Enjoy 26 runs, a lodge, restaurant, and rentals at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, a 4.8-rated family-friendly ski resort in Lakeside, MT.
Guests highlight a friendly, affordable local ski resort with well-groomed runs and accessible facilities, ideal for beginners and families seeking a relaxed mountain experience.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is a ski resort set within a national forest in Lakeside, Montana, offering 26 runs suitable for a range of skiing abilities. The resort features a lodge with accessible facilities, including wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms, ensuring ease of use for guests with mobility needs. On-site amenities include a restaurant and bar, along with rental services, making it a practical choice for visitors looking to spend a full day on the slopes.
The resort is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and offers active military discounts as well as live performances, adding to the recreational options available beyond skiing. While the lifts are basic compared to larger Western ski areas, many reviews highlight the well-groomed trails and the relaxed, uncrowded environment, which appeals to beginners and intermediate skiers especially. Guests frequently comment on the welcoming staff and community feel, making it a suitable option for families and casual skiers.
Access involves a multi-mile dirt and gravel road that can be challenging during heavy snowfall, though efforts are made to keep it plowed. The ski area's location away from major tourist hubs means it tends to attract mostly local visitors, contributing to its quieter slopes and fresh tracks late in the day, according to several guest reports. This setting provides a more low-key experience compared to busier resorts nearby.
While limited snow conditions have occasionally affected the terrain, the resort remains an affordable and approachable destination. The dining options receive positive remarks for quality and value, and reservations or early arrival may be advisable on weekends due to parking constraints. Overall, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area caters well to families, local skiers, and those seeking a straightforward, down-to-earth skiing experience.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
One of our group uses a wheelchair and it worked very well to get them in and out of the lodge. Like most ski areas this year the snow was limited but enjoyed what there was. Blacktail is especially good for beginners and intermediate skiers. Actually it's an area I would go out of my way to take beginners to.
Interesting drive to the top. I can only imagine how difficult it must be in the winter as it's a multi mile dirt/gravel road. From what I gather, this ski area is generally used by locals. Not a lot of chair lifts but has plenty of black diamond runs followed by blues, etc. Nevertheless, it seems like a fun place to try out on the winter.
Nice local ski resort. Partially closed now due to storm restoration, but very affordable, relaxed and now crowded
Fantastic independent ski hill! Friendly staff, impeccable grooming, affordable and delicious food!
Great little Mountain with beautiful views. The road can be challenging in heavy snows but they keep it plowed as best as possible.
I got lesson for my daughter and everyone was very nice and helpful! Pretty much every single person we passed said hello or good morning staff and other who just came to the mountain. Great experience! Will be putting my other kid in lessons as soon as she decides which one she wants to learn!
Great skiing and great views. Conditions were excellent and the trails were well groomed at the beginning of the day. Fast and efficient check in and we were out on the slopes in under 15 minutes. Has a decent snack/cafeteria. Only negatives were parking is probably inadequate on a weekend and the lifts are pretty basic for a western US ski location. There are way fewer tourists than whitefish mountain though so I prefer coming here.
Visited from out of state for the first time last weekend. What an amazing mountain. No crowds, no lines, fresh tracks each run even at the end of the day, and that was with part of the mountain still closed for low snow conditions. You want glam, glitz and fancy lifts, goto Whitefish. You want a small local ski hill that feels like you have stepped back in time, come to Blacktail. Can't wait to come back
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