Winter in Montana: Things to Do for an Unforgettable Trip

No doubt summer is the most popular time to visit Big Sky Country. But honestly? Winter in Montana is a whole new level of magic.

Yes, it’s cold and snowy. Yes, the roads can be icy. Yes, many attractions are closed, and some activities are limited. But if you’re willing to brave the conditions, you’ll be rewarded.

The unique beauty of frosted landscapes and the array of cold-weather adventures will make your Montana winter vacation unforgettable. And it’ll give you the rare opportunity to experience the state without crowds and at reasonable prices.

So yeah. It’s more than worth visiting Montana in winter. You’ll see.

Some links in this post are affiliates, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Your cost stays the same!

The Best Montana Winter Adventures

The amazing winter adventures available in Montana are a big part of what makes this such an incredible season to visit. So bundle yourself up, shake out your muscles, and go get after the wildest cold-weather experiences Montana.

Hit the slopes at one of Montana’s ski resorts.

Winter in Montana is practically synonymous with downhill skiing – but with a whopping 16 ski areas in the state, where should you go?

If budget is no concern, Big Sky Resort has unmatched amenities, abundant terrain for all levels, and luxe accommodations, plus plenty for non-skiers to do. Nearby Bridger Bowl is a less-costly and locally-beloved alternative just outside Bozeman, known for both its experts-only Ridge Terrain and variety of green runs.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is the state’s other big destination ski resort, with slightly less upscale amenities than Big Sky and a much lower price tag (but you can still get a ski-in, ski-out cabin). For something a little more offbeat, Blacktail Mountain overlooks Flathead Lake and is one of the best Montana hills for beginners. Regular lift tickets at most hills run between $45 and $70, not including rentals or lessons.

Stick to flat land, and go cross-country skiing.

Montana has even more places to go cross-country skiing, but if you ask me, the most incredible ones are in the national parks. Both Yellowstone and Glacier National Park are largely closed in the winter – but some of the entrances are accessible for cross-country skiing, and you’ll have it nearly all to yourself, especially in Glacier.

Many lodges and Nordic centers, especially around Bozeman and Whitefish, offer access to their cross-country trails at a rate of $20-$30 per day. But plenty of other spots for cross-country skiing in Montana are free or by donation, including some of our favorites:

• Blacktail Nordic Trails near Flathead Lake
• Mount Haggin Ski Trails near Anaconda
• South Flower Trails near Libby
• West Fork Area near Red Lodge

Most major towns in Montana have an outdoors store that rents cross-country gear. And if you’re new to cross-country skiing or just want to improve (which will make it more fun, honestly), I highly recommend taking a lesson at Homestake Lodge near Butte.

Go snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing is another of the most popular winter activities in Montana, and there are abundant opportunities for it. Many of those cross-country spots above are also some of the best places for snowshoeing in Montana – especially Glacier and Yellowstone National Park.

Some of the designated cross-country areas prohibit snowshoers because the trails are specifically groomed for skiing, but many allow snowshoeing at least in certain areas, so those are also great places to check.

Otherwise, you can really snowshoe anywhere you can hike, but these are some of our favorites:

• Lake Como Loop Trail near Hamilton
• Lone Pine State Park by Kalispell
• South Hills Trail System by Helena
• The Whitefish Trail

Of course, even in Montana, there’s no guarantee you’ll have a ton of snow. As has happened to me many times, you may set out to go snowshoeing, only to realize there’s not nearly enough snow to warrant snowshoes. But if that happens to you, these are all still great hikes for the winter – just grab a pair of YakTrax instead of your snowshoes. Otherwise, you can find snowshoe rentals at an outdoors store in most larger towns.

Try fat tire biking.

Fat tire biking is… well, riding a bicycle that has fat tires. But, that’s what makes it possible to bike year-round in Montana!

The wide tires provide better traction on slippery terrain, and they let you pedal through the snow instead of sinking down into it. It takes some extra effort compared to riding a regular bike – but it’s totally worth it to be able to bike in the snow.

The easiest way to try fat tire biking in Montana is at a Nordic center that rents bikes on-site and has groomed trails with some easier terrain. The Whitefish area has the most to offer first-timers, with both the Whitefish Bike Retreat and Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center. You’ll pay around $50 for a day of fat biking at either spot.

If you’d rather head out on your own, bike shops in most major Montana towns rent fat bikes, and you can really ride on any road or trail that has snow. Some of the cross-country areas also allow fat bikes – many reserve the trails for skiers, though, so be sure to double check.

Ice skate at an outdoor rink.

Outdoor ice skating is just one more fun way to get out and stay active during a Montana winter.

No doubt, the top place to go ice skating in Montana is at the famed High-Altitude Skating Center in Butte, once a popular training site for Olympic speed skaters.

