Welcome to New Year’s Day at Montana Snowbowl, where the mountain greets skiers and riders with a solid 58-inch snowpack—15% above average—ensuring plenty of powder turns on the famed steep terrain. Montana Snowbowl ski resort is located just outside Missoula, Montana, and offers 39 runs across 950 skiable acres.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temps hovered at a mild 32.7°F, keeping the snow surface soft yet carvable across most runs. Although only a trace of new snow (0.12") is expected today, forecasts predict up to 1" of fresh snowfall over the next five days, adding to the deep base and keeping conditions fresh.
While the slopes are calling, Montana Snowbowl is navigating heightened scrutiny following recent mechanical issues involving chairlifts. Multiple incidents—including a toddler falling from a lift and a chair detaching—have prompted investigations and calls for inspections before further expansions. Despite these challenges, the resort remains open with most terrain accessible and operational lifts running. Skiers are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety. If you’re seeking legendary tree runs and a no-frills, big-mountain experience, Snowbowl is still delivering—just be sure to check lift status before heading up.
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 Stuart Mountain.
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 Montana Snowbowl.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Montana Snowbowl impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Montana Snowbowl ski resort is located in the Lolo National Forest in the Missoula Valley of Montana. The resort is situated at the base of the Lolo Peak, which is part of the Bitterroot Mountain Range. The Bitterroot Range is known for its rugged peaks and pristine alpine terrain, providing skiers and snowboarders with challenging runs and breathtaking views.
Additionally, the Montana Snowbowl ski resort offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, with runs ranging from beginner to expert. The resort also features a vertical drop of over 2,600 feet, making it a popular destination for those seeking a thrilling skiing or snowboarding experience.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of the Montana Snowbowl ski resort in Montana provide visitors with a unique and exciting winter sports experience in a stunning alpine setting.
The resort is known for its challenging terrain, with the best trails being the steep and technical East Bowl and the gladed terrain of Grizzly Bowl. An interesting fact is that Snowbowl was originally opened in 1962 by a group of local skiers who used a rope tow powered by an old car engine. For beginner skiers, the easy-going Meadow Trail is a great option. The Last Run Inn is the best apres ski bar, offering a cozy atmosphere to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. west southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Montana Snowbowl is expected to receive up to 1.1" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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