Pros & cons
PROS
- Summer skiing on steep alpine terrain
- Low-frills vibe with two platter (T-bar) lifts
CONS
- No lodge, rentals, or on-mountain restrooms
- Advanced-only terrain; not suited to beginners
Overview
Perched high on Beartooth Pass, this is a no-frills, summer‑only ski hill for strong skiers and riders who want steep laps with huge views. Expect a throwback operation: two platter (T‑bar) lifts, a small crew, and terrain that drops off the Twin Lakes Headwall. The reward is simple—summertime turns in a stark alpine amphitheater.
Season and Operations
The typical operating window is late May to mid‑June, snow and weather permitting, with daily hours around 9 a.m.–3 p.m. In 2025, the hill ran May 28–June 15 and, as of September 24, 2025, it’s closed for the season. Capacity is limited (about 100 skiers per day). Tickets are sold on site—cash or check—and online sales are non‑refundable. Don’t be surprised if tickets are sold from a truck at the top; that’s part of the charm.
Terrain and Conditions
This is advanced terrain: steep headwalls, cornices, natural jumps, boulders, and mini couloirs. Mornings can be firm at 10,000+ feet, softening into forgiving corn by midday if the sun cooperates. Weather flips fast up here; bring layers and be ready for wind and sudden squalls.
Facilities (or lack thereof)
There’s no lodge, no rentals, no lessons, and no cell service. Plan bathroom stops along the highway: the seasonal rest area at Rock Creek Vista Point has vault toilets, and there are pit toilets at nearby campgrounds. Services are sparse on the pass—plan food, water, and spares before you drive up.
Access and Road Reality
The ski area sits roughly 23 miles south of Red Lodge on US‑212 at the east summit/Twin Lakes Headwall. Road status governs everything; the highway can close quickly even in early summer due to snow or wind. Always check conditions before you commit to the switchbacks.
Scenery, Wildlife, and Beyond
Even if you’re just tagging along with skiers, the above‑treeline vistas are knockout. Mountain goats are commonly spotted from pullouts near Twin Lakes—give them space. If you have the skills and gear, the broader Beartooth Highway corridor offers backcountry objectives like the Rock Creek Headwall, Reefer Ridge, and the Gardiner Headwall.
Best Time to Visit
Hit opening bell for the smoothest snow and calmer winds. Late morning often brings prime corn; afternoons can turn slushy or stormy. The short season concentrates visitors into a few weeks, so arrive early, be flexible, and build in a weather buffer day.
Where it is
44.9751, -109.4347Tips for Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area
- 01Bring cash or a check for on-site tickets and expect a 100-skier cap.
- 02There’s no cell service—screenshot or print any receipts or info beforehand.
- 03Use the vault toilets at Rock Creek Vista Point before you reach the lifts.
- 04Pack layers and sun protection; weather and UV are intense at 10,000+ feet.
- 05Check US‑212 road status the morning you go; closures can happen fast.
Near Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area
All places →All trails →
1.3 mi awayTwin LakesQuick pullout for alpine lakes and big viewsPullout · Parking
2 mi awayBeartooth Pass OverlookTop-of-the-world views at the highway’s 10,947‑ft high pointPullout · Parking
3.9 mi awayQuad Creek Scenic OverlookTiny pullout, huge tundra views over the Quad Creek valleyPullout · Parking
4.4 mi awayGlacier Lake TrailShort, steep climb to a jewel-toned alpine lake off Beartooth HighwayChallenging · 4.4 mi · 3 hr
4.4 mi awayBecker Lake TrailA mellow lake to lake walk with a big view payoffModerate · 8 mi · 3.5 hr
4.4 mi awayHellroaring Plateau TrailWind-scoured alpine stroll to lake overlooks if you earn the accessModerate · 5 mi · 4 hr
4.9 mi awayVista Point Observation SiteBig Rock Creek Valley views at the Beartooth switchbacksParking · Restroom
5 mi awayRock Creek Vista Nature TrailShort, paved stroll to a sweeping Rock Creek Canyon overlookEasy · 0.5 mi · 15 min
