Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Montana
Tori Jane
Author
If you were to ask the average American which US states they thought could be called the most beautiful, there’s a decently high chance that Montana will be mentioned multiple times by many different people. It truly is a stunningly beautiful little corner of the planet, and during the winter, it only seems to get even better. We’ve compiled the ultimate list and travel guide of all the best things to do in Montana in winter, all of which will allow you to get a clearer picture of just how beautiful winter in Montana can truly be. Come out and enjoy – you won’t regret it for even a moment (unless you forget to pack warm clothes… that could be an issue). Don’t plan your next winter trip without us!
Holiday Events In Montana
Each and every winter season, Montana and all of its beautiful small towns (and bigger cities) are truly at their best. There is no shortage at all of lovely holiday events in Montana, Christmas events in Montana, and other similar ideas; no matter who you are, which holiday you celebrate, and how you choose to celebrate it, you’re sure to find some fun winter events in Montana to get you by.
1. Christmas Lights: Montana Trolley Co. Christmas Lights Tours
What better way to enjoy Christmas lights in Montana than with a wonderful trolley tour to see all the best? This particular Christmas lights tour in Montana offers exactly this: a delightful holiday adventure! If you prefer something a little more outdoorsy, this one’s definitely no backcountry adventure – but it’s an adventure all the same. The kids will love this one for sure!
2. Tree Lighting: Whitefish Christmas Stroll
Fun fact: it isn’t the holidays in Whitefish until the Whitefish Christmas Stroll kicks it all off with its legendary ceremonial tree lighting. Meet and get selfies with Santa, enjoy performances from local dance and entertainment troupes, embark on some wagon rides, and browse the shops – this one’s a stellar night to celebrate the official arrival of the holiday season! This year’s festivities take place on December 8th, 2023, at 5 p.m.; the tree lighting ceremony itself is at 6:20 p.m. Interestingly, this is one of the better-known holiday festivals in America... and it’s obvious as to why from the moment you arrive!
3. Holiday Festivals: Big Sky Winter Fest
Big Sky Country is legendary for so many things, like its breathtaking beauty and, of course, its being the perfect place for winter adventures; it makes for a wonderful base camp, with plenty of gorgeous vacation rentals in the area should you (wisely) decide to attend the Big Sky Winter Fest. This amazing winter festival in Montana is a four-day bash that includes Viking races, ice sculptures, skijoring, old-school movie screenings, and so much more. This one’s a must-do for anyone’s wintertime bucket list.
4. Long-Time Traditions: Montana Winter Fair
The old-school, long-time tradition known as the Montana winter fair is everything that’s right with the world, especially when it’s cold and snowy. It all started in 1946 and, to this day, it’s still going strong, with every single year being better and even more fun than the last. This year’s festivities take place from January 26th through the 28th, 2024, and as always will focus on celebrating the agricultural side of Montana in a beautiful and unique way. This one’s on the to-do list for every single Montana resident... we don’t make the rules. From live music to winter sports and everything in between, this winter festival is indeed a must. Visit the official website for more information about what to expect this season.
Christmas Towns In Montana
The Treasure State is absolutely magical year ‘round, but there’s a special thing about winter that brings out the best in all its small towns especially. There is an assortment of picture-perfect Christmas towns in Montana just waiting to be discovered by you and yours, year after year, time and time again. Many of them are timeless in and of themselves; you never know what’ll be happening at any given time during the chilly season, but you know something certainly is going on somewhere, always!
5. Bigfork
One does not simply write an article about winter towns in Montana without mentioning the legend that is Bigfork. This beautiful western Montana town is amazing year-round, but in the winter, it really shines (in many cases literally). The entirety of downtown is decorated in absolutely amazing holiday garb, and there are wonderful events going on all the time. You can’t miss an opportunity to check out the Holiday Parade of Lights, the Wine Stroll, and more!
6. Livingston
Livingston is a small town in Montana that goes all-out for the holiday season. Just about everywhere you turn, there are lights – so many lights! Downtown is jaw-droppingly lovely, especially when covered in a layer of fresh snow. The parks, homes, and everywhere else truly look and feel like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting; it’s photogenic to the core, and it makes for an amazing adventure in southwestern Montana. While in the western region of the state, be sure to also visit the town of Missoula, which is wonderful all year round.
7. Bozeman
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8. Big Sky
Big Sky is a very popular winter destination in Montana for obvious reasons: winter might just be the best time of year to come out, period! It’s definitely a favorite for skiers, who appreciate the many opportunities to hit the slopes. Of course, the plentiful ski area isn’t the only draw to the place; the whole downtown area gets decked out for the holidays, and you’ll love shopping and dining here surrounded by snow and dazzling lights. From sleigh rides to ice skating, fat biking and more, Big Sky is the destination for you.
