Which Montana Ski Resort Is Best for Your Family? Comparing Blacktail, Whitefish, and Lookout Pass

If you’re dreaming of a family ski trip that doesn’t involve long lift lines, crazy resort prices, and crowds everywhere you turn, you’re in the right place. I’m Sara McCarty, mom of 3 ski fanatics and founder of Run Wild My Child. After spending spring break road-tripping through Western Montana with my family, I’m here to tell you: Montana is a total hidden gem for skiing with kids. In this post, I’m comparing three incredible Montana ski resorts—Blacktail Mountain, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and Lookout Pass—to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your family. We’ll cover the vibe, terrain, cost, family-friendliness, and what makes each mountain unique, so you can plan a trip that’s low on stress and big on adventure.

Perks of skiing in Montana: why it’s so great for families

When most people think of a “ski trip,” they picture Colorado or Utah, but after spending spring break skiing our way across Western Montana, I’m convinced Montana is one of the most underrated (and best!) ski destinations for families.

Perk: Space

The runs are wide. The lift lines are short. And there’s room to breathe, ski, and explore without feeling like you’re constantly dodging crowds. We skied at three different mountains—Blacktail, Whitefish, and Lookout Pass—and even during peak spring break season, we never had to wait in long lift lines and had runs on every mountain completely to ourselves.

Perk: Affordable

And while yes, the skiing is incredible (more on that below), the affordability completely blew us away. Lift tickets, lessons, and rentals were all so much more reasonable than what we’re used to paying at resorts in Colorado or even our small local hill back home in St. Louis. As a family of five, those savings added up fast—and honestly made the whole trip feel way less stressful.

Perk: Family-friendly

Another thing we loved about skiing in Montana was how genuinely family-friendly the vibe was. Every mountain we visited welcomed kids and families with open arms. The ski schools were encouraging and affordable. The staff were helpful and friendly. And there was just this relaxed, down-to-earth energy everywhere we went. (Zero judgment if your kid wipes out getting off the lift or needs a mid-mountain snack break.)

Perk: More than just skiing

Montana isn’t just about skiing, and we loved that. One day we were skiing fresh powder; the next we were dog sledding through snowy woods, soaking in hot springs, or exploring the cutest little mountain towns. It felt like the perfect blend of adventure and downtime, and our kids stayed active, happy, and mostly screen-free the entire trip.

If you’re looking for a spring break (or winter break!) trip that combines incredible skiing, outdoor adventure, fewer crowds, and a little bit of that magical “Wild West” charm, Western Montana should absolutely be on your list.

Getting to Montana

Getting to Montana is easier than you might think—and part of the adventure!
For our trip, we flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) because we could use our Southwest points (closer to Big Sky, but farther from the other resorts). From there, we rented a 4WD Suburban (highly recommend Explore Rentals if you’re flying into Bozeman—they were amazing!) and made the scenic drive up to Missoula and Northwestern Montana.

Montana airports closest to ski mountains

If you want a more direct route for skiing Blacktail, Whitefish, and Lookout Pass, flying into Missoula International Airport (MSO) or Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell would be your best bet.

Missoula (MSO) is closest to Lookout Pass (about a 1-hour drive) and a great base if you want to explore Missoula itself. Also, from Missoula, you could ski Snowbowl (only 20 minutes from downtown Missoula), Lost Trail Powder Mountain (about 2 hours south), and Discovery Ski Area (about 2.5 hours east near Philipsburg)
Kalispell (FCA) is closest to Whitefish Mountain Resort (about 30 minutes) and is also an easy drive to Blacktail Mountain (about 1 hour) and Turner Mountain (a smaller, local hill near Libby).

Both Missoula and Kalispell airports are small, modern, easy to navigate, and super family-friendly, which means no long TSA lines, giant terminals, or sprinting across airports with cranky kids and ski bags.

