A writer from the New York Times took to the slopes to test out the Indy Pass with a stop in Missoula to try out Montana Snowbowl.
Less than 30 minutes away from the heart of town is Montana Snowbowl. Its terrain varies from beginner runs to expert-level trails through the trees, boasting more than 950 acres of skiable area, 39 named runs and 300 inches of annual snowfall on average. The laid-back, no-frills culture attracts skiers and riders from all over.
The ski area’s charming, rustic feel with wooden A-frame lodges and wood-fired pizzas left an impact on writer Elaine Glusac, who was visiting on a road trip from Salt Lake City, stopping at Indy Pass mountains along the way. While the powder during Elanie’s trip was not ideal, she wrote about how it “didn’t stop her from enjoying Missoula,” with stops at Gild for cold beer and delicious tacos, and a night spent at the thoughtfully curated Wren hotel.
Snowbowl is just a short drive away from downtown, making hanging out before or after a day on the slopes easy and accessible. For the visiting writer, staying downtown allowed her to be in the center of all the action with all the best attractions within walking distance of her accommodation.
For Indy Pass skiers, Missoula is only a short day trip away from other Indy Pass mountains, including Lost Trail Powder Mountain in Sula and Blacktail Mountain Resort in Lakeside. All of these resorts feature short lift lines, great powder and a unique feel that you won’t find at larger resorts throughout the Rockies. No Indy Pass? No problem. Lift tickets at Snowbowl are affordable and easy to come by, allowing you more time on the slopes and more bang for your buck.
While we can’t control the snowfall in Missoula (we wish!), we can hazard a pretty good guess that, snow or shine, a visit here will stick with you all season long—whether you’re sending it on the slopes or warming up in an inviting restaurant downtown.
