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. Après ski, get a jump on tomorrow and drive the 90 minutes to Fort Benton, halfway between Showdown and Bear Paw. Grab dinner and local flavor in Fort Benton at Union Grille, Golden Triangle Brewing Co. or The Public House, and overnight at the Grand Union Hotel or the O’Haire Inn.

Open Saturday and Sunday 

Fuel up on breakfast in Fort Benton and then drive the rest of the way (another 90 minutes) to Bear Paw Ski Bowl. With one double lift, one rope tow, 900 feet of vertical, 20-some runs and more local vibes than anywhere else in the state, skiing Bear Paw truly is like stepping back in time to what skiing was 50 years ago, in a good way. Bear Paw is also one of two U.S. ski areas that operate on tribal land, located inside Rocky Boy’s Reservation, home of the Chippewa Cree. Off the slopes, explore the charming small town of Havre on the historic underground tour “Havre Beneath the Streets” and grab a bite to eat at Bow & Marrow or Nalivka’s Original Pizza Kitchen (takeout or delivery only).