9. Seeley Lake
Outdoor Activities In Montana
Montana is one of those states that are literally famous for the incredible nature of, well, its nature. There are hundreds of ways to enjoy the truly great outdoors in Montana, even when everything’s frozen and covered in snow. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowboarding, there are winter activities in Montana to be enjoyed no matter who you are or what you’re into.
10. Ice Skating: Decisions, decisions!
Hoping to go ice skating in Montana at least once this season? Good plan! There are plenty of different places all over Montana offering ice skating rinks, including many of our amazing state parks. In other cases, you’ll find ice skating rinks at the Woodland Ice Center in Kalispell (a long-time fan favorite), the Glacier Ice Rink in Missoula, the Big Sky Ice Rink in Big Sky, and the Winninghoff Park Ice Rink and Arena. Hours and admission fees vary, so always be sure to check with your rink of choice before you go.
11. Snow Tubing: Blue Mountain Recreation Area
Winter is one of those epic times of year when everyone who’s a little on the odd side (like us!) really seem to come into their own; the misfits of the world who enjoy winter more than summer are always looking for the next wonderful thrill, like anywhere that might have the best snow tubing in Montana. Blue Mountain Recreation Area is one such gem; it’s 4,900 awe-inspiring acres of Montana backcountry, many of which are perfect for flying downhill in an inner tube across lanes made of snow. It’s a wintertime must-do for Montana natives and visitors alike.
12. Winter Hikes: Plenty to choose from!
Who says summer needs to be here to go hiking? Definitely not us. Turns out, there are a plethora of beautiful hiking trails in Montana that are somehow even more magical when covered in snow. Among our all-time favorite hiking trails to do in Montana in the winter are trails like the Swan River Trail in Bigfork, the Beehive Basin Trail in Big Sky, and Sypes Canyon in Bozeman. Montana is amazing... get outside and see for yourself! Many trails are open all year, so keep coming back to get a well-rounded experience!
Winter Getaways In Montana
Summer and fall seem to get all the credit when it comes to the average planned getaway in Montana… and just about anywhere else, too. Believe it or not, though, there are plenty of wonderful things to do all throughout the frigid Montana winter – no matter how chilly it just might get! Hoping to steal away on the perfect winter vacation this year? Spend your winter months in Montana… and don’t forget to dress warm.
13. Snowy Cabin: A Secluded Escape from Real Life
On the hunt for ideas re: the best romantic things to do in Montana in the winter? Look no further than some of the truly incredible cabin rentals offered up by Airbnb, VRBO, and other wonderful booking sites. For example, check out the beautiful secluded cabin featured in the above link; it’s a century-old one-room cabin perfect for a couples’ escape nestled in the gorgeous Bitterroot National Forest. Even if you’ve lived in Montana your whole life, you’ve probably never experienced it like this.
14. Hot Springs: Yellowstone Hot Springs
It’s certainly no secret that there are a large number of hot springs in Montana, many of which you can visit (and some of which are much too dangerous to enter and must be admired from afar). One such amazing place for those who’d like to soak a while is the world-famous Yellowstone Hot Springs, a wonderful respite from the real world that’s extra incredible when the surrounding air is frigid and chilled. Few things in this life are as peaceful to the soul as watching snowfall from the comfort of a nice, warm hot spring. It’s one of the best in southwest Montana! You may want to also consider a visit to Chico Hot Springs, which are wonderful as well.
15. Skiing/Snowboarding Resort: The Resort at Paws Up
It’s tough to pick just one winter resort in Montana worthy of being mentioned in this writing. The truth is that there are many such resorts, and we think you should experience them all. One of our favorites is The Resort at Paws Up, which is a skiing and snowboarding resort with a pet-friendly twist. If you’ve ever wanted to escape to a ski trip with your beloved pup in tow, now’s your chance – and there’s plenty of winter left! From downhill skiing to dog sled adventures, every day is a good day out here.
Summary
It’s difficult to oversell the wonders of all the winter adventures to be had in Montana. Whether you prefer a cold-weather road trip to keep you warm or a visit to one or all of the amazing National Forests and/or parks in the state, you’ll surely find the perfect arrangement for your hopes, dreams, and needs. Places like Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park are especially spellbinding when covered in a layer of snow, and many of the amazing winter hikes in Montana you can do are absolutely jaw-dropping this time of year, too. Come out and visit Montana at least once during every season and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme. Until then, we’ll meet you at the ski resort.
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