, mountain roads, and snowy parking lots at the ski resorts.

A big car gives you the flexibility to explore the small towns, remote hot springs, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that make Montana road trips so special. Just be prepared to stop often—because the views are that good.

For our Montana adventure, we used Explore Rentals, a local, independent rental agency located in Bozeman. They specialize in providing guaranteed 4WD and AWD vehicles equipped with snow tires—essential for navigating Montana’s winter roads safely. The rental process was seamless: prior to our arrival, they texted us a photo of our Suburban in its exact location, along with a lockbox code for the keys, allowing us to bypass the rental counter entirely. It was quick and easy and stress-free on both the pick-up and return.

Day 1: Missoula

We kicked off our road trip in Missoula! Last October when I visited, this town totally surprised me in the best way possible. It’s charming, walkable, scenic, and feels very outdoorsy, hip and laid-back. Like if a cozy college town and a national park had a baby.

Downtown Missoula was a dream. We walked everywhere—coffee shops, bookstores, outdoor shops, boutiques, the riverfront trail—and the kids even kind of enjoyed the strolling, which is a win. There’s a little bit of everything: funky thrift shops, indie bookstores, a carousel (!), a gorgeous public library, and amazing food around every corner.

Also, can we talk about the Clark Fork River? It runs right through town and gives the whole place this peaceful, earthy energy that kind of makes you want to start kayaking or go for a run. The riverwalk trail was perfect for a pre-dinner stroll, particularly if you’ve got kids with energy to burn (do any not?).

Nearby, there’s the University of Montana. It’s right across the river, tucked up against the mountains like it’s straight out of a movie. We walked through campus immediately started planning my oldest’s college life there. He’s almost 13. It’s fine. I told him we’d all move to Missoula and join him. (Not joking.)

Overall, Missoula totally delivered. It was the perfect starting point for our Montana adventure—easy to navigate, full of character, and just the right mix of wild and welcoming.

Where we stayed: The Wren

We stayed at The Wren, a super cute boutique hotel right in the middle of downtown. The rooms were clean and stylish and family-friendly. Each room has these amazing hand-drawn murals that highlight cool spots around Missoula—like local landmarks, trail maps, or fun regional facts—which gave us major “we’re on an adventure!” energy from the second we walked in. There were cozy Pendleton blankets on the beds, a massive shower that felt like a spa, and thoughtful touches everywhere.

We had two adjoining rooms, one of which was a bunkroom with bunkbeds and a pull-out couch for the kids. Obviously, they LOVED it. This gave us plenty of space to spread out, unpack all our gear, and pretend like we were totally organized.

The lobby of the Wren should also be mentioned. There’s complimentary hot coffee, cold La Croix, a water refill station, and a stash of board games and cards to keep everyone entertained. There’s even a coffee shop/bakery in the building—so if you, like me, require caffeine before making decisions or parenting, you’re covered.

Days 2 & 3: Skiing Blacktail Mountain

On Day 2, we hit the road early and headed straight from Missoula to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. The drive was stunning. Seriously—Montana just does not have a bad angle. Most of the route hugged the shoreline of Flathead Lake, which happens to be the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It’s massive, 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, and it looks like something out of a postcard.

The weather was beautiful the entire drive, until we started climbing the mountain road to Blacktail. That’s when the snow started falling. Normally, that might stress me out a bit (especially in a rental), but in this case, it was magical—fresh powder! The kids were jumping up and down in their seats!

The road to the resort winds up the mountain with incredible views the whole way, and yes, there’s snow. But it’s well-maintained and easy to navigate—especially if you’ve got 4WD, which you absolutely want in Montana.

Blacktail Mountain

Blacktail Mountain is what ski dreams are made of. This was an awesome first Montana ski experience for our family! First of all, it’s got this quirky, awesome setup where you park at the top of the mountain and ski down. Locals love to say, “First run’s free,” because you literally ski down to start your day.

