Great Divide Ski Area

Helena’s hill, with Friday night skiing.

Helena’s local mountain, near the old gold-mining town of Marysville, with 100-plus trails across three peaks and six terrain parks. Friday nights under the lights with live music in the saloon are a local tradition. Low prices and a relaxed crowd make it a good family day.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,500 ft

Summit

7,330 ft

Skiable terrain

1,500 acres

Trails

100

Lifts

6

Average snowfall

180″ a year

Longest run

3 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 7%
• Intermediate 47%
• Advanced 46%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSun Dec 20, 1–2 pm

  Skiing with Santa

  Santa visits the slopes.

• New Year’sDec 31, 6 pm

  New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

  Ski until 6 pm, then a torchlight parade and fireworks.

• Opening daySat Nov 28 (tentative)

  Opening Day

  Planned start of the season; terrain depends on snow.

• MusicFridays from Dec 18, 6:30–9:30 pm

  Friday night skiing with live music

  Night skiing with bands in the Missing Lynx Saloon on many Fridays through early March.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Bell Hotel

  Pet-friendly boutique hotel on Helena’s downtown walking mall.

  35 min drive
• hotelDelta Hotels Helena Colonial

  Large full-service Marriott hotel in Helena.

  35 min drive
• b&bThe Sanders

  Restored mansion B&B, a short walk from Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena.

  35 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Friday night skiing · On mountain

  Lights on until 9 pm on Fridays from the holidays to mid-March, $15, with live music in the Missing Lynx Saloon.

• Montana Heritage Center · 35 min drive

  The Montana Historical Society’s museum in Helena.

• Blackfoot River Brewing · 35 min drive

  Helena brewery taproom, a local favorite.

• Ten Mile Creek Brewery · 35 min drive

  Small-batch brewery taproom in Helena.

• Marysville · 5 min drive

  Weathered wooden buildings of an 1870s gold-mining town on the road to the ski area.

Après and nightlife

• Missing Lynx Saloon

  Full bar at the base with local drafts and live music on Friday nights.

• Blackfoot River Brewing

  Helena taproom for a beer on the way home.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Helena Regional (HLN) · about 35 min drive
• Salt Lake City · about 7 hr
• Spokane · about 5 hr

Directions in Google Maps