Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort: Your Complete Guide to Montana's Best-Kept Skiing Secret (Winter Guide Part 1 of 3)
**TLDR:** Red Lodge Mountain offers 1,635 acres of skiable terrain with a 2,400-foot vertical drop, 7 lifts, and terrain for all ability levels from beginners to advanced skiers. This guide covers ticket pricing strategies, terrain breakdowns, on-mountain dining options, rental services, and season dates for 2025/26. Essential details on lodging near the mountain and how to maximize your ski days complete this comprehensive resort overview.
Here's what most people get wrong about Red Lodge Mountain: they think it's small.
Sure, it's not Vail. It doesn't have a gondola or a village full of $20 cocktails or European tourists complaining about the snow quality. What it does have is 1,635 acres of skiable terrain, a 2,400-foot vertical drop, genuinely challenging advanced terrain when Cole Creek is open, and lift lines that won't eat your entire morning.
Red Lodge Mountain is the ski area where locals actually ski. Where families can afford season passes. Where you can park near the lodge without a shuttle, eat lunch without a reservation, and ski legitimate vertical without fighting hordes of Instagram influencers.
If you're reading this, you're probably wondering whether Red Lodge Mountain is worth the trip, what the terrain is actually like, how much it costs, and what to expect. Good news: we're about to answer all of that and more.
This is Part 1 of our complete Red Lodge winter guide. We're starting with the mountain itself because if you're coming to Red Lodge in winter, you're probably here to ski. Parts 2 and 3 will cover everything else winter in Red Lodge has to offer, from Nordic skiing to skijoring to the best après spots in town.
Let's talk about Montana skiing done right.
Red Lodge Mountain at a Glance
The Mountain Stats:
Skiable Terrain: 1,635 acres
Vertical Drop: 2,400 feet
Trails: ~70 named runs
Lifts: 7 (chairlifts and surface lifts, no gondola)
Terrain Parks: 3
Season: Projected opening Friday, November 28, 2025 (typical close early-mid April)
Operating Hours: Lifts typically 9 AM - 4 PM
Ticket Pricing (2025/26):
Advance online lift tickets: Save up to 35%
Flex Ticket (1 day, non-holiday): $96
6-Tix package: Adult $569 / Junior $359 / Child $189
Season Pass (through 10/31/25): Adult $1,079 / Senior $899
Indy Pass: Accepted (2 days on base/plus)
Terrain Breakdown:
Beginner: Base area and Miami Beach zone
Intermediate: Blue cruisers from Willow Creek and Grizzly Peak chairs
Advanced/Expert: Upper mountain and Cole Creek when open
Getting There: 6 miles south of Red Lodge on Ski Run Road (NOT over Beartooth Pass, which is closed all winter)
Now let's dig into what makes this mountain special.
How Big Is Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort?
Red Lodge Mountain offers 1,635 skiable acres with a 2,400-foot vertical drop across approximately 70 named runs serviced by 7 lifts. While modest compared to destination mega-resorts, the terrain is diverse and legitimate, with long groomers, steep pitches, and remote-feeling zones when Cole Creek terrain opens.
What Kind of Terrain Does Red Lodge Mountain Have?
Beginner Territory: Learning Without Intimidation
The base area and Miami Beach zone are where you'll find the progression terrain. If you're teaching kids, bringing nervous first-timers, or working on fundamentals yourself, this is your zone. It's close to rentals, the ski school meeting area, and warm-up spaces.
Miami Beach gets morning sun, which is clutch when temperatures drop. The terrain is gentle, wide, and forgiving. Nobody's bombing through at Mach speed. It's the kind of learning area that builds confidence instead of terror.
Intermediate Cruising: Where Most People Spend Their Day
The blue groomers accessed from Willow Creek and Grizzly Peak chairs are Red Lodge's bread and butter. Long, wide runs with consistent pitch. The kind of terrain where you can get into a rhythm and rack up vertical without thinking too hard.
Midway Lodge sits at the top of the Willow Creek chair and serves as the natural mid-mountain hub. Grab lunch, warm up by the fireplace, take in views of five mountain ranges on bluebird days, and reset before your next lap.
