An early winter warm-up greeted Bear Paw Ski Bowl this morning with overnight temps reaching an unseasonable 41.9°F. Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a small family-friendly ski resort located in Montana.
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Despite the spring-like feel, skiers woke up to a light dusting of fresh snow—1 inch overnight—bringing the base depth to 6 inches. While that's still 24% below average for this time of year, the slopes are holding up with help from a dedicated crew of volunteers keeping the terrain skiable. With just 0.13 inches of precipitation forecasted over the next 72 hours, conditions may stay firm and fast—ideal for those looking for crisp early turns and low crowds.
Bear Paw continues to shine as one of Montana’s best-kept secrets—praised in recent news as a community-driven gem built on tribal land. This under-the-radar ski bowl not only offers affordable access but also celebrates a rich cultural connection to the land. While major snowfall remains elusive for now, the spirit of the mountain is alive and well, fueled by passion, tradition, and a tight-knit community. Whether you're a local or an adventurous traveler, now's the time to experience one of the most authentic skiing experiences in the Northern Rockies.
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, mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 10 by 5pm. wind chill values as low as -5. windy, with a west wind 29 to 34 mph decreasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 60 mph.
Heavy snowfall is expected across southwestern and northwestern Montana over the next five days. The highest totals are forecasted near Fisher Creek (23"), Northeast Entrance and White Mill (23"), and Twelvemile Creek and Twin Lakes (22"). Resorts near these locations, such as Big Sky Resort (near Carrot Basin and Lone Mountain, forecasted 12" and 3" respectively) and Red Lodge Mountain ... Read more