We rolled in on a Saturday morning, expecting the usual weekend chaos, but… nothing. No lines, no hunt for a parking spot, no stressed-out parents dragging sobbing toddlers across an icy parking lot (we’ve all been there). Just smooth sailing, fresh snow, and happy people.

The lodge at Blacktail is small, in the best way. It felt lively, but not overwhelming. We found a few benches, a locker, geared up, grabbed our media passes/lift tickets, and got right on the slopes. There were tons of families, and not just the “expert skier” kind. There were kids in ski school, little ones wobbling around in adorable tiny gear, and older kids zipping down the trails. It felt relaxed and welcoming, like the kind of place that wants you to bring your kids.

And the skiing was incredible. The runs are wide and well-groomed, the terrain has a great mix for all skill levels, and the views are just next level—lakes, forests, mountains, sky. The snow was soft and fresh, the lift lines were nonexistent (seriously, we never waited). We spent the whole day just soaking it up. No pressure, no rush, just pure fun. Our kids declared it their new favorite mountain about 30 minutes in.

Ski lessons for kids

The next day, we signed the kids up for a private ski lesson, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the whole trip. My daughter (10) needed help mastering sharper turns and getting out of that classic “pizza” stance (you know the one). My youngest (6) is a surprisingly confident little skier, but also kind of a wild man. We needed someone to help him channel all that fearless energy into actual control.

My oldest (12) joined the lesson too, and the three of them had a blast carving up the mountain and even hitting the terrain park together. By the end of the lesson, they were all confidently skiing black runs like little pros. And the best part? They LOVED their instructors. Like, full-on obsessed with them. They were fun, encouraging, super knowledgeable, and totally got how to make skiing exciting without it being overwhelming.

Affordable skiing for families

Also, let’s talk about the price of skiing Blacktail because I was honestly shocked. We’re used to skiing at our local hill in St. Louis, and even that is more expensive than Blacktail!

Lift tickets, rentals, lessons—the whole shebang—were so affordable it almost felt like a mistake. This is one of those amazing mom-and-pop ski resorts that’s clearly here to serve the local community, not price families out. It’s not flashy or bougie, but it’s packed with heart, great snow, and an emphasis on families having a good time. For anyone trying to plan a family ski trip on a budget, Blacktail is an absolute dream.

Where To Stay + Eat While Skiing Blacktail (Lakeside, Montana)

We stayed just 25 minutes down the mountain from Blacktail at a little gem called The Cabins at Blacktail, and oh my gosh—it was adorable. We booked the Camp Haus cabin, which is one of six charming, rustic-modern cabins nestled in the woods outside Lakeside.

I’ll be honest, I was a little worried about the tight quarters (five people in one cozy cabin sounds like the start of a “family bonding gone wrong” movie), but we actually loved it. Probably helped that we were all completely wiped from skiing all day and basically collapsed into bed each night like a sack of potatoes.

The cabin itself was clean, warm, peaceful, and incredibly charming. It had everything we needed—comfy beds, a little kitchen setup, full laundry, and hooks for drying out all our wet ski gear. Every cabin has its own private hot tub (yes please), and there’s also a shared wood-fired sauna tucked down a little trail in the forest. You cross over a tiny bridge above a creek to get there, and it feels like something out of a fairytale.

For dinner, we kept it super easy and local with two great spots in Lakeside (both less than a 5-minute drive from the cabins). Our first night, we hit up Tamarack Brewing Company, and it was perfect for families. Big portions, great beer (for the adults), a fun, bustling atmosphere, and food that hit the spot after a long day on the mountain. Highly recommend the wings, the steak, and—if you’re starving—the nachos that could probably feed an entire ski team.

The next night, we went to Harbor Grille, which sits right on the edge of Flathead Lake. We grabbed a table by the big picture window and had front-row seats to a gorgeous lakeside sunset. The restaurant has a huge dock out back that I’m sure is buzzing with boaters and summer crowds when it’s warm, but in the winter it felt peaceful and quiet in the best way.