These blues aren't boring. They're well-maintained, they hold snow well into spring, and they're long enough that your legs know you've been skiing by afternoon.
Advanced and Expert: The Real Deal
When Cole Creek terrain is open, Red Lodge shows its teeth. This is steeper, more remote-feeling terrain that separates casual intermediates from actual advanced skiers. The upper mountain accessed from Grizzly Peak also delivers legitimate challenge.
Note: Grizzly Peak serves intermediate and expert terrain only. If you're still solidly in the beginner phase, stick to other lifts.
The resort doesn't publish exact percentage breakdowns by ability level, which is fine. The zones speak for themselves. Beginners have dedicated space. Intermediates have plenty of terrain to explore. Advanced skiers get enough to stay interested without getting bored by noon.
How Many Lifts Does Red Lodge Mountain Have?
Red Lodge Mountain operates 7 lifts including chairlifts and surface lifts. Key lifts include Willow Creek (accessing Midway Lodge), Grizzly Peak (to the summit and Summit Shack), and Stache Express (serving the Willow Creek yurt zone). The resort does not operate a gondola.
What Do Red Lodge Mountain Lift Tickets Cost?
Dynamic Pricing: Book Ahead and Save
Red Lodge uses dynamic pricing, meaning ticket costs vary based on date and demand. The resort advertises savings up to 35% for advance online purchases compared to walk-up gate prices. Translation: buying online the morning you arrive will save you money compared to showing up at the window.
Flex Ticket: $96
One day of skiing valid any regular-season day. Blackout dates December 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026, plus February 13-15, 2026 (Presidents' Day weekend). If you're skiing peak holiday periods, this ticket won't work.
6-Tix Package: The Multi-Day Sweet Spot
Non-transferable six-day ticket package. Adult $569, Junior $359, Child $189 (valid for 2025/26 season). Same holiday blackouts apply to restricted versions.
Do the math: if you're skiing six days at Red Lodge, the package saves significant money compared to daily tickets. If you're planning a week-long trip or multiple weekends, this is your move.
Season Pass: For Locals and Frequent Visitors
2025/26 season pass pricing through October 31, 2025: Adult (19-64) $1,079, Senior (65-69) $899. Youth tiers also available. Early-bird pricing windows change annually, so check current rates if you're considering a pass.
Indy Pass
Red Lodge Mountain participates in the Indy Pass program (2 days on Indy Base or Plus levels). Local blackout dates apply and are listed on the resort's Indy page. If you already have an Indy Pass, Red Lodge makes for an excellent addition to a Montana ski road trip.
Pro Tip: For multi-day trips, compare the 6-Tix total cost to your expected daily ticket spend. Peak periods book fast, so plan ahead around holiday blackouts.
Does Red Lodge Mountain Offer Ski Lessons?
Yes. Red Lodge Mountain operates a ski and snowboard school daily during the season with full-day, half-day, and private lesson options for adults and children. The Learn 4 Life first-timer program costs $299 for 2025/26 and includes a multi-visit package with lift access, rentals, and lesson progression.
Where Can I Rent Ski Equipment at Red Lodge Mountain?
On-mountain rentals open daily 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Seasonal rental packages are available (example pricing: Adult $219, Child $175 for the season). Daily rental rates post closer to winter. The rental shop also offers repairs, lockers, and bag check services on site.
What About Rentals in Town?
Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop in downtown Red Lodge rents Nordic (cross-country) skis and snowshoes. Recent pricing examples show adult XC packages around $20-25 per day. This is your go-to for non-alpine winter gear.
Where Should I Eat at Red Lodge Mountain?
Base Area: Main Lodge and Bierstube
Main Lodge serves breakfast 8-10 AM and lunch 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Seating is reserved for food and beverage customers, which is standard resort policy. Brown-bag areas are provided if you're packing your own food (more on that below).
Bierstube reopens with winter operations and serves as the classic après spot. This is where you go when skiing is done but the day isn't.
