Bluebird skies greet skiers at Montana Snowbowl this January 12, 2026, following a crisp overnight low of 28.4°F and no new snowfall. Montana Snowbowl ski resort is located just outside Missoula, Montana, and offers 39 runs across 950 skiable acres.
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But don’t let the clear weather fool you—the mountain is primed for adventure. With a snowpack depth of 67 inches, well above average by over 16%, the coverage is deep and consistent across the slopes. The Snow Water Equivalent stands at 22.9 inches, signaling excellent snow quality that’s both carveable and supportive. Groomed trails are skiing fast, while off-piste zones hold cold, chalky stashes that are rewarding seasoned riders. No new snow is forecasted today, but conditions remain stellar for midwinter turns.
The buzz around the resort is palpable as the new triple chairlift—the steepest in the country—officially opened this week, adding critical access to new summit terrain and invigorating trail options. However, mechanical woes continue to cast a shadow: recent lift malfunctions have sparked safety concerns, with emergency evacuations and even a chairlift falling off its line making headlines. Snowbowl management has acknowledged the issues and pledged comprehensive inspections ahead of the weekend crowds. For skiers seeking untouched powder lines and a taste of local mountain grit, Snowbowl delivers—but keep an eye on 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 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, with a high near 31. west wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Montana ski conditions remain stable with minimal new snow. Over the past 24 hours, only light snowfall was reported at a few locations: Calvert Creek and Cole Creek each picked up 1", while Placer Basin and Tepee Creek also received a dusting. The five-day forecast shows no significant storms on the horizon, with only trace accumulations (1") expected for Cole ... Read more