* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected. * WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Hill County, and Northern Blaine County. * WHEN...From 10 AM Saturday to 11 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
After a mild overnight low of 38°F, Bear Paw Ski Bowl greets skiers this December 26 with spring-like conditions and a modest 5-inch snowpack—significantly below the seasonal average by nearly 45%. Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a small family-friendly ski resort located in Montana.
Wind
Humidity
While fresh powder is sparse, a light dusting of 0.11 inches is expected later today, with a more promising accumulation of over 2 inches in the next five days. Conditions are best suited for intermediate cruisers and those looking to enjoy a relaxed day on the slopes. The snow is soft and patchy in some areas, so rock skis are recommended.
Despite the thin base, Bear Paw Ski Bowl remains a hidden gem powered entirely by community passion. Located on tribal land and operated by volunteers, the area offers a rare, authentic ski experience amidst Montana's sweeping landscapes. Recent headlines celebrate Bear Paw’s grassroots spirit and affordability—perfect for skiers seeking soul over scene. As wildfires have affected parts of Montana’s ski season, Bear Paw remains open and resilient. Come for the turns, stay for the story—this is skiing, stripped down to its most meaningful roots.
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, a slight chance of rain and snow between 11am and 4pm, then a slight chance of snow after 4pm. partly sunny, with a high near 42. breezy, with a west southwest wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 31 mph. chance of precipitation is 20%.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl is expected to receive up to 1.27" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Montana ski areas are seeing meaningful snowfall this week, with the heaviest accumulations forecast in the southwestern and northwestern regions. Black Bear, near the West Yellowstone area and Big Sky Resort, leads the state with a 5-day forecast of 14 inches. Carrot Basin and Fisher Creek, also near Big Sky and West Yellowstone, report 6–9 inches incoming and deep existing ... Read more