Important tip:

No matter where you fly into, make sure you rent a 4WD or AWD vehicle.
Montana roads are well maintained, but weather can change fast in the mountains (we had blue skies one minute and a full-on snowstorm the next). Having 4WD made us feel so much safer—especially with five people, five sets of skis, and a whole lot of snacks packed into the car.

Getting around was honestly half the fun. The drives between towns and mountains were absolutely beautiful—snowy peaks, frozen lakes, tiny towns with colorful old buildings—and totally different from anything we’re used to back home. I’d go back just for the road trip vibes alone.

Meet the Mountains: Family Ski Resorts in Western Montana

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area: A Laid-Back, Family-Friendly Hidden Gem

If you’re looking for a mountain that feels low-key, affordable, and super welcoming for families, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is it. We absolutely loved the “mom and pop” vibe here—no flashy lifts, no mega-resort chaos—just wide-open runs, friendly staff, and plenty of space for kids to practice without pressure.

One thing that makes Blacktail unique is that you park at the top of the mountain (not the bottom!), so your first run is downhill. Locals like to say, “The first run’s free,” and it’s true—it’s such a fun way to start the day.

The terrain at Blacktail is mostly beginner and intermediate runs, with a few short blacks, ungroomed trails and tree runs thrown in. The wide trails and soft snow gave our kids a huge confidence boost, and we loved how manageable the whole place felt—easy parking, a cozy lodge, and rentals that didn’t involve standing in a massive line.

We booked a private ski lesson for our kids on the second day, and it was so affordable compared to bigger resorts. The kids all LOVED their instructors (shoutout to “Zack Dog” for being absolutely amazing with the boys). By the end of the lesson, all three kids were skiing black runs and the terrain park like champs!

Location: Lakeside, Montana, about 1 hour from Kalispell, 1.5 hours from Missoula
Best for: Beginner and intermediate families, first-time skiers, laid-back days on the mountain
Crowd Level: Very low, even on weekends, tons of families
Cost: Very affordable lift tickets and rentals
Lodge: Small, but mighty. Gift shop, rentals and ski patrol on the first level. Cafeteria-style restaurant with lots of tables on the second level. Bar/restaurant on the third floor.
Note: My youngest (6) did have some issues getting on the lifts. The chairs were a bit higher than we’re used to and he needed help from an adult getting on safely (we found that out the hard way).

Whitefish Mountain Resort: Big-Mountain Adventure Without the Big Crowds

If you want the full “ski town” experience without the mega-crowds of places like Vail or Aspen, Whitefish Mountain Resort delivers. This is a true big-mountain resort—tons of runs, modern lifts, great restaurants—and yet somehow it still feels laid-back and manageable for families.

The terrain here is huge.

At Whitefish, you can access 11 chairlifts, a T-bar and two conveyor carpets, plus 111 named trails spanning 3,000 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all skill levels. There’s something for everyone: groomed greens, fast blues, challenging blacks, terrain parks, glades, and endless powder stashes. The kids loved the backside of the mountain, where we practically had the runs to ourselves, and we never waited more than a couple minutes at any lift.

We stayed in a ski-in/ski-out condo at Kintla Lodge, right on the mountain (Chair 3), which made everything about the trip easier. No lugging gear through parking lots, no grumpy “are-we-there-yet” vibes—just clip in and go. The ski lockers on-site were also a game-changer.

Location: Whitefish, Montana, about 30 minutes from Kalispell Airport
Best for: Families with mixed skill levels, skiers who want more terrain options, those looking for a “ski town” experience
Crowd Level: Moderate (busier at summit, but still very manageable)
Cost: Mid-range (more expensive than Blacktail/Lookout, but cheaper than Colorado or Utah)
Lodge: Whitefish Mountain Resort Lodge is huge, with everything you need (and more). Multiple restaurants, shops, lodging, etc.
Note: Plan to eat lunch at the Summit House at least once—the poke bowls and curry bowls were delicious!

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area: A Powder-Lover’s Dream

Lookout Pass was probably the biggest surprise and most underrated mountain of our trip—and easily one of our favorite ski days ever.

