Showdown Montana > Bear Paw Ski Bowl
Discover where Montanans hit the slopes. These hometown ski areas offer a taste of true winter life in Big Sky Country. After your time on skis, enjoy fun dining, cozy lodging and unique Montana experiences in our friendly mountain towns.
Head deep into the woods of the Little Belt Mountains and make your way to Showdown Montana. There’s no artificial snow here—the real stuff is one of Showdown’s hallmarks, along with affordable prices ($30 lift tickets on Thursdays), the hot cocoa at King’s Hill Grille up top and the cheese fries at the base lodge. After your runs, get a jump on the next day's travels and drive the 90 minutes to Fort Benton, halfway between Showdown and Bear Paw. For dinner, try a farm-to-table meal at Union Grille or barbecue at The Public House. Stay at the historic Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton or at the O’Haire Inn in Great Falls, a classic motor lodge with mid-century flair and the famed Sip n’ Dip Lounge, which features tiki drinks and a mermaid tank behind the bar.
Open Saturday and Sunday
Pop into local favorite Wake Cup Coffee House for breakfast in Fort Benton and then drive the rest of the way (another 90 minutes) to Bear Paw. With one double lift, one rope tow, 900 feet of vertical and 20-some runs, skiing Bear Paw truly is like stepping back in time to what skiing was 50 years ago, in the best possible way. Bear Paw is located inside Rocky Boy’s Reservation, home of the Chippewa Cree, and it’s one of just two U.S. ski areas that operate on tribal land. Off the slopes, get an immersive glimpse into the past of the resilient small town of Havre on the historic underground tour “Havre Beneath the Streets.” Afterward, sit down to a steakhouse dinner at Bow & Marrow or opt for a more casual though no less delicious bite from Nalivka’s Original Pizza Kitchen, a Fort Benton staple since 1957 (takeout or delivery only).