Condé Nast Traveler
Is Montana's Wild Heart a Match for 'Aspenification?'
In the age of high-end ski chalets and rising costs of living, locals from Livingston to Whitefish are fighting to keep the spirit of their towns intact.
Condé Nast TravelerDec 4, 2025
6 Best Montana Ski Resorts for Fun, Runs, and Après, Western Style
Opt for a Montana ski trip if you want fine powder, endless terrain, and less-crowded lifts.
23 things in this story
- Whitefish Mountain ResortSight3,000 acres with 113 named trails, legendary tree skiing.
- Buffalo CaféRestaurantGreat spot for breakfast, known for brioche French toast.
- Markus Community MarketMarketHearty grab-and-go breakfast options.
- Spotted Bear SpiritsRestaurantDowntown distillery mixing inventive cocktails for après.
- Montana Tap HouseRestaurantNearly 60 craft beers on tap.
- Tupelo GrilleRestaurantOffers riffs on Southern classics.
- Indah SushiRestaurantServes unique maki rolls.
- Latitude 48RestaurantFeatures locally-sourced ingredients and rustic charm.
- Loula’s CaféRestaurantKnown for huckleberry pie.
- Summit HouseRestaurant
- Kintla LodgeHotel
- Morning EagleHotel
- Elsewhere
- Montage Big SkyHotelBig Sky, United StatesLuxe option with cushy spa and gorgeous heated indoor pool.
- Summit Pursuits clinicPlaceBig Sky, United StatesLed by Ski Hall-of-Famer Dan Egan for advanced-intermediate skiers.
- Big CouloirTrailBig Sky, United StatesLegendary triple-black-diamond, 50-degree steep, 1,400-foot thrill.
- Everett’s 8800RestaurantBig Sky, United StatesOn-mountain restaurant with panoramic views, upscale log cabin aesthetics.
- The Peak’s ChophouseRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesIn the Summit Hotel, serves killer steaks.
- M by The Alinea GroupRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesFour-month residency for 2025-2026 ski season.
- The Umbrella barRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesOffers alfresco and cozy seating for craft beer and cocktails.
- Montana Dinner YurtRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesSnowcat ride up mountain for family-style dinner in a yurt.
- The Summit HotelHotelBig Sky, United StatesCrown jewel of slope-side lodging, contemporary ski culture design.
- One&OnlyHotelBig Sky, United StatesFirst US location, features six restaurants and a private gondola.
- Explorer GondolaSightBig Sky, United StatesDebuted December 2025, from base to Lone Peak Tram.
Condé Nast TravelerNov 14, 2025
The Best Ski Resorts in the US and Canada: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
Whether you’re a groomer snob, powder hound, or après connoisseur, these ski resorts from Maine to British Columbia tick all the boxes.
23 things in this story
- Summit HouseRestaurantRestaurant at 6,817 feet with panoramic views.
- BierstubeRestaurantIconic spot to grab a pint.
- S.N.O.W. BusPlaceFree shuttle service between the resort and downtown Whitefish.
- Kintla LodgeHotelOffers ski-in/ski-out access.
- Larch HouseHotelDowntown Whitefish's first boutique hotel.
- Elsewhere
- Kindred ResortHotelKeystone, United StatesNew ski-in/ski-out resort with private club, spa, and restaurants.
- Ski Tip LodgeHotelKeystone, United StatesHistoric 1800s stagecoach stop B&B known for food and après.
- Taos Ski ValleySightTaos, United StatesB-Corp certified resort with challenging terrain and family-friendly upgrades.
- The BavarianRestaurantTaos, United StatesInstitution known for brats and German beers; hosts sleigh ride dinners.
- Corner OfficeRestaurantTaos, United StatesNew natural wine bar.
- Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage SiteSightTaos, United StatesCultural attraction near the ski resort.
- The BlakeHotelTaos, United StatesAdjacent to Lift 1, offers suites and condos with Southwestern art.
- HeavenlySightSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesResort with diverse terrain, Lake Tahoe views, and sunny days.
- Heavenly VillageNeighborhoodSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesLocated in South Lake Tahoe, surrounded by winter activities.
- Basecamp South Lake TahoeHotelSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesFour-minute walk to the gondola, offers bunks to luxe tents.
- Zalanta Resort at the VillageHotelSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesSteps from Heavenly Village, offers residence-style rooms.
- PurgatorySightDurango, United StatesResort with steep tree skiing and wide-open cruisers.
- Purgatory Snowcat AdventuresPlaceDurango, United StatesColorado's largest cat skiing operation with backcountry terrain.
- Durango Hot SpringsSightDurango, United StatesNewly reimagined hot springs located south of Purgatory.
- Purgatory LodgeHotelDurango, United StatesLocated at the base of Lift 1, offers condos and club amenities.
- Camelback Mountain ResortSightTannersville, United StatesPoconos resort with large snow-tubing park and indoor water park.
- Trail’s End Pub & GrilleRestaurantTannersville, United StatesSki-in/ski-out pub known for creative burgers and craft beer.
- Alta VidaRestaurantTannersville, United StatesNew ski-in/ski-out Mexican eatery.