The calendar claims that winter starts on December 21, but in Montana, it starts when it darn well pleases. Montana winters are cold, brutal, and long, but they’re also incredibly beautiful. And once you live through enough of them, you learn a few things about them.

1. If you make peace with the snow (and maybe learn a snow sport or two), you'll have a much easier time dealing with winter weather.
Zach Dischner / Flickr
Not everyone has the time or means to ski or snowboard, but you could always invest in snowshoes or learn to ride a friend's snowmobile. Even embracing winter hiking will help.
2. You're probably not getting a snow day... ever.
ThoseGuys119 / Flickr
If you're born and raised in Montana, this is something you typically realize by about third grade. Still, even well into adulthood, you might wake up and think that work is canceled. It's most likely not.
3. This time was made for catching up on all the movies and shows you didn't have time to see over the summer.
viviandnguyen_ / Flickr
Get cozy and enjoy.
4. Unless it is your only and preferred form of exercise, it's worth it to hire someone to shovel your snow.
oddharmonic / Flickr
You can only do it so many times and remain sane.
5. Some of our towns are at their most beautiful in the winter, and they should be visited often...
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6. ... but there are also certain places in the state you should avoid until spring if possible.
tiraslee / Flickr
Winter weather makes some of our roads impossible.
7. Depending on what part of the state you call home, you may have to plug your car into a block heater at night.
Let Ideas Compete / Flickr
But this will come in handy in the morning when you have to get up and go to the job no amount of snow will be getting you out of.
8. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle with plenty of supplies.
dchrisoh / Flickr
You probably actually have heard this advice, because Montanans are always prepared. Not only are the winters treacherous, but they're also unpredictable.
9. Your ice scraper and snow brush will be your best friends. Invest wisely.
john levanen / Flickr
10. Montana's winter sunset will be the most beautiful thing you have ever seen.
Eric Moreno / Flickr
Catch as many as you can.

You may not be the biggest fan of winter, but you have to admit that Montana looks amazing covered in snow.

 

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