Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Red Lodge, Montana
Tel:
(406) 446-2610
In 2003, American Cowboy Magazine noted that "if you have any problems in Red Lodge it'll be deciding what to do." This is true not only of its summer time activities but also for the winter. Located in south-central Montana along the eastern front of the Beartooth Mountains and just west of the historic town of Red Lodge, Red Lodge Mountain gets top marks in value for money. It is also a well-rounded family-oriented resort, with a fantastic view of Montana.
If you're looking for that big mountain feeling, but with fewer crowds, more fun, and less money, then Red Mountain is a great place to strap on your boots. With a 2,400 foot vertical drop, 71 trails, spread out over two mountain peaks, 30 acres of chutes, 60 acres of glades, and a grand total of 1600 skiable acres, Red Mountain has lots to offer skiers of all levels. The mountain has 8 lifts that get you to its top in a hurry, and, on average, the weather tends to be sunny for at least 5 day out of any given week, which is sure to make your mountain experience a more pleasant one.
Weather permitting, Red Lodge's season stretches from the end of November until mid-April. It's mostly able to stay open so long as a result of the fantastic snowfall the mountain gets on those non-sunny days but, just to be on the safe side, the mountain also has snowmaking capabilities on almost half its trails. Start your day on the upper mountain a bit earlier as it closes earlier, at 3:30pm. The rest of the mountain remains open until 4:00pm. The mountain's initially low-priced tickets are further discounted for senior citizens and college students who come here to hit the slopes.
The mountain also plays host to those looking for a snowboarding adventure. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced jibber, snowboarders of all levels will find their niche here and carve it out in snow. The terrain park is a quarter mile long. It is groomed every week, and its features are changed a couple of times a month. The terrain park includes jumps, bumps, table tops, and rails and boxes. Beginners can hit up "The Railyard" to learn how to catch some air, while more advanced boarders should check out "The Sundance Park" with its advanced features and more aggressive rails.
There's no reason to ever get bored at Red Lodge. If you need a break from skiing, there are plenty of other activities in the area, of both a relaxing and adventurous nature. Take some time to catch a few local races on the mountain, as Red Lodge supports local racing including the area's college and high school teams. For a more active break, take in the view on a guided snowshoe trip. There are various guides and tours available that are suitable for all levels. Snowshoe rentals are available at the shop so that you don't even need to come equipped for a snow hike. You can also find cross county trails available in the area, as well as a limited amount of snowmobiling. Make sure to check out the mountain's event calendar which includes a variety of activities, including the Winter Carnival, Boarder Rally, Big Air and Slopestyle Contest, and the ever popular Jump Jackpot.
The mountain is a full service mountain and a wide variety of services are offered. Childcare is readily available, so you needn't worry about your little pre-skiers while you cruise the slopes. There are several restaurants and bars on the mountain to enhance your après ski experience. Naturally, you can also take advantage of the mountain's proximity to the historic town of Red Lodge, which provides a wide variety of shopping and dining experiences. Take a stroll down Main Street and you'll easily find food and drink to suit any taste. Anything you might yearn for, from steak to pizza, and sidewalk cafes to fine dining, are all located conveniently here at your doorstep. Every Saturday there are live bands at the mountain bar, but Red Lodge also opens its doors to great night time activities suitable for all ages with such attractions as bars, movie theatres, and a bowling alley. Red Lodge is also a great place to lay your head. It has a generous array of hotels, condos, private home rentals, B&B's, and anything else your heart desires.