Fun Winter Activities to Do in Montana
The mountains and valleys of Montana provide a landscape perfect for winter adventures. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the winter in Montana.
Hit the Slopes
Montana has some of the best skiing in the world. From world-class resorts like Whitefish and Big Sky to local resort faves like Red Lodge and Bridger Bowl plus several other smaller ski areas that locals love, there is likely a place to ski and snowboard in Montana that is just the right fit for you.
Go Cross-Country Skiing
If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, you might want to try cross-country skiing. There are several rec areas in Montana that are just for cross-country skiers and are groomed daily.
Go Snowmobiling
With so many open plains and valleys, Montana is an excellent location to go snowmobiling. You can even take a guided snowmobiling tour through Yellowstone National Park to get a view of the park in the winter and without all the summer crowds.
Mingle with Huskies and Go Dog Sledding
One of the most memorable things to do in Montana for animal lovers is dog sledding. Visit a dog sledding camp and learn more about history of dog sledding, interact with the dog sled team, and even cuddle baby huskies if you’re there at the right time! But nothing beats the adrenaline thrill of being pulled through the crisp snow by a pack of powerful huskies.
Do a Winter National Park Hike
Both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks have ranger-led hikes in the winter that take you along trails that can be accessed in the winter. Rangers will teach you more about the history of the park and give you detailed stories about the sights you’re seeing and the animals that call the parks home.
In Yellowstone National Park, a great winter hike to do that you can be self-guided is Mammoth Hot Springs. You can’t bathe in these hot springs, but the incredible travertine formations and the thick steam coming up off them in the cold winter air is an unbelievable sight to behold – and without all the crowds that will be on the wooden platforms going around the hot springs in the summer.
Go Snowshoeing
A fun alternative to skiing is snowshoeing. Think of it like hiking, but with big, flat shoes on the bottom of your boots! Snowshoeing can be done along many of the hiking trails that are popular in the summer months.
Winter Horseback Riding
Love horses? Horseback riding isn’t just a summer pastime in Montana. When the conditions are right, you can saddle up and saunter out into valleys and mountain trails atop a horse. Many of the dude ranches in Montana offer winter horseback riding. Whitefish Trail and the the Great Northern Historical Trail in Flathead Valley are also great trails for a winter horseback place.
Take a Snow Carriage Ride
Feel like you’re in a winter wonderland with a carriage ride through the snow pulled by a horse. Your time in a horse-drawn carriage will provide you with wonderful memories while taking in beautiful Montana winter scenery.
Stay at a Montana Winter Resort
Want to immerse yourself in Montana’s scenic winters? Stay at one of Montana’s top resorts for a winter wonderland experience.
For some top options, check out our Best Family Resorts in Montana article and our Montana Dude Ranches article.