But there are plenty of other options throughout the state. With the woeful exception of our hometown of Great Falls, most of Montana’s major towns and many of its smaller ones have outdoor ice rinks, generally open December through February.

These are just a few of the places you can channel your inner Michelle Kwan or Wayne Gretzky:

• Beall Park in Bozeman
• Lion’s Park in Red Lodge
• Memorial Park in Helena
• Winninghoff Park in Philipsburg

Some of Montana’s outdoor rinks are free to use and accessible at any time, while others have set hours and charge an admission fee (generally $3-$7) – and are better maintained! These rinks also usually have skate rentals available.

More Outdoor Things to Do in Montana in Winter

Montanans get especially pumped up to hit the slopes and tackle other wild cold-weather activities. But there are also PLENTY of less intense things to do in the winter in Montana.

So if spending half your day freezing on a chairlift or trudging uphill through a foot of snow in 10-degree weather isn’t your idea of a good time (or you’re just wiped out from all that adventuring), this section is for you!

Soak in a hot spring.

Montana in winter is cold, but the state’s many hot springs are toasty warm – and a soak is the perfect way to relax your muscles after all those outdoor adventures.

With nearly 20 designated hot springs in Montana, you’ll have plenty of choices – and at least in western Montana, you’ll never be far away from one.

Places to soak range from a single outdoor pool like Norris Hot Springs near Bozeman, to upscale resorts with multiple pools and other amenities, like Boulder Hot Springs near Butte and Yellowstone Hot Springs just outside the park. Most hot springs charge $10-$20 for a day pass, with free access for overnight guests.

Watch a skijoring race.

If you’re never heard of skijoring, you’re in for a treat! It’s a ski race in which the skier is pulled by a horse galloping ahead of them, guiding them around turns, over jumps, and through slalom gates. It’s wild, it’s adventurous, and it’s pure Western spirit.

And if you visit Montana in the winter, you just might get to see it for yourself! These are the annual opportunities we know of to attend a skijoring event:

• Montana Winter Fair in Lewistown (January)
• Whitefish Carnival (January/February)
• Best in the West Showdown in Big Sky (February)
• National Finals in Red Lodge (March)

Take a sleigh ride.

Picture this: you’re bundled up cozy on a sleigh, the footsteps of trotting horses the only sound in the air, and a starry sky expands above you as you float past snowdrifts and evergreens.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides are one of the most unique winter experiences in Montana, and they’re perfect for the whole family. And unlike many other activities, no skills or gear is required.

A handful of ranches and outfitters around western Montana offer sleigh rides, but these are among the best:

• Bar W Guest Ranch near Whitefish
• Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky
• Parade Rest Guest Ranch in West Yellowstone

Sleigh ride options may include drinks, appetizers, or even multi-course meals, and generally start around $65, depending on what’s included.

Visit a ghost town.

There are tons of old ghost towns in Montana, all of them interesting to explore in their eerie stillness. And nothing enhances that nobody-is-here, nature-is-taking-over feeling like seeing an abandoned town blanketed in snow.

These are some of the ghost towns that are accessible in the winter months:

• Bannack State Park near Dillon
• Elkhorn near Butte
• Marysville near Helena

Indoor Things to Do in Montana in Winter

There are actually winter days in Montana when any local would admit it’s too cold to spend much time outside. And even the most avid adventurers need to thaw out eventually! But don’t worry – when that happens, you’ll still have plenty of other ways to enjoy Montana in winter.

Browse a winter market.

While lively farmers’ markets are a staple of Montana summers, they die down during the winter (no surprise). However, regular winter farmers’ markets are held on Saturdays in Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula. All of these markets are great places to find locally-produced goods, unique food items, seasonal products, gifts, and more.

Visit one of Montana’s many museums.

A good way to escape the cold temperatures outdoors is by heading indoors to one of the museums in Montana. While many of the smaller museums in the state are only open during the summer, the bigger ones are open year-round, and these are some of the best:

• Montana’s Museum in Helena
• Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman
• Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings

Catch a film at an independent theater.

The day that you’ve had enough of the cold is the perfect day to go watch a film at one of Montana’s independent movie theaters.

Anaconda’s Washoe Theatre, an extravagant Art Deco building dating to 1936, is the most offbeat, and it has to be the most unique one in Montana. Otherwise, head to The Roxy in Missoula or the Art House Cinema & Pub in Billings, both of which are non-profits showing a curated selection of old and new movies.

Indulge in a spa treatment.

After a trip full of winter adventure, nothing feels better than relaxing with a massage or another indulgent spa treatment. And all throughout Montana, there is NO shortage of spas, so you’re sure to find one wherever you’re at.

Cozy up in a brewery or coffee shop.

Whether you need a break from adventuring and sightseeing or you want to experience some local flavor (or you just want a drink!), Montana’s beer and coffee scene has you more than covered.

