Western Montana is a popular ski and snowboarding destination for folks from all over—and for good reason. The Rocky Mountains offer tremendous downhill conditions in ski spots that may not be as crowded as busier resorts in more heavily populated states. No matter where you ski under the Big Sky, you’ll certainly want to take advantage of some of the state’s top apres locations. These are our favorite apres ski spots and activities in Montana.
As one of the state’s—and one of the nation’s—biggest ski areas, Big Sky Resort, as you probably imagined, has a lot of awesome apres activities to offer. But our favorite—and we’re not alone—is Scissorbills Saloon. A vibrant, convivial scene pairs with awesome drinks, specials and plenty of live entertainment to make it a favorite among Big Sky shredders.
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Sometimes a little perspective is a good thing. After a day on the slopes at Big Sky, head a little way out of the resort to Lone Mountain Ranch. There, you’ll find the Saloon, the ranch’s renowned drinking establishment, which offers exceptional food, stiff drinks, a roaring fire and huge views of the mountain you just shredded.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is northwest Montana’s premier ski destination, and like any big resort, you’ll find plenty of options for a great afternoon/evening of apres ski fun. But if you’re looking for the classic German ski lodge feel you only find in western ski lodges, the Bierstube is the place you want to be.
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After dashing down the slopes at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, head a few minutes into town for your apres activities. Your best bet is the Haufbrau House, an exuberant bar that’s as well known for its live music as it is for its drinks. You’re sure to find plenty of other downhill enthusiasts at this popular hometown bar after a day at Bridger.
Red Lodge Mountain is a ski area in the Custer Gallatin National Forest—you can see into Yellowstone National Park from the top of the lift—and close to the town of Red Lodge. But for apres activities, there’s no reason to leave the mountain. Head over to Bierstube for live music, camaraderie, and tasty drinks—grab your buddies and spring for the famous shotski.
Showdown Montana—in the state’s central region—is the oldest ski area under the Big Sky. Although, you can always head into nearby Belt for later-evening shenanigans, start your apres festivities at the resort’s Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon, where you’ll find belly-warming fare, cold drinks and live music—all in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The Last Run Inn is so well known for its food and drink, that people come to the Montana Snowbowl without skis or boards—they come for pizza and Bloody Marys. With a pedigree like that, you can imagine that hungry and thirsty skiers and boarders make their way in flocks to this Last Run—after they’ve made their own on the slopes.
If you’ve been shredding the Montana/Idaho border at Lost Trail Powder Mountain, you’ll need to unwind. Head over to Darby, about 30 miles north, and you’ll find the “smallest brewery in Montana." Finish off your day of barreling down the slopes with a pint of craft beer and lively conversation. Bandit Brewing isn’t a stranger to live musical performances, so get ready to jam out. This beer is about as local as you can get.
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After a day of bombing down Blacktail Mountain’s runs, Muley’s Pub and Restaurant is the go-to apres ski destination for folks skiing in the Northwest Montana region. A warm fire welcomes downhill enthusiasts into the pub, while a solid menu and a full bar keep them happy as they warm up.
There can’t be enough praise for Philipsburg Brewing Company, which opened in 2012. Not only does the tasty beer accumulate awards like nobody’s business, but their atmosphere is on a whole other level. Located in a historic bank building that dates back to 1888; this prominent spot hosts weekly events as well as live music every Friday and Saturday night. It would be a shame not to check out this brewery while traversing the snow in the area.
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