Red Horse Mountain Lodge is a popular alpine ski resort located in south-central Montana, along the eastern front of the Beartooth Mountains, just 6 miles west of the historic town of Red Lodge.Nestled within the Rockies and near the northeast park, it’s renowned for its “down-to-earth altitude” vibes, offering authentic, no-frills skiing with a small-town, friendly atmosphere that appeals to families, beginners, and experts alike. The resort offers a summer adventure in Montana’s breathtaking scenery with an emphasis on great snow, varied terrain, and Western hospitality.
Winter sports at Red Horse Mountain Lodge
Red Lodge Mountain in south-central Montana is a prime destination for winter sports, offering a variety of activities centered around its ski and snowboard offerings.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Terrain: The resort offers more than 70 runs that span two summits and a vertical drop of 2,550 feet. All skill levels of players can use the terrain. Starting at 20% For beginners, gentle slopes such as those near the Magic Carpet lifts and Willows creeks are perfect. Intermediate skiers are served by intermediate (40%) long cruising groomers, like the runs in the Miami Beach and Cole Creek areas. The advanced steep chutes, blades, and black diamonds, like those on Grizzly Peak and Cole Creek, challenge seasoned skiers and snowboarders.
Lifts: 8 lifts, including triple chairs, high-speed quad chairlifts, and a beginner’s magical carpet. While wait times are typically short, some older triple lifts may result in slightly longer rides.
Red Lodge, Montana Activities
Red Lodge, Montana, a charming mountain town near the Beartooth Mountains and Red Lodge Mountain Resort, offers a wide range of activities year-round, with a focus on winter sports in the colder months and outdoor adventure, cultural events, and scenic exploration in other seasons.
Winter Sports Red Lodge Mountain
Skiing and cross country skiing: For a more sedate winter workout, the Red Lodge Nordic Centre, which is near the city, provides well-maintained classic and skate skiing trails. Passes and rentals are available.
Snowshoeing: Explore nearby Beartooth Mountains trails with snowshoes. Local outfitters like the Beartooth Mountain Guides provide rentals and guided tours.
Snowmobiling: The Beartooth Mountains have extensive snowmobile trails. Operators like Beartooth Adventure in Red Lodge offer rental and guided trips to high alpine areas.
Pro tip: Check snow conditions via the Red Lodge Mountain website or an app like OnTheSnow, especially as the season nears (late November start).
When Does Red Horse Mountain Lodge Open
Red Lodge Mountain, the ski resort close to Red Lodge, Montana, will be operational for the 2025-2026 season. It typically lasts until mid-April and is in line with the resort’s historical opening dates of late November, if the weather and snowfall permit. At the end of September, this is according to the resort’s custom of opening in late November, the climate, and snowfall permitting, and usually lasts until the middle of April. While summertime activities like golf will soon come to an end, the resort is already in off-season mode as of late September 2025, but winter preparations are already underway.
Visit Red The Lodge Mountain official website or their snow report for the no most recent confirmation, as dates are subject to change based on their conditions. If you’re planning a trip, you can pre-purchase lift tickets and season passes with potential early-bird discounts.
Summer Hiking Trail at Red Horse Mountain Lodge
Here are some standout hiking trails directly at or adjacent to Red Lodge Mountain, based on popularity, accessibility and scenery:
Willow Creek Trail (No. 105)
Length and Difficulty 6-8 miles round trip, moderate.Elevation gain is about 1500 feet.Starts from the Red Lodge Mountain parking lots and winds through lush forests, open meadows, and along Willow Creek.Except for wildflowers in July and August, possible wildlife sightings, and a serene canyon feel. It is a great introductory hike for the area. The access trailhead is at the upper parking lots; no shuttle is needed. Four-wheel drive is recommended for the initial access road if driving from town.
Best for families or casual hikers seeking a peaceful, shaded route.
Tips for Hiking here
Season: Prime time is June and September, Beartooth Highway opens late may. Snow can linger on higher trails into July.
Permit and Safety: No permit needed for day hikes but register at the Ranger station. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and stay on the trail to avoid erosion.
Historic Downtown Red Horse Mountain Lodge
Nestled at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains in south-central Montana, Red Lodge is a charming gateway town to Yellowstone National Park via the stunning Beartooth Highway.Its historic downtown, officially designated as the Red Lodge Commercial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, captures the essence of a late 19th-century mining boom town turned vibrant tourist hub.
Must-See Landmarks
The Pollard Hotel Famous people like Frederic Remington, Calamity Jane, and Buffalo Bill Cody stayed at this chic brick building. Provide period rooms, fine dining, and an insight into Gilded Age luxury, it is the centre of the district. Intriguing details are added by Sundance Kid lore; imagine the heist while sipping drinks at the bar.
Scenic Drive: Beartooth Highway Access Guide
The Beartooth Highway, an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway, is one of the most breathtaking drives in the U.S., climbing from lush valley to alpine tundra at over 10,947 feet. Spanning 68 miles through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, it connects Red Lodge, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City, Montana offering jaw-dropping views of glacier-carved peaks wildflower meadows, and sheer drop-offs via hairpin turns.
Read More: Blog, Destination, Outdoor
