A crisp winter morning greets skiers at Bear Paw Ski Bowl this December 29, 2025, with overnight temperatures settling at a chilly but manageable 21.9°F. Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a small family-friendly ski resort located in Montana.
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The mountain received a fresh inch of powder overnight, adding a light dusting to a modest 6-inch base. While snowpack levels remain significantly below average—down by over 36%—conditions on open trails remain rideable and enjoyable for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience. The current snow water equivalent sits at 1.6 inches, hinting at a relatively dry snowpack, but temperatures are holding steady to preserve the existing base as we head into the New Year.
Despite the light snow and lean base, Bear Paw's vibrant community spirit remains its biggest draw. Recent features in regional news praise the ski area for its unique location on tribal land and its volunteer-powered operations, making it a rare gem in Montana’s ski scene. Minor upgrades are underway, ensuring improved experiences for visitors. While wildfire threats earlier in the season raised concerns, operations have returned to normal, and the Bowl is open with a warm welcome to locals and newcomers alike. Keep an eye on the forecast—more snow may be on the horizon later this week.
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 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 32. west wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Montana’s ski areas are seeing generally dry conditions this week with minimal new snow and limited accumulation expected. The deepest current snowpack is at Fisher Creek (79") and Flattop Mountain (78") near Glacier National Park, though no new snowfall is forecast there. Of Montana’s major resorts, Big Sky Resort, near the Lone Mountain and Carrot Basin sensors, is reporting a ... Read more