And, because the universe wanted to reward me for skiing all day, they had live bingo while we were there. Not only did the kids get their own bingo cards (which kept them entertained and in their seats), but I won the jackpot!

Lakeside may be a tiny town, but it had everything we needed: great food, relaxing accommodations, and easy access to one of the best family-friendly ski resorts we’ve ever visited. Total win all around.

Days 4 & 5: Skiing Whitefish

Whitefish is a real ski mountain—big, beautiful, and packed with terrain. It was definitely more crowded than Blacktail, but still nowhere near what we’ve seen at other resorts (even our little local hill back in St. Louis can feel more chaotic on a Saturday).

Lift lines were short—usually just a few minutes max—and even though the summit area got a little congested (everyone funnels through there eventually), the crowds spread out fast once you dropped into a run. In fact, we had multiple runs where we didn’t see a single other skier the whole way down. I’ll take that over the mega-resort lift line shuffle any day.

Speaking of the summit area, at the top of the mountain (appropriately called “Big Mountain”), there are absolutely unreal views of Glacier National Park, Whitefish Lake, and the surrounding Northern Rockies. On a clear day, you can literally see into Canada!

For lunch both days, we hit the Summit House. We were fully expecting cafeteria chaos but were pleasantly shocked—no line, plenty of tables, and some seriously good food. Highly recommend the poke bowls and the curry bowls.

The real winner, though? The backside of the mountain. It was practically untouched—tons of fresh powder, no one around, and long, dreamy runs that just kept going. We spent most of our second day back there, exploring as much terrain as we could.

There are so many runs at Whitefish that you could ski for a week and probably not hit them all. The kids loved the variety and even started naming their favorite trails to hit again on the last day. That’s how you know it was a good ski trip—no one was bored, and no one was ready to leave.

Where we stayed: Whitefish Mountain Resort

After a few days of cozy cabin life and lugging gear in and out of the car, when we rolled into Whitefish Mountain Resort, we were instantly like, ohhh yeah, this is luxury. Not in a fancy five-star resort kind of way—but in the we-have-room-to-breathe-and-don’t-have-to-play-Tetris-with-our-ski-gear kind of way.

We stayed at Kintla Lodge, in a 2-bedroom ski-in/ski-out condo right on the mountain, and it was exactly what we needed. Full kitchen (hello, easy breakfasts and late-night snacks), a living room for movie nights, and enough space for everyone to decompress without climbing on each other. Plus, our own parking space in the underground heated (!!) garage! No scraping snow off the windows this time!

The best part: on-site ski lockers and the ability to walk out the door, click into our skis, and be on Chair 3 within seconds. No schlepping gear through parking lots, no “Mom, where’s my other glove?” in the back of the rental car. Just fresh snow and easy access. This is the ski parent dream.

This setup gave our kids something they desperately needed after three full days of family togetherness: a little independence. They could gear up, head out the door, and do a few laps (terrain park included!) without us!! And we could sit inside, drink coffee, and pretend we were still young and hip while icing our knees. Everybody won.

Whitefish gave us the big-mountain experience without the big-mountain hassle. Great snow, no crowds, fast lifts, amazing views, and a condo that felt like home (but with a way better view). If you’re looking for a true ski resort that still feels welcoming and family-friendly, this is it.

Day 6: Dog Sledding + Hot Springs

After four full days of skiing, we changed things up with a bit of adventure off the slopes—and it did not disappoint. We started the day with dog sledding just outside of Bigfork, and it was honestly one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had!

Dog sledding with Base Camp Bigfork

We booked with Base Camp Bigfork, and our guide Mark was super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly obsessed with his dogs in the best way possible. He started by introducing us to the pups (who were all SO excited to see us—like, full-volume howling, tail-wagging chaos), answered all our questions, and gave us a rundown of how the whole sledding process works. The kids loved petting the dogs—who were totally in their element—and the dogs were clearly just as happy to soak up the attention.

