Your 4-Day Montana Ski Trip (On a Budget)

Written by Erin Hoppe Updated on 11/26/2025

Planning a ski trip to Montana doesn't have to drain your wallet. This 4-day itinerary shows you how to experience world-class powder at both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort without the premium price tag.

Where to Stay

For more affordable rates, stay in a smaller town that’s off the beaten path, like Belgrade, Montana. You'll find affordable lodging options, local restaurants where your dollar stretches further, and easy access to Bozeman's amenities just 10 minutes away. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport sits right in Belgrade, making arrival and departure seamless.

For accommodations, the Quality Inn Belgrade is a fantastic affordable choice. The Micro Outpost Hotel is another good option, conveniently located on Belgrade’s Main Street. If you’d like to cook (a great way to save on your trip!), the Extended Stay America Premiere Suites have kitchenettes in each hotel room. All three hotels offer complimentary breakfast, and booking early secures the best rates, especially during peak ski season from December through March.

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Tips to Cut Down on Cost

Buy lift tickets in advance. Both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky offer significant discounts when you purchase online weeks before your trip. You can save $20-40 per ticket at Big Sky and get the best rates at Bridger by avoiding walk-up window prices.

Consider half-day tickets. Both mountains offer half-day tickets at reduced rates. If you're not used to high altitude, starting with a half-day session helps with acclimatization while keeping costs down. This approach also works well for younger skiers who might tire earlier.

Rent equipment in Bozeman (if you’re not bringing your own). While you can rent gear at both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, you'll pay extra for the convenience. Renting from shops like Chalet Sports or Round House Ski & Sports in Bozeman typically costs less.

Pack your own meals. A cooler in your car with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water makes a huge difference in your daily budget. Resort food prices can quickly add up, and having your own vehicle means you can easily access your lunch between runs.

Travel during shoulder season. Early season (late November through mid-December) or late season (March through April) offers lower ticket prices, fewer crowds, and lodges often run promotions. Avoid holiday weeks when prices spike.

Cook some dinners. With a kitchenette in your hotel or by stocking up at Town & Country Foods, you can prepare some meals yourself and save money for more time on the slopes.

Day 1: Settle In and Explore Belgrade & Bozeman

After arriving at the airport, pick up your rental car and settle into your accommodation. Grab food at ">The Local, a Belgrade favorite serving generous portions at reasonable prices, or grab supplies at Town & Country Foods if you're planning to make your own meal.

Head to Chalet Sports or Round House Ski & Sportsin Bozeman to rent ski and snowboard gear if needed. If time permits, walk around Bozeman's downtown area or take a jaunt up to Peet's Hill, a park with great views of Bozeman and the Bridger Mountains.

Return to Belgrade and walk along the charming Main Street while taking in the mountain views. If you're ready for another bite to eat, grab dinner at Bar 3 Bar-B-Q, a brewery and cost-conscious barbeque spot.

Day 2: Ski the Cold Smoke at Bridger Bowl

Grab coffee and a hand pie from Duke's Cafe & Bakery on your way to Bridger Bowl. Located just 30 minutes north of Belgrade, Bridger Bowl offers 2,000 acres of incredible terrain at significantly lower prices than destination resorts. Daily lift tickets typically cost less than $100, and are cheaper if you buy them online in advance.

This locals-favorite mountain delivers steep chutes, wide-open bowls, and a no-frills atmosphere that feels authentically Montana. With a 2,600-foot vertical drop and an average of 350 inches of snow annually, Bridger Bowl consistently ranks among the best ski values in North America. The terrain caters to all ability levels, from gentle groomed runs on the lower mountain to the famous Schlasman's Lift accessing expert-only terrain with mandatory avalanche beacons.

Don't miss "The Ridge" if you're an advanced skier – it offers some of the most thrilling in-bounds skiing in the country. For intermediate skiers, the Alpine and Deer Park lifts provide excellent cruising terrain with stunning views of the Bridger Range. Families will appreciate Bridger's affordable ski school programs, dedicated learning areas, and less-crowded slopes that make it easy to progress at your own pace.

Snag food at I-Ho’s (Korean food) or Montana Ale Works (American food) in Bozeman — both spots with quality, affordable food. If you’re looking for live music, check out who’s playing at The Filling Station, a dive bar, or Tune Up, a speakeasy-themed basement bar.

Day 3: Hit the Slopes at Big Sky Resort

Grab a coffee and breakfast burrito to go from Cafe M, conveniently located on Belgrade's Main Street.

For your second ski day, check out Big Sky Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in the United States. Big Sky is worth a visit in the winter just for the drive alone. Driving through Gallatin Canyon is stunning; it’s the location where many scenes of the movie “A River Runs Through It” were shot. Keep your eyes peeled – you may just spot a Bald Eagle or two.

The mountain at Big Sky is divided into several distinct areas. Beginners will love the gentle, wide-open runs of the lower mountain and Andesite Mountain. Intermediate skiers can explore endless groomed cruisers and tree skiing on the middle mountain. Advanced skiers and riders have access to steep couloirs, cliff drops, and the famous Big Couloir – a 50-degree pitch that's become legendary among extreme skiers.

Big Sky's signature feature is the iconic Lone Peak, reaching 11,166 feet and accessible via the Lone Peak Tram. The tram deposits skiers at the summit, where you'll find 360-degree views and access to some of the most challenging terrain in North America. With a 4,350-foot vertical drop, Big Sky offers significantly more vertical than most resorts.

Back in Belgrade, grab dinner at> The Mint, a slightly nicer, yet still affordable, restaurant on Belgrade's Main Street. Craving Mexican food? Check out Fiesta Mexicana where portions tend to be large (sharing meals helps cut costs). Mackenzie River Pizza is another affordable option.

Day 4: Return Home (...And Plan Your Next Trip Back)

Your final day allows for a leisurely morning in Belgrade before your departure flight or drive home. If time permits, grab breakfast at Center Ice Cafe & Bakery in Belgrade, as it'll be much cheaper than restaurants inside the airport.

Planning an affordable ski trip is all about making strategic choices. Choosing a smart accommodation in a smaller town like Belgrade, preparing and bringing your own meals, and traveling during shoulder seasons all help cut costs. The money you'll save on accommodations and daily expenses means more funds for what matters: time on the mountain and creating memories in Big Sky Country.

Book your rental car and hotel now to get the most bang for your buck and set yourself up for an unforgettable budget-friendly ski trip in Belgrade, Montana.

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