Montana is one of the top states for breweries per capita, so you’ll have absolutely no trouble finding one. Most of the major towns have quite a few, and you’ll even see them in the most remote corners of the state.

For a cozy spot to hang out earlier in the day, the same goes for Montana’s independent coffee shops. If you’re really a coffee aficionado, choose one that’s also a roaster – you know they’ll be serious about serving quality coffee.

Ice skate at an indoor rink.

There’s something magical about ice skating outside, but sometimes it’s just too cold (or too warm!) for that. Fortunately, every major town in Montana has an indoor ice rink, so you can still hit the ice regardless of what it’s like outside. Indoor rinks typically have public skating sessions at least a few times per week for $5-$10, with skate rentals available.

Places to Visit in Montana in Winter

No matter where you go in Montana in the winter, you’ll have access to many of the activities listed above. You could make a terrific winter trip basing yourself out of almost any of the state’s main towns or near one of the ski resorts. But there are a few places that I think warrant some extra discussion.

Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks: An Unexpected Treat

During every month in the summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on Glacier and Yellowstone, making it a struggle to find parking, book a campsite, or get an unobstructed view.

But you can visit the parks (well, parts of them) during the winter months, when they’re buried in snow and you’ll barely see another soul. And if you ask me, this is one of the best things to do in Montana in winter.

In Glacier Park, a small section of road from the West Glacier entrance is plowed year-round, giving intrepid winter visitors access to some of the best snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the state. Other than restrooms and water fountains at Apgar Visitor Center (which is only open on weekends), there are no services available and usually no staff around.

In Yellowstone, only the road between the North entrance by Gardiner and the North East Entrance by Cooke City is open year-round. But Yellowstone has far more winter amenities than Glacier. Ski shops are located near Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful, four visitor centers stay open, and numerous companies offer guided tours.

You can ski and snowshoe with a guide or on your own, or take a snowcoach tour – one of the most unique Montana winter activities, which honestly should be on anyone’s bucket list.

Bozeman & Whitefish: Best in the Winter

Bozeman and Whitefish are by far the most-visited towns in the state – the gateways to the national parks and two towns that are becoming nationally recognized names.

But both were built as small mountain towns, lacking the infrastructure and sheer space needed to support the masses of tourists arriving each summer. Traffic clogs the roads, crowds fill every bar and restaurant, reservations must be made months in advance, and summer prices are now out of reach of most.

For those reasons, Bozeman and Whitefish are generally not my top recommendations for places to visit in Montana. In the winter, though, it’s a different story.

Despite their proximity to world-class skiing, neither Bozeman nor Whitefish ever feel too crowded in the winter. Since hotel prices fall to a fraction of what they’d be in the summertime, it’s practically affordable to visit. And with a blanket of snow, these towns turn into winter wonderlands like almost no other place.

Even outside of the nearby national parks and ski resorts, both Bozeman and Whitefish boast epic adventures, fun events, and cozy places to warm up. Truly, they are best visited in the wintertime.

Eastern Montana: Off the Beaten Path

With most of the larger towns, airports, and even mountains all in the western half of the state, eastern Montana doesn’t get a lot of love. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do once you cross the Divide. And heading east is the easiest way to get off the beaten path in Montana, in the winter or otherwise.

Most trips to eastern Montana will probably pass through Billings. It might be the biggest town in Montana with around 120,000 people, but it’s one of the least-touristy of the state’s main towns. And it’s got a happening brewery scene, year-round museums, and tons of parks and trails with great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities in the winter.

Billings is just an hour from Red Lodge, a little mountain town with an old-school ski resort vibe. It’s got all of the stunning scenery and none of the pretension (or eye-popping prices) – and so does Red Lodge Mountain, its namesake ski area just down the road.

Not many people visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in the wintertime, although the steep canyon walls are only more impressive when everything’s blanketed in snow. The South District, about two hours from Billings, is accessible for hiking and snowshoeing in the wintertime, and the visitor center stays open all year.

Yet another eastern Montana gem with unique landscapes that are all the more stunning in the snow is Makoshika State Park. It’s a long drive from…anywhere, but it’s massive (the largest state park in Montana), with amazing badlands scenery, unobstructed stargazing, nearly a dozen hiking trails, and a year-round visitor center.

Montana Winter Events

In addition to all the regular winter attractions, Montana is also host to tons of special events throughout the season. See if you can catch one of these – they’ll make your trip all the more memorable.

Lewis & Clark Caverns Candlelight Tours

Mid-December

With its huge limestone cavern system and intriguing geological features, Lewis & Clark Caverns is one of the most popular state parks in Montana. It’s only accessible by guided tour, and typically only during the summer months. But on a few days in December, the park offers special candlelight tours, offering an intimate look at the cave formations and a totally unique experience.

Reservations open in late-November, and these tours are wildly popular, so book your spot as early as possible.

