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Top 5 Ski Towns in Montana Where Slopes Are Affordable

Top 5 Ski Towns in Montana Where Slopes Are Affordable

Compared to other US states, Montana doesn’t always come to mind first for casual skiing and snowboarding.

The average American usually thinks about states like Colorado or Idaho, along with East Coast hubs like Vermont and New Hampshire. But make no mistake—Big Sky Country has some of the US’s snowiest slopes with a whopping total of 10,000 skiable acres in reach.

There’s just one catch: Thanks to its rugged and remote resorts and mountains, Montana tends to be one of the pricier winter adventure destinations in the US.

Unless, of course, you know where to go.

Many Montana locals love to ski and snowboard throughout winter—and they don’t head to the big lodges surrounded by fine dining and timeshares. (Not all the time, at least.) In other words, you can find affordable ski towns in Montana that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

You just need to learn how to ski like a local. Thanks to a few tips from the Montana Winter Guidebook from Visit Montana, you can expect a perfectly snowy and thrilling winter sports escape at the five ski towns listed below. I’ve also laid out the guidebook’s multi-day ski itineraries in the next section.

Ski towns in Montana with great slopes

Ski at Showdown Mountain from White Sulphur Springs or Great Falls

Operated since 1936 by the same family, Showdown Mountain is renowned around the state for its hefty drifts of snow—no artificial flakes needed. Despite its perfect powder and fantastic location in the Little Belt Mountains, lift tickets are as low as $30 (on Thursdays).

If you’re looking for something to do, book a stay on New Year’s Eve. Showdown Mountain offers one of the wildest yet pristinely beautiful fireworks shows in the US. And don’t forget to book a treatment at the locally loved Spa Hot Springs Motel.

Ski at Maverick Mountain from Dillon

Don’t want to drift too far off the beaten path? Head to Maverick Mountain, only 40 miles outside Dillon. You’ll immediately feel at home, even if you have limited experience on the slopes. (The main lodge still has its shag carpet from the 1970s, according to Visit Montana.) If you like, you can also visit nearby Jackson Hot Springs or Elkhorn Hot Springs.

Ski Turner Mountain from Libby

Similar to Showdown Mountain, Turner Mountain is one of the most affordable ski towns in Montana. Part of that is thanks to Turner Mountain’s nonprofit status (it’s in Kootenai National Forest), while the rest is thanks to the area’s small population.

You’ll notice plenty of Libby locals enjoying the slopes, which might have as few as 125 guests on them. If you want space to roam, head to Turner Mountain. (And don’t skip out on its wonderful new brewery, Cabinet Brewing.)

Ski Blacktail Mountain from Lakeside or Bigfork

Located near Glacier National Park, Blacktail Mountain is one of the most convenient ski towns in Montana to add to your itinerary if you’re heading to the park. You’ll be able to see the park from the mountain, along with Flathead Lake. Best of all, it’s geared toward families and includes beginner slopes.

At Blacktail Mountain, you can access over 1,000 acres of ski-ready powder. Nearby, you can also take advantage of the Blacktail Nordic Trails, designed for cross-country skiing.

Ski Discovery Mountain (aka Disco) from Philipsburg

Disco, as it’s known to locals, is one of the most expansive mountains with slopes that are great for experienced skiers. You can cruise across 2,200 acres, sticking to the beginner-friendly South Side or taking on the Granite area, home to multiple black diamond trails.

You can reach Disco from hubs like Missoula, Butte, or Helena, but the more affordable option is to stay in nearby Philipsburg. I recently covered Philipsburg in a piece on the best DIY gem mines in the US. In winter, you might be more wooed by something like ice fishing at nearby Georgetown Lake.

Looking for an itinerary for different ski towns in Montana?

If you’re new to Montana slopes but want to put together a multi-day trip across the state, I highly suggest borrowing an itinerary from Visit Montana.

Using their Winter Guidebook, you can put your own twist on their suggested 10-day, four-day, and two-day ski itineraries. They even have three-day snow and ice adventures, along with a four-day winter experiences itinerary.

As an added perk, you can also read more about the ski mountains mentioned here, along with tips like winter driving advice specific to Montana.

Forget the Fries—Eat at These Michelin Restaurants in Amsterdam

If Michelin has dubbed a restaurant’s cuisine as ‘creative’, buckle up.

You’re in for one of the most imaginative and delicious meals of your life. Or, if things go poorly, one of the most baffling culinary experiences of your life—but still memorable, I’m sure.

I had the recent pleasure of attending a dinner event at Zayt in Cefalu, Italy, where three Michelin-starred chefs took center stage. My favorite dish was the deconstructed arancini, Sicily’s signature dish. It hit just about every marker in the book: delicious flavors, a novel new construction, and a masterful handling of texture, flavor, and presentation.

Not only was it a treat for the taste buds, but it also showcased one of the island’s most well-known eats in a totally reimagined form. In short, it was a reminder that food is culture—and that creativity in the kitchen can have a lasting impact on your impression of a place.

