Summary of Amazing Winter Activities in Montana
Winter in Montana is a challenging yet enchanting season. A serene stillness envelops a landscape so frigid that even sounds appear suspended. Nevertheless, for those adequately prepared and possessing a certain degree of experience, Montana presents remarkable opportunities to venture into its breathtaking mountain terrain.
Whitefish and the adjacent Flathead Valley are ideal for virtually all types of winter activities, as is the Gallatin Valley located between Big Sky and West Yellowstone. For unspoiled backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, along with access to Yellowstone National Park, the secluded Cooke City is a noteworthy destination known to those in the know.
1. Snowshoe, ski and spot wolves in Yellowstone National Park
Winter is considered by many to be the preferred season to explore Yellowstone National Park. The absence of crowds, the geysers at their most active, and the breathtaking frozen landscapes create a stunning backdrop.
Yellowstone National Park features two primary regions to explore in winter. From West Yellowstone, snowcoach tours transport visitors to Old Faithful, where one can embark on ski or snowshoe excursions around the park’s geothermal basins before enjoying hot chocolate and an overnight stay at the charming Snow Lodge.
Further north, the park entrance at Gardiner and its road to Cooke City remain open to vehicles throughout winter. Consequently, this accessibility creates a plethora of snowshoe and cross-country ski trailheads in the Mammoth region, many of which are serviced by snowcoach drop-offs.
Planning Tip: Wildlife observation in Yellowstone is renowned during winter, as it is easier to spot animals against the pristine white backdrop. For an unforgettable chance to encounter a Yellowstone wolf, consider participating in a wildlife observation trip with a knowledgeable local organization such as Yellowstone Wolf Tracker.
2. Snowmobile the Targhee or Flathead National Forests
Although it may not represent the most environmentally friendly practice, particularly with access to locations like Yellowstone National Park fraught with controversy, a confident rider will find that traversing Montana’s breathtaking vistas via snowmobile is exhilarating.
Cooke City stands as one of the most secluded towns in Montana, accessible by only one route in winter (through Yellowstone National Park). Once arrived, however, the snowmobiling opportunities are extraordinary. Rentals and guides are available locally, and well-maintained Forest Service roads ascend to passes that provide breathtaking views of the powdery Beartooth Mountains.
As a pivotal gateway for winter excursions into Yellowstone, West Yellowstone is also perfectly equipped for snowmobilers, providing access to hundreds of miles of splendid trails within the adjacent Targhee National Forest.
Additional recommended destinations include the 250 miles of trails at Lolo Pass in the Bitterroot Mountains, southwest of Missoula, or the Flathead National Forest adjacent to Glacier National Park, where snowmobiles can be rented or guided tours can be booked with Swan Mountain Snowmobiling.
3. Watch the curious sport of skijoring
Montana’s cowboy heritage and Norwegian immigrant influences converge in the sport of skijoring, where a skier is towed by a horse over a collection of jumps and through slalom courses at speeds reaching 40mph. This sport appears as if it were conceived during a night of indulgence; nonetheless, it promises high excitement mixed with amusing antics.
Planning Tip: For spectators, the best displays can be witnessed at Whitefish’s World Skijoring Invitational in January or the National Championship in West Yellowstone during February. Alternatively, try Big Sky’s Best of the West competition in the same month or attend the skijoring finals held during Red Lodge’s Winter Fest in early March.
4. Ski untrammeled slopes from a backcountry yurt or hut
Montana is home to remarkable backcountry skiing; however, these terrains are particularly suited for seasoned skiers and come at a premium price. Nonetheless, nothing compares to the experience of skiing on pristine powder-filled slopes all day and returning to your private accommodations situated miles from the nearest population.
Multiple companies offer backcountry lodgings and guiding services. Cozy yurts with Yurtski can be found in the Swan Mountains, alongside services from Big Sky Backcountry Guides in the Bitterroot Mountains and Beartooth Powder Guides in Cooke City. Each of these options provides a variety of avalanche safety and backcountry skiing courses, which are a prudent investment.
Hellroaring Powder Guides offers both unguided and guided backcountry skiing from their hut situated in the Centennial Mountains, approximately 25 miles from West Yellowstone.
Great Northern Powder Guides in the Whitefish region is notable for the only Cat skiing operation in the state, utilizing their 14-person cabin as a base for exposure to incredible, unspoiled descents.
Planning Tip: For a budget-friendly method to engage in gentler cross-country skiing, consider renting a Forest Service cabin. For approximately $65, you can secure a basic cabin accommodating four, but be prepared to chop wood and carry in all supplies.
5. Learn how to mush on a dog sled trip
Traversing Montana’s snow-laden winter forests and valleys by dog-powered sled evokes enchantment. Beyond the excitement of the scenery, the opportunity to interact with the dogs themselves is a highlight.
Numerous outfitters provide interactive dog sledding experiences. In western Montana, options include Base Camp Bigfork in the Flathead Valley, Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours near Whitefish, and Dog Sled Adventures. Head closer to Bozeman to find Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures in the southern Gallatin Valley or Spirit of the North Dog Sled Adventures in Big Sky.
6. Try out fat biking on the Whitefish Trail
A fat bike represents a mountain bike fitted with wide tires designed for riding on packed snow. This increasingly popular activity extends the biking season, opening vast expanses of winter terrain to those who do not ski while challenging riders to enhance their skills. Don’t fret about falling—the soft snow will provide a cushion.
The 22-mile Whitefish Trail ranks among the premier locales for snow biking within the state. The trailside Whitefish Bike Retreat, located 9 miles west of Whitefish, offers rentals for fat bikes, groomed trail access, accommodations, and valuable trail guidance along with occasional three-day fat biking clinics.
7. Ski the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Montana provides an extensive array of Nordic trails statewide. Regions such as West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Big Sky, Missoula, Red Lodge, and Great Falls feature numerous Nordic ski centers with ample groomed trails. In Whitefish, consider the Glacier Nordic Center or Big Mountain Nordic Trails, which caters best to experienced skiers.
For something unique, visit Glacier National Park during winter. Many roads and facilities within the park are closed seasonally, yet visitors can ski or snowshoe from Lake McDonald Lodge near Apgar on the park’s western flank, or along the Going-to-the-Sun Road initiating from St. Mary on the eastern edge. Remote wilderness trails access the park from the Polebridge ranger station and Marias Pass.
This article was first published on Jan 4, 2022, and updated on Dec 6, 2022.