Mid-Mountain: Midway Lodge
Top of the Willow Creek chair. Burgers, sandwiches, vaulted great room with a fireplace, and legitimately superb views. This is the best on-mountain lunch stop if you want a real meal and a warm-up break without descending to the base.
Summit: Summit Shack
Top of Grizzly Peak. Warming space only, no restrooms, primarily a patrol workspace. Respect posted guidance. This isn't a lunch destination; it's a quick shelter stop.
Brown-Bag and Public Spaces
If you're packing your own food:
Base brown-bag area (free)
Willow Creek Yurt (9 AM - 3:30 PM)
Midway downstairs brown-bag area (9 AM - 3:30 PM)
Bag Check available 8 AM - 4 PM
Insider Strategy: Ski through the peak lunch rush (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) and hit Main Lodge after 1:30 PM for shorter lines. Or use the Willow Creek Yurt or Midway downstairs if you brought your own food.
When Does Red Lodge Mountain Open and Close?
Red Lodge Mountain's projected 2025/26 opening date is Friday, November 28, 2025. Closing typically occurs in early to mid-April depending on snow conditions. Exact closing dates are announced during the season via the resort's snow report page.
What Are Red Lodge Mountain's Operating Hours?
Mountain lifts typically operate 9 AM to 4 PM daily during the season. On-mountain food service runs breakfast 8-10 AM and lunch 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Brown-bag areas and the Willow Creek Yurt are open 9 AM - 3:30 PM. Always verify current hours on the resort's snow report the morning of your visit.
Is Red Lodge Mountain Good for Families?
Absolutely. The dedicated beginner terrain at the base and Miami Beach zone, proximity of rentals and ski school, manageable lift lines, and mid-mountain lodge with family-friendly dining make Red Lodge an excellent family ski destination. No shuttles, no overwhelming village, no gouging on basics. Just skiing.
Is Red Lodge Mountain Good for Advanced Skiers?
Yes, particularly when Cole Creek terrain is open. The upper mountain and Cole Creek zones offer legitimately steep, challenging terrain with a more remote feel. Advanced skiers won't get bored by noon, though mega-resort junkies accustomed to endless expert terrain should adjust expectations accordingly. This is 1,635 acres, not 5,000.
What Should I Know About Weekend Crowds?
Buy lift tickets online well in advance for peak weekends to lock in better pricing and avoid disappointment if tickets sell out. Consider mid-week skiing for shorter lift lines and a more relaxed mountain experience. Holiday periods (late December through early January, Presidents' Day weekend) bring the biggest crowds and are subject to blackout dates on multi-day ticket products.
How Do I Get to Red Lodge Mountain?
Drive to Red Lodge via US-212 from Billings (approximately 60 miles, 1.25-1.5 hours depending on winter road conditions). From Red Lodge, continue south on Ski Run Road for approximately 6 miles to the resort.
CRITICAL: Do NOT attempt to navigate over Beartooth Pass (US-212 south from Red Lodge over the summit). The Beartooth Highway is closed all winter. Set your GPS to Ski Run Road, not the summer Beartooth route. Check Montana 511 each morning for road conditions between Billings and Red Lodge, as winter weather can create snowpacked or icy stretches.
What's Coming in Parts 2 and 3?
We've covered the ski resort itself: terrain, tickets, lessons, and dining. But Red Lodge winter goes way beyond downhill skiing.
In Part 2, we'll explore winter activities beyond the resort: Nordic skiing at the Red Lodge Nordic Center and groomed West Fork trails, snowshoeing popular routes, the wild spectacle of skijoring, ice climbing options, and winter hiking.
Part 3 dives into Red Lodge's winter events and culture: the Christmas Stroll, Winter Carnival, skijoring finals, local museums and attractions, plus complete sample itineraries and insider planning tips.
Because the best ski trips aren't just about the skiing. They're about the town, the culture, and the experience of being somewhere that actually feels like a mountain community instead of a manufactured resort village.
Red Lodge delivers that in spades. The skiing is the hook. Everything else is why you'll come back.
Ready to plan your Red Lodge ski trip? Book your room at The Yodeler and make us your basecamp for Montana skiing done right. We've got the steam saunas and wax room waiting for you.