Great Divide Ski Area
A Winter Destination with a Rich History
Located on the Continental Divide above Marysville, Montana, the Great Divide Ski Area is a popular destination for Helena area skiers and snowboarders. Known as Montana’s sunniest ski area, it spans 1,500 acres with 127 trails across three mountain peaks and valleys.
From Belmont Ski Hill to Great Divide
It opened in 1941 as Belmont Ski Hill, operated by the non-profit Belmont Ski Club. Its first trail was built for the 1942 Northern Rocky Mountain Ski Races. Early operations featured a rope tow and basic facilities. A chalet was added in the late 1940s.
In 1985, Kevin and Nyla Taylor purchased the area and renamed it Great Divide Ski Area. The top of the mountain carries the Continental Divide. Since then, five new chairlifts have been installed, including the Mt. Belmont Chair in 1986, and the area has expanded to include the Rawhide Gulch and Wild West sections, two bowls off of the main mountain.
Great Divide offers terrain for all skill levels, including groomed runs, bowls, and tree skiing. Five chairlifts and one rope tow provide access to over 127 trails. The area is also known for its terrain parks, supported by a powerful snowmaking system that allows for very early season openings. Lessons are available starting in the free in the Backyard Beginner’s Area, and the All-Mountain Ski Team program trains participants aged 7 to 19. Night skiing is offered on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., often with live music.
Five different terrain parks provide an incredible array of fun features for young skiers and riders.
Access has become much easier over the years. The Marysville Road was paved in 2008. The highway pavement was then completed right up to the ski area parking lots in 2016.While there are no accommodations on-site, skiers can find options in the nearby town of Marysville, including Airbnb rentals. For more traditional lodging, Helena, located 22 miles away, offers several hotels and motels. Some offer Ski & Stay packages with discounted lift tickets. For dining, the historic Marysville House restaurant, a former railroad station that had been located at Silver City, and established when mining was booming in the area is the pride of Marysville. In 1975 it was moved up the road to the town.
Marysville and Great Divide area is steeped in mining history, particularly the Drumlummon Mine. Established in the late 19th century by Irishman Tommy Cruse, the mine became one of Montana’s most productive gold mines, generating about half of the $50 million in gold extracted from the region during that era. Cruse later sold the mine to an English syndicate and moved to Helena. Today, remnants of this mining heritage remain in Marysville and at the ski area, offering a glimpse into the town’s historic past.
Great Divide has emphasized accessibility and affordability since its founding. Lift tickets, which cost $1.50 in 1946, remain competitively priced. With its rich history, diverse terrain, and focus on community, Great Divide offers something for everyone, whether you’re skiing or exploring the historic surroundings.
