Welcome to Bear Paw Ski Bowl on January 1, 2026—where community spirit meets Montana’s rugged charm. Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a small family-friendly ski resort located in Montana.
Wind
Humidity
With an overnight low of 35.6°F, the mountain woke up to spring-like temps more suited for layering up light. The snowpack sits at just 5 inches, which is 51% below average for this time of year, making for thin coverage on most runs. Despite the modest 2.3” SWE (Snow Water Equivalent), operations continue thanks to the tireless work of volunteers and tribal collaboration, keeping this hidden gem alive and riding.
While fresh snowfall isn’t in the immediate forecast, meteorologists hint at a potential winter pattern shift later this week—offering hope for powder chasers. Upgrades to lift infrastructure and lodge amenities have boosted the visitor experience, keeping Bear Paw both affordable and inviting. With wildfire concerns in the greater Montana region, safety remains a top priority, but Bear Paw is open and welcoming skiers with its signature small-mountain soul. Whether you're carving early-season turns or just soaking in views of the sacred Little Rockies, there’s still magic to be found here—even if it’s not buried in deep powder today.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Rocky Boy.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Bear Paw Ski Bowl.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bear Paw Ski Bowl impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Bear Paw Ski Bowl ski resort is located in the Bear Paw Mountains in the Rocky Mountains range in northern Montana. The resort offers skiers and snowboarders access to the Bear Paw Mountains' slopes and terrain, which includes a variety of runs and trails for all skill levels. The mountain aspects at Bear Paw Ski Bowl include both beginner and advanced slopes, as well as backcountry terrain for more experienced skiers seeking a challenge. The resort offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The ski area offers 24 runs with the best trails being the "Bear Paw Run" and "Sourdough" for intermediate skiers. An interesting fact is that Bear Paw Ski Bowl is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in Montana, first opening in 1939. For beginners, the "Easy Street" is the best trail to start with, offering gentle slopes to practice on. For après ski, the "Sled Pub" is a popular spot with locals, offering live music, food, and drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 42. light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Montana’s heaviest upcoming snowfall is forecast for the northwest and southwest regions. Notably, Hawkins Lake near Whitefish Mountain Resort is expecting 15" over the next five days, while Flattop Mountain, close to Glacier National Park and Whitefish, and Garver Creek in the far northwest could see 12" each. West Yellowstone, a gateway to Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park, ... Read more