Is Montana The Most Searched Ski Destination In The Nation?

Montana means mountainous, a name rooted in Spanish and Latin, and it fits perfectly. With winter taking up nearly half of our year, those mountains spend a lot of time covered in snow. That long stretch of cold weather gives us something pretty special. Montana is home to some of the best powder anywhere, and when you pair that with the terrain, it is no surprise that winter sports are a huge part of life here.

Montanans know how lucky we are, but how does the rest of the country view us as a ski destination? A new study from KÜHL gave us a clearer picture by analyzing more than 450 ski-related keywords and over 500 resorts to see where ski interest is strongest.

Where Does Montana Rank For Skiing?

Montana ranks near the top. The study found 3,423 ski related searches per 100 thousand residents, which places the state in the top three nationally. That interest does not just come from locals. Nearby states like North Dakota search heavily for Montana ski trips, showing that our slopes draw regional attention as well.

Colorado still ranks number one nationwide with residents from 11 different states searching for their resorts the most. Still, Montana is holding its own.

The deeper data is even more interesting. According to the analysis, North Dakota residents search for Montana skiing more than any other out of state destination, with roughly 720 searches a month. That happens even though Montana is farther away than other closer options. Showdown leads as the most searched resort in the state with about 8,100 monthly searches. Big Sky also sees high interest to with 1,300 monthly searches from Florida alone.

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Montana might be known for its cowboy culture and wide open spaces, but its ski industry is reaching far beyond its borders. The numbers show it.