This mountain sits right on the Montana/Idaho border, and it gets absolutely dumped on with snow. Thanks to its perfect position between moisture from the Pacific Northwest and cold mountain air, Lookout gets some of the best powder we’ve ever skied.

The vibe here is super chill, super local, and unbelievably uncrowded. We skied entire runs without seeing another person. Fresh, knee-deep powder everywhere. And best of all—no lines, anywhere.

Lookout’s terrain is mostly intermediate and advanced, so it’s better suited for confident young skiers or families who like a little adventure. Although, I stuck to blues and greens and had no problem at all, with a variety of run options available for a full day of skiing.

Our youngest went so hard charging the powder that he ended up needing a little ski patrol help (he’s fine now, and honestly, the ski patrol team couldn’t have been kinder or more professional).

Location: Right on the Montana/Idaho border, about 1 hour from Missoula
Best for: Intermediate/advanced skiers, powder lovers, families who want untouched runs
Crowd Level: Extremely low
Cost: Very affordable lift tickets
Lodge: Small and cozy. Cafeteria-style restaurant and a tiny gift shop.
Note: Remember that you’re crossing into the Pacific Time Zone when you ski here!

Lift Ticket Pricing: 2024–2025 Season

One of the standout benefits of skiing in Montana is the affordability, especially when skiing as a family! Lift ticket prices add up quickly and it’s important to know ahead of time what you’re getting into. Compared to major resorts in Colorado or Utah, Montana’s ski areas offer significantly lower lift ticket prices, making it an excellent choice for families.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Adult (25–69): $70
Junior (13–18): $60
Child (8–12): $45
Senior (70+): $35

Note: Prices are consistent for weekdays and weekends. Purchasing tickets online in advance can offer additional savings.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Adult (19–64): $110 (1-day), $99 (per day for 2+ days)
Teen (13–18): $94 (1-day), $85 (per day for 2+ days)
Junior (7–12): $55 (1-day), $48 (per day for 2+ days)
Children (6 & under): Free

Note: Multi-day tickets and advance online purchases can give you significant discounts.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

Adult (18–64): $58 (midweek), $69 (weekend), $75 (holiday)
Youth (7–17): $47 (midweek), $55 (weekend), $58 (holiday)
Child (6 & under): Free with a paying adult; otherwise, $5
Senior (65–79): $48 (midweek), $58 (weekend), $62 (holiday)
Seniors (80+): Free

Note: Online reservations can save up to $5 per ticket.

Comparative Pricing at Major Resorts

To put Montana’s affordability into perspective:

Vail (Colorado): $200+ per day (adult)
Park City (Utah): $180–$200+ per day. (adult)
Banff (Canada): $175 per day (adult)
Breckenridge (Colorado): $232 per day (adult)
Heavenly (Lake Tahoe): $232 per day (adult)

These comparisons highlight the cost-effectiveness of Montana’s ski resorts, especially for families planning multi-day trips.

Money-Saving Tips

Advance Purchases: Buying lift tickets online ahead of time often results in discounts. It’s super easy to do and can be done day of.
Multi-Day Tickets: Opting for multi-day passes can reduce the daily rate.
Season Passes: If you plan to ski multiple times, season passes can offer substantial savings.
Children’s Discounts: Many resorts offer free or discounted tickets for young children, especially when accompanied by a paying adult.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of these offers, families can enjoy a memorable ski vacation in Montana without breaking the bank.

How to Choose the Best Western Montana Ski Resort for Your Family

Each of the three mountains we skied—Blacktail, Whitefish, and Lookout Pass—offers something a little different. If you’re only skiing for a day or two, you honestly can’t go wrong. But if you’re planning a longer trip and trying to decide where to spend most of your time, here’s how to pick the best fit for your family:

Choose Blacktail Mountain if…

You’re looking for a super affordable, low-key ski day.
You have beginners, little kids, or first-time skiers who would benefit from wide, forgiving runs and a relaxed pace.
You love the idea of a “locals’ mountain” where everyone feels like family.
You’re okay with a smaller mountain where you’ll likely ski most of the runs in a day or two.

