This Affordable Montana Ski Area is a Rare Hidden Gem

Montana is home to some of the world's best skiing terrain. There are so many places to ski that some smaller ski areas fly under the radar.

Hidden in the Bear Paw Mountains, just 29 miles south of Havre, Montana, you'll find a ski area that is considered a secret amongst locals. That was, until it was featured in one of the longest-running ski publications. The reason it was featured? It's one of the only ski areas on Tribal Land in the country.

This Affordable Montana Ski Area is a Rare Hidden Gem

Bear Paw Ski Bowl, located on the Rocky Boy Reservation in northern Montana, was recently highlighted in Ski Magazine.

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It has 24 ski runs, $25 lift tickets, and only operates during the weekend. It is also one of the only ski areas on Tribal Land.

The Chippewa-Cree Tribe owns the ski bowl, while the Snow Dance Ski Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit, keeps it running. There are roughly 80 acres of total ski area, and it only opens when they have enough snow, which is typically between January and March. Also, it's only open on weekends.

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Bear Paw Ski Bowl may not have the most terrain, but lift tickets will only cost you $25 a day. If you're looking for a quieter, more off-the-grid skiing experience, you might want to head to the Bear Paw Mountains and check it out. It's not a commercial ski resort. There's a two-seat chair lift and a rope tow, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character.

The ski bowl is a special place that has relied on the dedication and commitment of hard-working volunteers throughout the years. If you find yourself in northern Montana, do yourself a favor and hit the slopes.