Showdown Montana

Montana’s oldest ski area, running since 1936.

Montana’s oldest ski area, on Kings Hill in the Little Belt Mountains, about 67 miles from Great Falls. It’s small and friendly, with low prices, a family feel and live music in the saloon most weekends. The ski area also runs The Edith Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, near the town’s hot springs.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,400 ft

Summit

8,200 ft

Skiable terrain

640 acres

Trails

40

Lifts

4

Average snowfall

240″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 28%
• Intermediate 44%
• Advanced 28%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Hot springs
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

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

• ChristmasThu Dec 24, from 9:30 am

  Ski with Santa

  Santa on the slopes on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day.

• New Year’sThu Dec 31, 5–6 pm

  NYE Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

  A torchlight parade down the mountain followed by fireworks.

• Opening dayFri Dec 11

  Opening Day

  First day of the 2026-27 season.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Edith Hotel

  Freshly renovated rooms and suites in White Sulphur Springs, owned by the ski area.

  30 min drive
• hotelHotel Arvon

  Historic boutique hotel in Great Falls.

  1 hr 15 min drive
• innSpa Hot Springs Motel

  Motel on Main Street in White Sulphur Springs with two outdoor and one indoor hot-spring pools.

  30 min drive

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

Things to do

• Spa Hot Springs · 30 min drive

  Soak in mineral hot-spring pools in White Sulphur Springs after skiing.

• C.M. Russell Museum · 1 hr 15 min drive

  Charles M. Russell’s paintings of the Old West, plus his home and log studio.

• $35 Thursdays · On mountain

  Cheap lift tickets every Thursday from Jan 7.

Après and nightlife

• Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon

  The lodge bar, with local beers, Bloody Marys and live music most weekends.

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

Getting there

• Great Falls International (GTF) · about 1 hr 15 min drive
• Calgary · about 5.5 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 8 hr

Directions in Google Maps