While other bears spend the cold winter months hibernating, grizzlies at the University of Montana seek adventure. Nestled at the foot of Mount Sentinel, it’s no surprise that the University of Montana is the place to be if your Big Sky dreams include gliding down snow-covered slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Missoula community and its five nearby ski areas are uniquely positioned to help you enjoy/love Montana winters.
Ski Areas Within a 2.5-hour Drive of UM
Montana Snowbowl
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Located 14 miles from campus, about a 30-minute drive
- 2,600 vertical feet, more than 50 marked trails
- Student day pass: $82; Student season pass: $882
- Check out Montana Snowbowl's website for deals on passes, information for lessons and rentals, as well as the snow report.
- Pro tip: you can catch a shuttle from the UM Outdoor Program on campus every weekend starting Jan. 18, 2026
Discovery Ski Area
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Located 90 miles east of campus between Philipsburg and Anaconda, about a 90-minute drive
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2,388 vertical feet, more than 60 marked trails
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Day pass: $72; Season pass: $665
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Check out Discovery Ski Area’s website for deals on passes, information on lessons and equipment rentals, as well as the snow report.
Lost Trail Ski Area
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Located 95 miles south of campus, about a 90-minute drive
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1,800 vertical feet, more than 60 trails
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Day pass: $73; Season pass: $695
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Check out Lost Trail Ski Area’s website for deals on passes, information on lessons and equipment rentals, as well as the snow report.
Lookout Pass
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Located 105 miles west of campus, about a 90-minute drive
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1,650 vertical feet, more than 50 trails
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Student day pass: $67; Student season pass: $167
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Check out Lookout Pass’s website for deals on passes, information on lessons and equipment rentals, as well as the snow report.
Blacktail Mountain
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Located 120 miles north of campus, about a 2:20-hour drive
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1,440 vertical feet, more than 20 trails
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Student day pass: $65; Student season pass: $435
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Check out Blacktail Mountain’s website for deals on passes, information on lessons and equipment rentals, as well as the snow report.
Skiing and Snowboarding Resources at UM
Discounted Lift Tickets
Beginning in December, UM Students can purchase discounted lift tickets to Montana Snowbowl, Lost Trail Ski Area and Lookout Pass through Campus Recreation, located in the northeast corner of UM's Fitness and Recreation Center.
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Montana Snowbowl: $65
- Lost Trail Ski Area: $62
- Lookout Pass: $57
Ski and Bike Workshop
The Outdoor Program workshop is available for students to fix or tune up their bike or ski equipment year-round. The workshop has all the tools you need to keep moving outdoors, and if you need an extra hand, there are knowledgeable shop attendants on staff that can provide you with assistance. For $10 an hour you can:
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Inflate your bike tires.
- Fix a flat.
- Lube a chain.
- Wax skis or boards.
- Sharpen edges.
- Purchase supplies as needed (including bike tubes, cables, housing, wax, p-tex and more).
Don't want to do the maintenance yourself? No worries! For $20 an hour a shop attendant will take care of you and your equipment.
Skiing and Snowboarding Classes and Clubs
The University of Montana also offers a variety of activity classes specific to snow sports. Whether you’re giving it a try for the first time with the guidance of a trained instructor, or a seasoned professional who wants to give winter camping a try while backcountry skiing. Campus Recreation also offers Level 1 Avalanche courses and registration for these courses starts at $475 for UM students!
Did you know that there are hundreds of student clubs on campus? If you're looking to find other students to shred with during the winter months, consider joining clubs like the Freeride Club, or Chicks on Sticks, or the Telemark Skiing Club.