This is a popular meadow in Bozeman with easy access and terrain. There is no avalanche danger, which makes this a great place to take a beginner backcountry skier. Expect the crowds here when the snow conditions are prime. There are a few options for the descent, and the further south you go the more difficult it is to get back to the skin track. The ski down to the car is a quick and relaxed fun ride.

Beehive and Bear Basin are one of the most popular places to backcountry ski. There is fantastic scenery, great snow and the access is short and pretty easy. This route begins in Beehive Basin and then descends into Bear Basin. The trailhead parking is limited so try and get an early start. Once you reach the ridge between the two basins there are several descent options. This route descends the south bowl which is a little steeper. Bring some good skins because once you descend into Bear Basin you’ll need to skin back up to the ridge.

Beehive and Bear Basin are one of the most popular places to backcountry ski in the area. There is fantastic scenery, great snow and the access is short and pretty easy. This route begins in Beehive Basin and descends into Bear Basin. The trailhead parking is limited so try and get an early start. Once you reach the ridge between the two basins there are several descent options. Bring some good skins because once you descend into Bear Basin you’ll need to skin back up to the ridge.

The Y Couloir on Black Mountain is an amazing adventure and offers a wild descent. The approach follows the Pine Creek Lake summer trail. Reaching the summit will require an ice axe, rope and mountaineering gear. On the way down there are a few slopes to ski by staying toward the left side of the valley. Snowpack varies so take caution when evaluating conditions. This is a great spring/early summer trip.

The History Rock area offers quick easy access with moderate terrain and a short approach. Expect to see the crowds here when the snow is prime. There are a few different options of terrain and the higher you go the more untouched snow you will find. The highest descent is short and sweet but is a good option to do a few laps. The run back to the car is pretty fast with a few meadows that offer a good descent.

Mount Blackmore offers great bowl and chute terrain but the approach can be long. It's popular among the locals in Bozeman. Plan on an entire day, so you can do a few laps in the excellent terrain. If you plan to reach the summit before beginning your descent bring crampons and an ice axe for the last 200 feet. There is plenty of terrain using just a standard approach on skins by skipping the last section. There are many different descent options with the safest being east of the peak. The approach follows a forest service hiking trail and is easy to follow. The closest snotel sensor is at Shower Falls.

Garnet Mountain offers a thrilling vertical drop that is steep with 2700 skiable vertical feet. The chute is treeless which does mean the avalanche danger is high so take caution and be sure to do a snowpack evaluation. The chute sees little skier traffic but the approach is a popular destination for snowmobiles. The first 2 miles of the approach follow a forest service road that is closed during the winter.

Hyalite Peak offers excellent above tree-line skiing. This is a real backcountry adventure that requires smart terrain navigation, snowpack evaluation and safe decision making as you choose your options. The approach is long and follows a summer hiking trail through thick forested terrain. Once you are out of the tree-line the skin track begins as it switchbacks towards the ridge and up to the summit. Choose your descent from the ridge or continue up to the summit. This is prime avalanche terrain so take caution. The Snotel sensor is located on Hyalite Creek at Shower Falls.

Dudley Creek has wide open terrain that makes great skiing. The approach is short but steep and boasts a long descent of 1,700 skiable vertical feet. Dudley is known for developing smooth, spring corn snow because of its southern exposure.

Dudley Creek has wide open terrain that makes great skiing. The approach is short but steep and boasts a long descent of 1,700 skiable vertical feet. Dudley is known for developing smooth, spring corn snow because of its southern exposure.