As 2025 winds down, Red Lodge Mountain greets the final day of the year with spring-like conditions more reminiscent of April than late December. Red Lodge Mountain ski resort in Montana offers 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 65 runs and an average annual snowfall of 250 inches.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures reached a balmy 38.5°F, and the snowpack sits at just 7 inches—about 70% below average for this time of year. Despite a snow water equivalent of 2.7", recent thaws and limited snowfall have left slopes patchy and some terrain closed. Groomed runs are still rideable for those eager to carve out a few last turns in 2025, but off-piste conditions remain thin and icy. No measurable new snow is forecasted for New Year’s Eve, though light flurries may dust the higher elevations.
In the midst of unusually mild weather, Red Lodge has been grappling with serious safety concerns following several tragic chairlift incidents. A fatal fall earlier this month prompted a full safety investigation and calls for increased lift oversight across Montana. In response, resort officials have implemented enhanced chairlift protocols, including reinforced safety bar usage and increased operator training. As the mountain continues to attract holiday travelers, guests are encouraged to stay on marked trails, heed all lift instructions, and prioritize safety while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
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 Cole Creek.
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 Red Lodge Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Red Lodge Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Red Lodge Mountain is located in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. The ski resort features a variety of mountain aspects, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges near Red Lodge Mountain include the Beartooth Range, the Absaroka Range, and the Crazy Mountains. The ski resort offers stunning views of these mountain ranges and provides skiers and snowboarders with a unique and challenging mountain experience.
The best trails are the Grizzly Peak, Lazy M, and Cole Creek. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was once a training ground for the famed 10th Mountain Division during World War II. A specific suggestion for beginners would be to stick to the Miami Beach and Silver Run trails. The best après ski bar is the Snag Bar, which offers a wide selection of drinks and live music on weekends.
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 44. west northwest wind 8 to 16 mph.
Montana’s heaviest snow forecasts over the next five days are centered in the northwest region. Hawkins Lake and Poorman Creek near Turner Mountain Ski Area are slated for 12" and 10" respectively. Nearby Garver Creek and Hoodoo Basin will also see 10" and 9", reinforcing strong snowfall in the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests. Lookout Pass and Whitefish Mountain Resort ... Read more