Pro tip: Blacktail is amazing for a day or two of relaxed family skiing, but if you’re staying for a longer stretch, you might want to combine it with skiing at Whitefish or exploring Flathead Lake to mix things up.

Choose Whitefish Mountain Resort if…

You want the full “big mountain” experience without the massive resort crowds or prices.
You have a mix of skill levels in your family (beginners to experts), want to try tons of different terrain, and don’t mind splitting up.
You want the convenience of ski-in/ski-out lodging (this is the only one of the three with on-mountain lodging)
If you want a Western town to explore, a variety of dining options, shopping, and other off-mountain activities.
You’re planning to stay in one location for your whole trip.

Pro tip: If you’re staying for more than a few days and don’t want to move accommodations mid-trip, Whitefish is absolutely the best choice.
It’s big enough to keep everyone entertained all week without feeling repetitive, and the town itself has plenty to do off the slopes. We loved road-tripping around Montana, but if you’re looking to settle in and stay put, Whitefish is the way to go.

Choose Lookout Pass if…

You’re chasing massive amounts of fresh powder and wide-open, uncrowded runs.
Your kids are confident skiers who are ready for a little more challenge.
You want a super affordable, off-the-beaten-path adventure with a relaxed, old-school ski vibe.
You want to ski in two states and cross a time zone!
You’re happy skiing intermediate or advanced terrain.

Pro tip: Lookout is an epic day trip from Missoula, and the skiing is unforgettable. But since it’s a smaller, more rugged mountain, most families will want just a day or two here before heading back to a larger base like Whitefish or Missoula. Lodging options near the mountain are also incredibly limited, so expect a drive to/from each day you’re skiing here.

McCarty family’s favorite ski mountains

One of the coolest things about this trip was that every single person in our family fell in love with a different mountain for different reasons. Here’s what each of us picked as our favorite:

Dad’s favorite: Lookout Pass

Dad was all about Lookout Pass—and honestly, I can’t blame him. The powder was unreal, the backside of the mountain felt like our own private playground, and the snow was up to our knees in spots. It just kept coming all day long. He said it was one of the best powder days of his life, and he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.

Mom’s favorite: Whitefish Mountain Resort

I loved Whitefish. The ski-in/ski-out setup was a total game-changer—no packing up gear, no schlepping tired kids back and forth, and the kids even had the freedom to ski on their own a little. I loved exploring the town of Whitefish (so charming!) and could have spent days checking out all the shops and restaurants. As a photographer, I was completely blown away by the views and the “snow ghost” trees. Just magical. It was absolutely stunning everywhere you looked.

12-year-old’s favorite: Lookout Pass

Our oldest couldn’t get enough of Lookout Pass. The powder, the tree runs, the fresh, untouched blacks on the backside of the mountain—it was heaven for a 12-year-old who’s all about fast runs, taking risks, and a little adventure. He was seriously devastated that we only had one day there and begged to go back.

10-year-old and 6-year-olds’ favorite: Blacktail Mountain

My younger two kids picked Blacktail as their favorite! They loved that they could ski almost every run on the mountain, without feeling overwhelmed or nervous. The confidence they gained was amazing to watch. Plus, the fun little tree offshoots and mini-jumps gave them just enough adventure without being scary. And having almost no crowds meant they could really spread out and just go. Plus, this was their first time on a “real” mountain, so that alone made the experience extra special for both of them.

Tips for planning a Montana ski trip with kids

A little planning goes a long way to make your Montana ski trip smooth, fun, and unforgettable. Here’s what we learned (and what we’ll definitely keep in mind for next time):

1. Best time to ski Montana

The Montana ski season typically runs from late November through early April. We went in mid-March and it was perfect—tons of snow, warmer temps, fewer crowds, and (bonus) cheaper lodging prices since it’s technically spring season. It’s amazing that you can still catch powder on the mountain, and have blue skies and warmer temps down in town.

