Idaho
There are several ski resorts in Idaho. Many of the slopes are treeless and covered with light powdery snow which provides ideal skiing conditions.
Sun Valley and Ketchum - These are the most highly priced pieces of real estate in the state. The skiing action centers around Bald Mountain with 80 skiing trails of varying levels of difficulty. This area is a large tourist attraction.
Silver Mountain - This area has over 50 ski runs and is rarely crowded. There are eating establishments at the base of the mountain.
Brundage - This resort gets some of the lightest, powdery snow in Idaho. There are slopes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
Bogus Basin - This area is reasonably priced and has seven ski lifts. There are trails for different levels of skiers, and you will find food and lodging at the base of the mountain.
Schweitzer - This is the best ski trail in northern Idaho. There is a large variety of uncrowded slopes for all levels of ability.
Wyoming
Wyoming ski slopes, like Colorado and Idaho, have fresh, powdery snow with many secluded and uncrowded trails.
Grand Targhee - This area has many wide open trails covered with powdery snow. There are trails for all skill levels. Forty feet of powdery snow falls each year, and many of the slopes are very secluded. This resort has a quality ski school on the premises.
Jackson Hole - This area has 50% of the terrain designed for expert skiers only.
Montana
Montana has several ski resorts and is included in the northern Rockies geographical area. These Montana resorts are beginning to challenge Vail and Aspen in popularity due to the fluffy powdery snow and great slopes.
Big Sky - This area often has the first skiable snow in the Rockies. The resort is divided into three mountains: Lone Mountain, Andesite Mountain, and Flatiron Mountain. This ski resort has trails for all levels of skiers, and the terrain is beautiful. Restaurants and lodging are available in this resort.
Big Mountain - This is northern Montana’s best year-round mountain resort. The chief disadvantage is continuous cold, foggy weather. The location is remote. There are trails for beginning, intermediate, and advanced skiers. It is possible to rent or buy ski equipment.
Red Lodge - Has a very friendly atmosphere. Slopes are covered with dry, powdered Montana snow and the runs are not crowded. A small downtown area is at the base of the mountain.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area - Located 20 minutes north of Bozeman. This ski area is designed for very advanced skiers. Three hundred and fifty inches of snow fall per year. No lodging is present on the hill, however there are several restaurants.
Discovery Basin - This is one of the state’s most challenging ski areas. There are 40 ski trails. Beginners and intermediate level skiers need to stay on the front side of the mountain with more advanced skiers on the back side. Lodging is at the base of the mountain as well as equipment rental.
Snowbowl - Located 12 miles northwest of Missoula, Montana. This is not a good area for beginners due to trail difficulty. Restaurants are on the mountain and lodging is on the base of the mountain.