8 WINTER ADVENTURES

Adjust your altitude in a Western Montana winter.

WINTER WONDER

Your options for winter exploration are many, and regardless of how you choose to revel in our epic terrain, the adventure is immeasurable—and best topped off with a hot springs soak. We recommend using the onX app in Snow Mode for backcountry mapping. Also, make sure to keep avalanche safety in mind and know before you go when heading out into the deep stuff.

1. SNOWMOBILING: Winter in Montana provides the perfect sled scene, with snow ghosts, powder playgrounds and deep trails leading to stunning views. Sled the remote and rugged Marias Pass Trail Complex featuring 45 miles of groomed and 35 miles of ungroomed trails straddling the Continental Divide. Rent a sled or go with a guide, like Rich Ranch in Seeley Lake, Swan Mountain Outfitters in Columbia Falls or Whitefish Marine. Or, get in touch with Action Rentals for sled rentals and gear.

2. FAT BIKING: Winter biking is a trend that won’t be going away anytime soon, and it’s a wildly fun way to explore Western Montana. Fat bike around Missoula or Kalispell, or head to Tamaracks Resort in Seeley Lake or the Whitefish Bike Retreat Lodge and Campground, located a short drive from Whitefish. There you’ll find on-site groomed trails and easy access to The Whitefish Trail. Fat bikes are equipped with extra-fat over-the-snow tires and can be rented in Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish. Anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle will have no problem riding a fat bike.

3. DOG SLEDDING: Get behind a team of snow-savvy canines and mush through miles of Montana terrain. We have plenty of experienced outfitters available for short guided trips as well as half-day and full-day excursions. For a more hands-on approach, mush your own team of dogs with the help of the experienced guides at Base Camp Bigfork.

4. NORDIC SKIING: Classic and skate skiing offer a peaceful adventure. Glide the park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Izaak Walton Inn’s groomed trails in Essex, Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails, Glacier Nordic Center in Whitefish, the Bitterroot Valley’s Chief Joseph Trail System, Dog Creek Lodge Nordic Ski Center in Olney or Pattee Canyon, minutes from downtown Missoula.

5. ICE FISHING: Winter doesn’t stop us from sinking a line in the water. The fish here bite year-round, and Montana’s frozen lakes prove to be a totally fun, and sometimes rather relaxing, way to reel in the winter. Popular lakes include Flathead, Whitefish, Smith, Bitterroot, Salmon, Holland and Placid, as well as many hidden alpine gems.

6. SLEIGH RIDES: A fun activity for everyone from couples to families, there’s nothing quite as cozy or idyllic in the winter as a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Book a sleigh adventure with Bar W Guest Ranch near Whitefish or Cripple Creek Horse Ranch in Trego. Both ranches offer a sleigh ride plus dinner combination, which makes for quite a unique and memorable evening.

7. SNOWSHOEING: The simplest way to explore our winter wonderland is to put on a pair of snowshoes. Western Montana boasts an expansive trail system, and snowshoeing is a great way to explore Glacier National Park and Montana’s state parks in the winter. Take a snowshoe tour of the park with the guides at Whitefish Outfitters & Tours.

8. BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: Get off the beaten path and ski thousands of acres of backcountry terrain. Glacier National Park offers a sublime alpine tour and the Swan Valley boasts cold-smoke powder, or make your way to Jewel Basin for incredible spring skiing. Access higher elevations by guided snowcat or stay in a backcountry yurt.