Mark runs one sled at a time this time of year, and kids have to be at least 12 to ride, so my oldest and I paired up while the younger two stayed behind with my husband to grab breakfast (a massive plate of pancakes) and explore the area. No complaints there. We loaded up the gear and drove about 20 minutes past beautiful Swan Lake to the sledding location.

I started on the back of the sled (a.k.a. the musher position), but within minutes my son swapped spots with me and took over. He was living his best life back there, handling the dogs and sled like he’s been training for years. Meanwhile, I fully embraced my role as passenger princess, soaking it all in and letting the dogs do their thing.

Mark followed us on cross-country skis, which was impressive on its own—but then one of his ski bindings broke mid-run, and he just kept going… on one ski. And kept up no problem. I mean, what?! This man deserves a medal.

About halfway through, we stopped at a gorgeous riverbank for hot cocoa and snacks. It was peaceful, scenic, and just the reset we needed. Even my typically unimpressed 12-year-old (who was a little salty to be missing a ski day) admitted that it was “actually really cool” and “better than I thought it would be.” So, basically, glowing praise.

This is one of those experiences I’ll remember forever—the dogs, the snow, the stillness, the laughter, the chaos of getting them harnessed up while holding the lead dog and trying not to get knocked over by all the excitement. It was magical.

Mark mentioned that this was likely one of the last dogsled runs of the season—the snow was starting to get slushy, which makes it harder for the dogs to pull—but we’re so glad we got in one last epic ride.

Finally, just wanted to give Mark an extra shout out for taking TONS of photos of us during our dog sledding session and then air-dropping them all to me! I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be IN some of the photos (I’m usually behind the camera). I appreciate it SO much! Highly recommend Base Camp Bigfork.

Quinn’s Hot Springs

After dog sledding, we hit the road again and made our way to Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort in Paradise, Montana. After four days of skiing and one unforgettable sled ride, soaking in a steamy hot spring sounded like exactly what my tired aching body needed.

Quinn’s has five mineral pools of varying temps (from toasty to “I’m-cooking-myself”) plus a few saltwater pools that are open to kids. While some of the mineral pools are adults-only, everything is close enough together that you can still keep an eye on your kids if you’re soaking in another pool, which I appreciated as a parent trying to relax but also still, you know, parent.

The facilities were super nice—clean, modern, and spacious, with brand-new locker rooms and bathrooms that didn’t smell like middle school gym class (always a win). They even have a poolside bar with drinks and snacks, which felt very resort-like in the best way.

The only challenge? My kids were coming off a long car ride and several days of skiing and were very enthusiastic about being in warm water. Let’s just say it took some serious whisper-yelling to keep them from turning the place into a water park. But we managed, and hopefully didn’t ruin anyone else’s vibe too badly. Sorry, other couples.

As we soaked in the warm water, I could literally feel my muscles melt. I looked over at my husband and could tell he was only half listening to the kids—his brain was clearly already out on the river behind the resort, planning his dream fly-fishing weekend.

Quinn’s also has a tavern, a restaurant, and a bunch of adorable riverfront cabins and lodges. I immediately bookmarked it in my brain as a future kid-free weekend getaway. Or maybe a couples’ trip with friends. Or maybe just me. Solo. With a book and a margarita. I’ll be back.

Day 7: Skiing powder at Lookout Pass

Our last ski day of the trip was at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, and I’ve got one word for you: WOW. Honestly, we weren’t sure anything could top Whitefish or Blacktail, but Lookout somehow managed to combine the best of both—more terrain, better snow, no crowds, and absolute magic.

Every local we met said, “You’re going to love Lookout,” and they weren’t wrong. It’s bigger than Blacktail, with the untouched, fluffy terrain of Whitefish—but somehow even less crowded.