Snoflinga Winter Festival – Butte

Mid-January

Butte’s annual Snoflinga Festival is truly everything that’s great about winter in Montana. It’s a jam-packed weekend of cold-weather adventures, set in one of the state’s most underrated towns.

Snoflinga offers opportunities to try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, curling, and hockey, and has events like a 5K, polar plunge, and (indoor) yoga classes. Make sure you check the schedule to see which activities require advance reservations.

Montana Winter Fair – Lewistown

Late-January

The Montana Winter Fair, an event run by hundreds (!) of volunteers, puts on over 20 events throughout Lewistown. You can attend art workshops, textile demonstrations, cooking contests, home brew and wine tasting, or even a skijoring race, and the trade show has dozens of vendors from around the area.

It’s the type of thing you’d normally associate with the summer months, and I love Lewistown for showing us there’s no reason not to have fun in the winter.

Whitefish Winter Carnival – Whitefish

January/February

Legend has it that when Ullr, the Norse god of winter activities, was searching for a new home, he chose to settle at Big Mountain in Whitefish. Now, the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival pays homage to him and celebrates the season with festivities throughout January, culminating in Carnival weekend in early-February.

The World Skijoring Invitational takes place during the Carnival, and a gala, disco party, and polar plunge are just a few of the other popular events leading up to the Grand Parade. And no matter which activities you hit up, you just might run into a Yeti or a Viking princess.

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival – Missoula

Mid-February

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival isn’t necessarily a celebration of winter, but it’s an epic event – the biggest non-fiction film festival in the Western U.S. (!). And winning films in some categories automatically qualify to be considered for an Oscar.

So, this event is a big deal in the film world, but it’s also a ton of fun to attend. The 150 or so films screened range from mini-documentaries made by University of Montana students to feature-length films by directors from around the world. But they are universally films that inspire, educate, and make you think.

What to Know about Winter in Montana

A winter trip to Montana is not for the faint of heart, or for the unprepared. It’s fun to think about all the adventures you’re going to have, but the most important thing is making sure you know what to expect in Montana this time of year.

Montana Winter Weather

The winter weather in Montana is the first thing people ask about – no surprise, given the state’s reputation. But the unhelpful truth is that Montana winters are as unpredictable as they are extreme, made stranger by the fact that high and low temperatures in a single day can differ by 40 degrees or more. Plus, since Montana is so massive, the weather can vary tremendously across the state.

Montana winter temperatures can drop to -20 and even -40 (brrr) – but the mercury can rise into the 50s on other days. Similarly, there’s a good chance you’ll see feet of snow, but (depending on location) there’s also a real possibility of no snow whatsoever.

My advice is to be prepared for extreme cold and heavy snow, but know that you may not experience that at all. Check forecasts for your specific location before and during your trip (just don’t put TOO much stock in them!).

And regardless of weather, remember that daylight hours are limited, with sunrises between 7:00 and 8:00AM and sunsets between 4:30 and 5:30PM.

Packing for Winter in Montana

The best way to handle Montana weather in the winter is by packing for it. Bring all your warmest gear, including footwear and accessories, in case it’s super cold. But make sure you also have some lighter weight clothes you can layer, since the weather is so unpredictable.

What to Wear in Montana in Winter

Women	Men
Fleece leggings	Base layer
Fleece jacket	Fleece jacket
Puffy coat	Puffy coat
Outer shell jacket	Outer shell jacket
Wool socks	Wool socks
Walking shoes	Walking shoes
Snow boots	Snow boots
Neck gaiter	Neck gaiter
Gloves	Gloves
Beanie	Beanie

Montana Winter Roads

Winter driving in Montana is another big concern for visitors – and rightfully so, especially if you’re not used to driving on ice. Even in larger towns, not all of the roads get plowed, and black ice is always a possibility. Snow tires or chains are a must in most cases, and 4WD and high clearance is a good idea if you’ll be driving through the mountains.

Check the Montana Department of Transportation road conditions map before heading out of town, and avoid driving in the dark if possible. Otherwise, go slowly, be alert for wildlife, and leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles.

Montana Prices in the Winter

The massive drop in prices compared to summer months is just one more reason to consider a winter trip to Montana.

Winter hotel prices in parts of the state can drop to a quarter (!) or less of the summer rates, with the same at campgrounds and RV parks. Many hotels and resorts offer discount packages during the winter, too. National park entrance fees also dip in the winter, as do prices at certain attractions.

Flights into Montana airports are also usually cheaper in the winter months, although there might not be quite as many options. Even rental cars are cheaper in the winter (and less likely to run out!).

Basically, unless you’re going all-out on the ski trip of a lifetime at Big Sky, you’ll almost certainly save money by visiting Montana in the winter instead of summertime.

Would you want to experience winter in Montana?  

PIN IT!