In celebration of creative eats and Michelin stars, I’m taking us north of Cefalu—all the way to the Netherlands.

Why?

Because the country has a reputation for boring, mild food. But cities like Amsterdam are also home to cutting-edge new kitchens that serve us delicious, creative meals that will blow your mind.

Want to take a bite out of Dutch culture? Head to these Michelin restaurants in Amsterdam, all of which have the cuisine classification of ‘creative’. Buckle up.

7 of the most creative Michelin restaurants in Amsterdam

Vinkeles

Courtesy of Vinkeles

Chef Jurgen van der Zalm has a masterful hold on the art of combining high-quality ingredients with complex sauces designed to rock your palate. Didn’t know that ‘master sauciers’ existed? Pull up a chair and taste the Art of Saucery at Vinkeles.

Restaurant 212

Courtesy of Restaurant 212

Chefs Thomas Groot and Richard van Oostenbrugge are experts at transformation, flipping ordinary ingredients into creative new forms. At the same time, their dishes are hailed as retaining their original flavors. Dairy fans—don’t miss out on the Dutch cheese board.

Spectrum

Époisses – Sticky Rice – Horseradish – Blackcurrant (Courtesy of Spectrum)

Chef Sidney Schutte draws on his ample experience cooking in the Netherlands and Hong Kong to offer an unprecedented take on fusion cuisine—one that’s all his own. If you’ve got an experienced palate that isn’t afraid of innovation, book a table now.

RIJKS

Chef Joris Bijdendijk is redefining traditional Dutch cuisine with his highly personal and exotically influenced dishes. For example, he serves us a millefeuille-style dish made of thinly sliced beetroot that’s topped off with a white butter enriched with Tomasu soy sauce and parsley oil. Expect to walk away with brand new cravings.

MOS

Courtesy of MOS

Chef Egon van Hoof has perfected the art of colorful, drool-worthy presentations—but his technical skill also makes every dish a treat to bite into. As an added perk, you get those visually striking preparations and memorable flavor combinations without spending an arm and a leg.

Daalder

Courtesy of Daalder

This restaurant isn’t quite like the others on the list—which you’ll immediately feel thanks to the restaurant’s neon-laden, night-club-esque décor. Inside, Chef Dennis Huwae offers up plates designed to be both delicious and fun. As Michelin puts it, ‘Subtle, intense, explosive’ is a great way to describe Huwae’s menu.

Ciel Bleu

Courtesy of Ciel Bleu

Chef Arjan Speelman takes you into the clouds atop the Okura Hotel, offering spectacular city views and a memorable series of dishes. You can expect a masterful combination of French culinary staples blended with Asian seasonings. According to reviews, staff is also top-notch and helmed by an industry-famous Maitre D, Francesco Simonelli.

Ron Gastrobar

Courtesy of Ron Gastrobar

Headed by Chef Ron Blaauw, the restaurant’s name says it all. This gastrobar is meant to be accessible to non-foodie and fine-dining aficionados. It’s colorful, the décor is familiar, and the dishes aren’t reinventing the wheel. Despite the slightly more casual nature of Ron Gastrobar, you’ll still be drooling over its dishes, from the barbecue-prepared wagyu to the pigeon fillet.

ML

Courtesy of ML

From Chefs Mark and Liane Gratama, ML lets you sample some of the most cutting-edge and wild dishes at any Michelin restaurants in Amsterdam. There’s just one catch: it’s actually located in Haarlem, around an hour outside of Amsterdam. (A perfect chance to get out of the city!)

From texture play to seaweed-infused desserts to watching the chefs in the open kitchen, there’s something enchanting to be seen and/or tasted. If you want to watch head chef Mark Gratama do his thing, book a table at The Chef’s Bar.

Machu Picchu Protests Leave Hundreds of Travelers Stranded at the Site

Earlier this year, Peruvian authorities laid out new operations for its famous Machu Picchu site.

As one of the New 7 World Wonders, almost 1.5 million people visit the ancient high-altitude ruins each year. That’s around four thousand visitors per day.

According to new operational guidelines laid out earlier this year, tourists can only access Machu Picchu with certified guides and visit during pre-selected time slots. The goal is to regulate the number of daily visitors while also streamlining operational standards and expectations from official guides.

The changes coincide with another major update.

For the last 30 years, Consettur bus lines have had exclusive rights to provide transportation to and from Aguas Calientes, which is the last town before the hike to Machu Picchu begins. Locals blocked the railway to protest the sudden change that didn’t consult locals.

The lapse in contract has shifted economic realities in Aguas Calientes and other areas in the Cusco region. To protest the changes, groups blocked the railway and prevented a competitor bus line from operating around Aguas Calientes on Monday, September 15.