We pulled into the parking lot (front row spot, thank you very much), got our gear on in record time, and hit the slopes to find that… we basically had the mountain to ourselves. I’m not exaggerating—we were skiing runs that hadn’t even been touched yet. Fresh, knee-deep powder and wide open trails all to ourselves. Ski trip jackpot.

Apparently, Lookout Pass is perfectly positioned where the moist air from the PNW slams into the cold mountain air, so it gets dumped on with snow. And boy, did it deliver for us. My husband and oldest were in heaven—declared it their favorite day of the whole trip. The snow was that good.

The backside of the mountain, in particular, was just bananas. My 6-year-old practically disappeared in the powder—it was up to his chest in places—and somehow that only made him want to ski faster.

You actually ski in both Montana and Idaho at Lookout, which my kids thought was the coolest thing ever. It’s also on Pacific Time, which is just something to keep in mind when planning your ski day, especially if you’re coming from Missoula.

The lodge is small and cozy, with everything you need and nothing you don’t. There’s not much else around out there, so you’re really going for the mountain—and it’s so worth it. Total hidden gem. If you’re looking for big snow without big crowds, this is the place.

Now, in true “we were pushing our luck” fashion, our youngest went so hard after lunch that… he puked. Multiple times. Right there on the mountain. Thankfully, ski patrol was nearby and immediately swooped in like the heroes they are. They helped us get him safely down the mountain, warmed up, and feeling better in no time. They were so kind, so professional, and made what could’ve been a scary situation feel calm and manageable. Not exactly how we wanted to wrap up our ski season—but it wasn’t a broken bone or an ER trip, so we’ll call it a win.

As we packed up and headed back to the car, we were all a little teary-eyed. Our Montana road trip ski adventure had officially come to an end, and none of us were ready to say goodbye. It was a magical last day on the slopes and one we’ll never forget.

Where we stayed: Huckleberry Cabin in St. Regis

That night, we stayed at Huckleberry Cabin in St. Regis, about a 40-minute drive from Lookout Pass. St. Regis is tiny—as in, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it—but it’s got a couple of solid restaurants (and yes, the best huckleberry milkshakes) that kept everyone full and happy.

The cabin itself was a total surprise—in the best way. It was super spacious, clean, and stocked with everything you could possibly need: fresh eggs, pancake mix, bagels, games (indoor and outdoor), laundry and cleaning supplies, a full kitchen… the works. After a full day of skiing and a mild family emergency, it was exactly the cozy landing zone we needed.

Full disclosure: To get to the cabin, you do have to drive through a not-so-picturesque trailer park, and we were a little concerned at first. But once you’re inside the property, it’s quiet, safe, and peaceful—we had zero issues and loved our stay. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something comfortable and affordable near Lookout.

Day 8: Back to Missoula + fly home

The final day of our Montana road trip started with a drive back to Missoula, and honestly, the whole car ride felt like a bittersweet montage. Everyone was tired, a little sore, and a little sad it was over—but also buzzing with stories, inside jokes, and plans to come back. Always the sign of a good trip.

Before heading to the airport, we had time for a little exploring around Missoula. This town is such a hidden gem for outdoorsy families. There’s great hiking just minutes from downtown in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area—perfect for a short leg-stretcher before a flight. The Clark Fork River runs right through town, and during the warmer months, locals love to surf the manmade “wave” near Caras Park. Yes, you read that right—surfing. In Montana. On a river. And it’s legit.

In the summer, you can even hop on a local river shuttle bus that drives you upstream, drop your tubes in the water, and float your way back down into town. I’m already scheming how to get back and do this—preferably with a cold beverage in hand and no responsibilities for the day. #Goals

We returned our rental car (shed a small tear for our trusty Suburban), rolled through security, and were back in our seats, already scrolling through photos and wondering how many huckleberry treats we could pack in our carry-ons.

