Red Lodge Mountain is situated to the southwest of Billings, near the Wyoming border, and offers many of the amenities of a world class ski resort, but in a more laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find lots of powder owing to the abundant snowfalls, few crowds and a well maintained park, with jumps, bumps, table-tops and rails.

Within the resort, there is a ski/sports shop and rental boutique, a ski school and day care facilities for children. The accommodation is based in Red Lodge town itself, and in Billings for a greater choice. Red Lodge is an Old West mining town that is today well-stocked with shops that line the main street.

The 71 slopes at Red Lodge Mountain resort are divided into 25 per cent for beginners, 40 per cent for intermediates, 25 per cent for those at an advanced level and 10 per cent for experts. Gladed and tree-lined slopes are available for both snowboarders and skiers, as is the excellent 400-metre snow park. Eight lifts provide access to the pistes, the longest of which is four kilometres, and cross-country trails are also available.

Other winter activities and facilities at Red Lodge Mountain and the town include: ice-skating, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh riding, snow-tubing and mountaineering. There is also a swimming pool and a health club nearby. The town of Red Lodge has a great variety of eateries and a lively night scene.

Red Lodge Mountain ski resort’s season runs from early December to early April, and the best snow conditions are in February. Children under the age of five years and seniors over 70 can ski for free. The most practical travel option for getting to Red Lodge is to fly to Billings International Airport and hire a car.