Inside the protests at Machu Picchu

The protests left around 900 tourists stranded in Aguas Caliente with no way to return to their lodgings. Other reports claim that close to 1,500 tourists were also evacuated from the area at this time, as fears of civil unrest continued. Clashes with police led to over a dozen injuries, although no visitors were implicated.

Stranded in Aguas Calientes, some travelers undertook the long journey of hiking down the mountain toward hotels.

Rail service from PeruRail continued on Wednesday, September 17th. Since the original protests, the US Embassy of Peru has issued a warning for American travelers. Recommendations include avoiding large gatherings and demonstrations, exercising caution when close to large gatherings, and monitoring local media for updates, along with contacting any travel insurance companies for advice.

US Airlines Cancel Routes Between Tulum, Mexico Ahead of Winter

Planning to visit Tulum in 2026? You’ll have fewer options for flights than ever before.

Over the last two years, multiple US airlines have launched routes between the US and Tulum, a popular new spot on the Riviera Maya that’s taken off since 2010. Carriers including American, United, and Delta have laid out plans to cut thousands of flights to/from the coastal hub as early as this winter. Others, like Spirit Airlines, have entirely nixed planned routes between Tulum and US cities.

That’s a striking change of pace for an airport that only recently opened; Tulum International Airport first opened its doors in December 2023. Flights surged at the time, then many seats were left empty in 2024.

What’s behind the change? And how can travelers still get to Tulum?

Why are US airlines backing down from Tulum routes?

The decision to roll back flight routes to/from Tulum International Airport comes down to traveler numbers. Tulum has failed to woo enough fliers to stay competitive for airlines, especially budget companies like Spirit.

Most travelers prefer to fly in and out of Cancun International Airport, which is around two hours north of Tulum on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s a bustling hub that’s used by travelers heading to areas like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Playacar, and even Tulum.

That being said, airlines often adjust their routes based on actual demand compared to forecasts. In the case of Tulum, the airport hasn’t been around for two years—shifting expectations and routes is par for the course for a younger destination like Tulum. In short, the adjustment doesn’t mean that Tulum is ‘dead’—it just means that airlines are tightening their scope of service.

If you’re heading to Tulum this winter or in the coming year, you can still book direct flights from hubs like Newark, Houston, and Los Angeles.

If you want to learn more about flight routes and the status of Tulum International Airport, follow Zach Wichter, reporting for USA Today. I’ve been following his reporting on this topic for a few months now.

Where to Find Mystery Pack Vending Machines in Berlin, Where You Can Buy Someone’s Lost Mail

I’ve heard of stores that sell lost luggage… But did you know that there are now vending machines that let you purchase lost mail packages?

Unclaimed packages that can’t be delivered to their final destination can be purchased in bulk by companies that later sell them to the public at a fixed rate. Consumers purchase the package at a vending machine and cross their fingers, hoping for a high-value prize inside.

Apparently, these mystery package vending machines have become a hit in countries like Germany, and especially in cities like Berlin.

I recently saw an Instagram post where two visitors found one such mystery pack vending machine on the side of the road in Germany. They each put in around $10 and selected which package they wanted to purchase and open. Neither went home with a treasure, but it was an amusing video—and one of the most unique ways to leave a trip with a souvenir, in my opinion.

I’m not going to send anyone on a wild goose chase into the German countryside. Instead, I recommend you root out a mystery pack vending machine in a city like Berlin. The whole concept suits the city’s unique identity—and it won’t cost you much to get involved in one of the oddest new consumer trends in 2025.

Here’s where to find mystery pack vending machines in Berlin, which are managed by a company called LootPackHunters. (You might also see them called mystery boxes, secret packs, and even loot boxes. If you’ll be in Hanover, check out these vending machines from Retouromat.)

5 mystery pack vending machines in Berlin

Vending machine #1: Raw-Gelände Berlin

Address: Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin

(The main image for this article shows the entry to the Raw-Gelände shopping area.) Head to the food stall Sausage Grove, then take the stairs to the right of the food stall. Once you reach the bottom floor, you should see the Mystery Pack vending machine close by. They’re painted black with neon decals.

Vending machine #2: Eastgate Center (im EG)

Address: Marzahner Promenade 1A, 12679 Berlin

Head to the lower floor, then look for a shop called Bonita. The mystery pack vending machine is located just outside the store.

Vending machine #3: A10 Center Wildau

Address: Chausseestraße 1, 15745 Wildau

Look for the store called Cecil – Street One. The mystery pack vending machine is located just outside the store.

Vending machine #4: Ring Center 2

Address: Frankfurter Allee 113-117, 10365 Berlin

Head to the lower floor at Ring Center 2, then find the Bo-Bo Q shop or the Blu Brixx shop. The vending machine is located near the escalators just outside both.

Final mystery pack vending machine #5: Gesundbrunnen Center (im UG)

Address: Badstraße 4, 13357 Berlin

Head to the underground level of Gesunbrunnen Center, then look for the Game Stop or the DM supermarket. The vending machine is located next to the escalators in front of these shops.