Red Lodge Mountain – Ski Area, Montana

Looking for a location for a great skiing vacation? Take a trip to Red Lodge Mountain, Montana for a memorable experience!

Red Lodge Mountain is an alpine ski area in Rocky Mountains of the south-central region in Montana. It is located 67 miles from the city of Billings, to the west side of the town of Red Lodge, along the eastern front of the Beartooth Mountains.

Red Lodge Mountain features 1600 acres of skiing terrain with over 71 trails spanning across a total length of 125 miles (200 kilometers). Red Lodge Mountain is a medium sized ski resort with 8 ski lifts (7 chair lifts, 1 surface lift) and is serviced by 1 High-Speed Detachable Quad, 3 Doubles, 1 Triple and a magic carpet. The lifts act as a great vantage point for sightseeing and viewing the area. The lift takes the skiers to an elevation of 9,416 feet from the base elevation of 7,016 feet. Red Lodge Mountain offers skiers an impressive vertical descent of 2400 feet (732 meters).

Red Lodge Mountain is a must visit for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels. This ski resort is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but there are few terrains meant only for advanced skiers. The trails in the Red Lodge Mountain are evenly distributed- 17% for beginners, 45% for intermediate and 38% for advanced level skiers and snowboarders.

Red Lodge Mountain is located on US Highway 212 and about one and half hour southwest of the city of Billings, Montana. The facility is operated from beginning of November to the end of April.

Red Lodge Mountain – Statistical Details

Lower Mountain region: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Upper Mountain region: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Elevation of the summit: 9,416 feet (2,870 m)

Vertical Drop: 2,400 feet (732 m)

Base Elevation:  7,016 feet (2,138 m)

Lifts: The lifts in the area include

• 1 High-Speed Detachable Quad (+ 1 in Palisades Bonus Area – operational weather permitting)
• 3 Double Chair lifts
• 1 Triple Chair Lift
• 1 Magic Carpet lift

Lift Capacity: 10,690 skiers per hour

Trails: The skiing trail of Red Lodge Mountain covers 1600 acres of Custer National Forest. The mountain is covered by:

• 65 trails and groomed slopes (6 slopes operational, only in good weather condition)
• About 30 acres for advanced chute skiing
• About 60 acres for gladded tree skiing
• Vast areas for alpine skating

Skiable trail in miles: 90 miles

Trail Division:

• 17% for Beginners
• 45% for Intermediate Level
• 38% for Advanced Level

Longest Run in the region: Lazy M, which is a 2.5 miles long descent

Red Lodge Mountain Weather

The Red Lodge area features a climate with cold and dry winters, and warm and wet summers. The region has an average snowfall of 250 inches of snow annually. The average annual high temperature is 55.1°F and the annual low temperature is 20.2°F. The average temperature of the mountain region is around 31º F.

For more weather information contact the Red lodge mountain authority at the Snow Phone: 406-425-3334

Activities- In and Around Red Lodge Mountain:

The different activities in Red Lodge Mountain, Montana are:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowmobiling
• Snow coach
• Sleigh rides
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing

Types of Skiing available in Red Lodge Mountain:

Red Lodge Mountain mainly features skiing for both intermediate and advanced skiers. The type of skiing includes

Alpine Skiing: This is the most popular type of skiing as it is the easier form practiced by all. The skiers are provided with a chairlift to reach the vantage point on the mountain, and then the skiers make their descent. It is best suited for beginners and intermediate level skiers, but even an expert can enjoy this type of skiing.

Advanced Chute Skiing: The Red Lodge Mountain features 30 acres of area designated for advanced chute skiing. Chute refers to the steep and narrow gully mostly surrounded by rocks. This type of skiing should only be carried by expert professional by taking maximum precautions.

Tree Skiing in the Glades: Skiing in the woods is commonly referred to as tree skiing and tree skiing location are called glades. Red Lodge mountain features 60 acres of glades for tree skiing. The glades are marked as expert terrain and skiers should call for extreme caution.

Trails information

The most popular trails of the Red Lodge Mountain include:

Magic Carpet –trail for absolute beginners

Miami beach – trail for beginners

Willow creek – trail for beginners but include few technical sections

Triple Chair – trail for intermediate level skiers with few extremely difficult sections

Grizzly peak – trail for experts. A special membership is required for skiing in the area

Cole Creek – trail for experts

Palisades Quad – the trail operates depending on weather and is marked for intermediate skiers

Terrain Parks

The Red Lodge Mountain area features terrain parks as venue for functions and training grounds:

Miami Beach Terrain Park:

Miami Beach Beginner Terrain Park is located on gentle slopes of Miami Beach. It is designed as a terrain for absolute beginners and used for developing the skills of the riders. This park provides safe and fun platforms for both rookies and experts trying new tricks.

Main Features: 16′ Flat Box, 8′ Up Box to Flat 8′ Disco Box, 14′ Skinny Flat Box, 8′ Flat Rail, 13′ Round Rail, Tire Hops.

Scrap yard Terrain Park:

The Scrap Yard Terrain Park is a terrain for skiers from intermediate to advanced level skiers. The Scrap Yard is located on Hancock and Lower Continental and features intermediate and advanced level features that are updated regularly.

Main Features: 10′ Jump, 15′ Jump, 20′ Jump, 25′ Jump, 35′ Jump, 16′ Flat Box, 38′ Down Flat Down Rail, Step Up-Step Down Jump, 30′ Lift Tower, 30′ Flat Rail, Flat Up Rail, ” Street Style” Rail, Barrel Tap, Log Tap Pyramid, Down Up Down Box.

Safety Tips for Skiing in Red Lodge Mountain:

Skiing is an adventure sport that requires a lot of precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep you safe while skiing in Red Lodge Mountain:

• Red Lodge Mountain feature many snowmaking hoses and power cables that carry high voltage and high pressure. Do not ski over hoses or power lines!
• There’s always a risk of avalanche along many of the uphill routes. It is best to check weather forecast and snow report for precaution.
• Mountain users should use reflective clothing, headlamps and blinking lights when possible.
• The mountain area can become over crowded at times. It is essential to stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• Make sure not to stop at the main trail, or at places where you are not visible to others, to avoid collisions.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings.
• Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
• Never skip on the essentials equipments and always wear the protective gear. The protective set includes  goggles, helmet and ski masks
• Protect your skin from the sun, wind and the snow. Always use sun screens to protect the skin.

Nearest Cities to Red Lodge Mountain

Red Lodge Mountain is located on US Highway 212. The nearest cities to get to Red Lodge Mountain include:

Billings

Billings is the largest city in the state of Montana and is located 67 miles to the northeast of Red Lodge Mountain. Billings Logan International is served by airlines offering direct and connecting flights to all points of the globe and is the main gateway to Red Lodge Mountain via flight.

Red Lodge

The town of Red lodge is situated in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. Red lodge is a small town that constitutes of 2,000 occupants. The town is renowned for its hospitality and good will. The town is home to spa retreats and spa location for resting after a long day in the mountains. The town is also considered a gateway to the Yellowstone National Park.

Enjoy your vacation in the Red Lodge Mountain, a ski area that features skiing for skiers of all ages and ability levels. The Mountain located a midst the beautiful natural surroundings of the Cluster National Forest is an ultimate vacation for   ski lovers.

This holiday season visit Billings, take a trip to the Red Lodge Mountain and enjoy. For lodging needs in Billings remember Western Inn Motel, good accommodation at the best price! Happy traveling!