Our Ultimate 8-Day Montana Family Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s the full run-down of our action-packed, kid-approved Montana spring break skiing road trip adventure:

• Day 1: Arrive in Missoula · Explore downtown · Dinner at Cranky Sam’s · Stay at The Wren
• Day 2: Drive to Blacktail · Ski all day · Stay at The Cabins at Blacktail (Camp Haus)
• Day 3: Ski Blacktail again · Kids take lessons · Dinner in Lakeside
• Day 4: Drive to Whitefish · Ski Whitefish Mountain Resort · Stay in ski-in/ski-out condo
• Day 5: Ski Whitefish again · Explore the backside · Poke bowls at Summit House
• Day 6: Dog sledding with Base Camp Bigfork · Soak at Quinn’s Hot Springs · Stay in St. Regis
• Day 7: Ski Lookout Pass · Epic powder day · Stay in Airbnb cabin
• Day 8: Drive back to Missoula · Explore town + nearby hikes · Fly home

Tips for families planning a Montana road trip

• Fly into Missoula or Kalispell for the easiest access to Western Montana ski towns.
• Rent a 4WD vehicle, especially if traveling in winter. Roads are plowed, but you’ll want traction for mountain driving.
• If you’re renting skis and ski boots, consider getting them in Missoula for the entire week, so you don’t have to rent in each location. This saves time and money.
• Dress in layers—Montana weather changes quickly! Base layers, waterproof outerwear, and plenty of wool socks are your best friends.
• Book ski lessons early. The private lessons were affordable and incredibly helpful, especially for younger kids or anyone looking to level up fast.
• Look for ski-in/ski-out lodging at Whitefish for max convenience. At Blacktail and Lookout, plan to drive from nearby towns (Lakeside or St. Regis).
• Hot springs = family reset button. If you can build in a soak day mid-trip, DO IT.
• Pack games, books, and snacks for cabin stays. Many Montana rentals are cozy, remote, and intentionally unplugged—which is amazing, as long as you’re prepared.
• Buy your lift tickets and rentals in advance when possible. Price and availability can vary by resort and season (many offer discounts for booking online in advance).
• Don’t skip the “off-mountain” stuff! Dog sledding, riverside hikes, and cute downtowns added so much fun and variety to our trip.

Final thoughts on our Western Montana road trip

Our Western Montana road trip gave us everything we were looking for in a family spring break: incredible skiing, cozy cabins, wide open spaces, fewer crowds, and unforgettable adventures. We spent our days chasing powder and our nights soaking sore muscles, eating hearty food, and laughing around the table together.

Each place we visited brought something different, each town its own flavor, and every ski experience added to this wild, memory-filled, joyfully exhausting road trip.

If you’re thinking about a Montana family road trip—whether it’s for spring break, winter break, or just a much-needed escape—let this be your sign to GO. It doesn’t have to be fancy or perfectly planned. All you need is a love of adventure, a sense of humor, and maybe a backup pair of gloves.

We went to Montana for the skiing… but we left already dreaming of coming back for the rivers, the hikes, the float trips, and the magic that makes this place feel like home—no matter how far away you’ve traveled to get there.

Additional Montana road trip planning resources

For more information and resources to help plan your Montana adventure, check out the following:

Visit Montana: The official state tourism site offers comprehensive details on attractions, accommodations, and events across Montana. ​

Western Montana’s Glacier Country – A regional tourism site focused on Northwest Montana with tons of ideas for outdoor adventures, lodging, and local gems.

Destination Missoula – All things Missoula: what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and family-friendly itineraries.

Explore Whitefish – Your go-to for planning a trip to Whitefish, including lodging, dining, and local events.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area – Affordable, family-focused skiing with all the current info on tickets, lessons, and mountain conditions.

Whitefish Mountain Resort – Big mountain skiing with detailed lift info, trail maps, lessons, and lodging options.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area – Details on terrain, lift passes, rentals, and snow reports for this hidden gem on the Montana/Idaho border.