2. Buy lift tickets online to save

One easy way to save money on your ski trip is by purchasing lift tickets online ahead of time. And don’t worry—you don’t have to plan months in advance. At most Montana resorts, even buying your tickets the morning of your ski day counts as an “advance” purchase and can save you a few bucks per ticket (which definitely adds up if you’re buying for the whole family!). The process is super simple: just hop on the website, pick your dates, pay online, and either print your tickets or pick them up at will-call. Easy, quick, and totally worth it.

3. Book ski lessons early

If you’re planning on booking ski school or private lessons, especially during spring break or a holiday weekend, reserve early. Montana ski schools are amazing and affordable, but spots fill up fast—especially private instructors for kids.

4. Choose lodging based on your vibe

If you want convenience, go ski-in/ski-out at Whitefish (it seriously made life so much easier). If you’re road-tripping like we did, cozy cabins near Blacktail or St. Regis give you that authentic “cabin in the woods” experience. Just know that moving locations mid-trip adds a little extra work (aka packing up tired kids and wet boots), so factor that into your plans.

5. Rent a 4WD or AWD vehicle

Absolutely do this. Montana roads are well-maintained, but snowstorms can roll in fast. Having a big SUV with 4WD made a huge difference in keeping us safe and comfortable (and fit all five of us + our gear without anyone getting buried under ski poles).

6. Pack for every kind of weather

Montana weather is wild. We had sunshine, snowstorms, and everything in between—all in the same day. Pack layers: wool base layers, waterproof outerwear, warm socks, gloves, neck gaiters, sunglasses and goggles, and lots of extra dry clothes for after skiing. And don’t forget swimsuits for the hot tubs and hot springs!

7. Don’t skip the non-ski adventures

Even if you’re there to ski, give yourself (and your legs) a little break every now and then. Carve out a little time for things like dog sledding, hot springs soaking, hiking, or just wandering through the mountain towns. It made the trip feel so much more well-rounded and gave everyone’s legs a much-needed break from the slopes.

Why Montana should be your next family ski trip

After skiing three different mountains, soaking in hot springs, dog sledding through the woods, and wandering around the cutest little mountain towns, I can confidently say that Montana completely stole our hearts.

Whether you’re chasing deep powder, teaching your kids to link their first turns, or just looking for a more affordable, less stressful ski trip, Western Montana is a total win. Every mountain we visited—Blacktail, Whitefish, and Lookout Pass—offered something different, but all three had the same welcoming, laid-back, family-friendly vibe that made the trip so special.

If you’re planning a spring break, winter break, or just dreaming of a new adventure, I can’t recommend a Montana ski trip enough. Beautiful mountains, friendly people, reasonable prices, endless outdoor fun—and memories your family will be talking about for years.

Ready to plan your Montana ski trip?

If you have any questions about skiing in Montana with kids, where to stay, what to pack, or how to plan your trip, feel free to reach out!

You can also check out my full blog post on our Ultimate Western Montana Family Road Trip for even more details, tips, and links to everything we did.

Additional resources:

If you’re ready to start planning your own Montana adventure, here are some helpful links to get you started:

Visit Montana – Official Montana travel site with tons of trip ideas and planning tools.
Western Montana’s Glacier Country – Regional guide for outdoor activities, lodging, dining, and events in Western Montana.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area – Info on lift tickets, lessons, trail maps, and conditions.
Whitefish Mountain Resort – Full resort details, lodging options, trail maps, events, and more.
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area – Trail maps, lift ticket prices, snow reports, and family-friendly events.

About the author

Sara McCarty is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, online community, podcast, and seasonal magazine all about connecting families through outdoor activities, adventure, and travel. Run Wild My Child offers busy parents helpful content about outdoor activities, nature crafts, kid-friendly travel, gear recommendations, parenting advice, and more. Sara’s a mom of 3, a wife, and a former corporate securities lawyer turned writer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching.