Have you ever heard of Beartooth Basin? Tucked high in the mountains near the Montana-Wyoming border, this unique summer ski area is one of the most unusual ski experiences in North America. After trying to make the trip for four years, I finally made it happen on May 27— and it was worth every mile.

Steve skiing at Beartooth Basin

Getting there is part of the adventure. The drive over the famous Beartooth Highway is spectacular and worth the trip by itself. After a morning of skiing, I continued my drive through Yellowstone National Park, making for an unforgettable day. 

Beartooth Basin is unlike any ski area you’ve visited. Lift tickets are just $50, and operations are refreshingly simple. A small van in the parking lot serves as the ticket office, and the two poma lifts are powered by a diesel generator. With only about 500 vertical feet and no groomed runs, this is not a destination for every skier. 

To start your day, you’ll immediately find yourself on black-diamond terrain. There is a blue run lower on the mountain, but overall the skiing is geared toward confident intermediate and advanced skiers. Conditions can vary dramatically, so pack accordingly. Depending on the weather, you might be skiing in full winter gear—or, in shorts. The snow was soft and enjoyable all morning without becoming sticky.

Beartooth Basin typically operates from Memorial Day through early July, although Mother Nature has the final say. Previous attempts to visit were unsuccessful by either a snowed-in highway or insufficient snow at the ski area itself. Lodging options are limited but straightforward. Many visitors camp in the surrounding area, while others stay in hotels in nearby Cooke City, Montana, or Red Lodge, Montana. Either option works well depending on the type of adventure you’re seeking.

If you’re looking for a different ski experience and want to add a unique destination to your ski résumé, Beartooth Basin deserves consideration.

To learn more about this fascinating operation, check out the Beartooth Basin website.

by Steve Carlson

• Author
• Recent Posts

Guest Contributor

With permission, we share articles from our friends, colleagues, and readers.

Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)

• Spring Skiing at Beartooth Basin: A Bucket-List Adventure - November 4, 2026
• It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Ski - October 7, 2026
• Rediscovering My Ski Groove at Deer Valley - March 5, 2026