The Best Ways To Experience Montana In Winter
For most travelers, Montana is an unintentional afterthought for a winter vacation. The state's climate and iconic national parks lend perfectly to the summer months, and for those who do enjoy traveling to cold destinations in the winter, ski towns in Colorado and Utah typically are first in mind. But those who have ventured to Montana in the winter months know exactly how great it can be! And while skiing is the main draw this time of year, don't cross Big Sky Country off your list if hitting the slopes isn't for you… There are plenty of ways to enjoy the state!
Before you dive into this guide, I would like to point out that my focus is on the Western half of the state, partly because that is where I grew up and have a natural affinity toward, and partly because (to be frank) that is where the state’s top attractions are located. Even so, in the Western half there are so many wonderful areas and things to do that I don’t cover here, from natural hot springs to ice fishing. So, if you find yourself being drawn to book your own Montana adventure and want more recommendations or guidance, just ask. I’d be happy to help!
The Ski Experience:
Big Sky
When it comes to ski vacations, there are two types of snowbirds: those whose pre-trip daydreams involve nothing but endless fresh powder and those who care just as much about après ski as what happens on the mountain. If you fall into the former category, Big Sky Resort is without a doubt the place for you! Here's why... With over 5,800 skiable acres, Big Sky is the largest ski resort in the US and second in North America only to Whistler. It offers an average of 400 inches of snowfall each year, with 300 runs (the longest being a challenging 6 miles) and 38 lifts (some of the most advanced in the country - heated seats included!). Its crowning jewel is Lone Peak, an awe-inspiring mountain even for the Rockies, which offers views from the top of three states and two national parks. Are you sold yet? And if you're not an expert skier, don't write Big Sky off, as the resort is home to 2,300 acres of beginner and intermediate runs, which to put it in perspective, is larger than many ski resorts' total acreage. With the most consistent snowfall in the Rockies and more acres than skiers, Big Sky is truly the place to go if you are serious about skiing.
If the stats convinced you that your next ski trip should be in Big Sky, here are some ideas on where to stay and what to do when you're off the slopes. For a quintessential Montana experience, book a log cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch, an authentic dude ranch just minutes from the lifts. In keeping in the same Western vein, any local will tell you a steak dinner at Buck's T-4 is an absolute must, as is enjoying live music and delicious BBQ at The Riverhouse on the banks of the world-famous Gallatin River (think A River Runs Through It). For a meal with a view, ride the Ramcharger 8 heated chairlift up the mountain to Everett's 8800 for an alpine-inspired lunch. Or, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, book a reservation at The Montana Dinner Yurt, where you’ll have to take a snowcat to reach your cozy candlelit dinner on Lone Peak.
In many ways, Big Sky is one of the best kept secrets in the skiing world, with locals and in-the-know celebrities staying tight-lipped. One of the main reasons for the small crowds is that, unlike posh ski towns in Colorado and Utah, Big Sky still offers relatively little in terms of amenities. But times are changing! This year, the area's first major-brand-hotel set up camp, The Wilson Hotel (a Residence Inn by Marriott) in Meadow Village, filling a much needed gap in the area's lodging scene. And I recently read that both Montage and One&Only, two of the most luxurious five-star hotel chains in the world, are opening properties on the mountain. Greg and I stayed at a One&Only during our honeymoon and loved it so much we made it a bucket list item to stay at every property, so I am beyond excited by this news! The fact that Big Sky is set to be the first One&Only in the country speaks volumes to how special the area is. My recommendation? Book your stay soon so you can experience the quiet beauty of Big Sky before everyone wants to, and then come back in a few years for a brand new experience!
Book your flight into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). From there, it's a 50-mile drive up to Big Sky.
The Classic Experience: Dude Ranches
There is an inescapable romanticism to the West, and more often than not, travelers make the trek to catch a glimpse of a simpler time, to be one with nature and put their hands to use in ways our daily lives no longer afford. And how better to capture this magic than the modern dude ranch? Given Montana has twice as many cattle as humans, it's no surprise that the ranch experience reigns supreme.
The great outdoors are at the heart of any dude ranch adventure, and that doesn't change when the temperature drops. Hiking trails become groomed cross-country ski trails and fishing ponds become personal ice skating rinks. Horses will still be featured, though this time of year you have the option to ride behind them on an open sleigh. For those yearning for more modern winter activities, snowmobiling and downhill skiing are at your fingertips, and if a quiet afternoon by your log cabin's fireplace sounds more enjoyable, grab a book and cozy up!
Montana is home to countless guest ranches, but for a world-class stay where your home-on-the-range is infused with a little luxury, check out Triple Creek Ranch, The Resort at Paws Up and The Ranch at Rock Creek. While stays don't come cheap, it's easy to see why after reviewing their sweeping accolades and inclusion on many of the "World's Best" lists. Seasonal specials are often offered, sometimes at half the price of peak summer season, adding to the appeal of a winter visit. Meals and activities are typically covered in the daily rate, so once there, you can unplug and enjoy the winter wonderland in any number of ways.
The Adventure Experience: Exploring The Flathead Valley
If you’re a wandering soul who prefers to explore on your own terms and mix things up each day, I suggest you make your way to the northwest corner of the state for a winter adventure in all shapes and sizes. Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell and rent a car for your upcoming week exploring Whitefish, Glacier National Park and the greater Flathead Valley. With daily excursions here and there, your best bet is to have a home base, and in keeping with the adventurous spirit, book a stay at Montana Treehouse Retreat. This stunning double-decker treehouse - that has been featured on HGTV - offers not only a unique place to rest your head each night but is also centrally located to the area's top attractions. Or, if a traditional hotel experience is more your style, try either at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or The Firebrand Hotel, both great options in the charming resort town of Whitefish.
If you’ve read my post on summers in Montana, you’ll know that the focal point of any trip to this corner of the state is visiting Glacier National Park. Though the vast majority of the Crown of the Continent is inaccessible during the winter (including lodging and most roadways), for the adventurer there is still fun to be had. The two most popular ways to enjoy the national park are snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Though the grizzlies are hibernating, winter brings dangers all its own, primarily avalanches, so use extreme caution if venturing out. If you want to see the park (which you absolutely should!) but don't feel comfortable trekking through the wilderness on your own, I suggest heading to Apgar Village for lunch at Eddie's Cafe followed by a stroll along the banks of Lake McDonald, which offers some of the most stunning views anywhere in the park. From there, join a two-hour ranger-led snowshoe walk! This half-day itinerary will give you a good taste of what the park has to offer with the confidence of being guided by a true professional. There are a number of outfitters nearby who you can rent gear from, so don’t worry if you didn’t pack your own!
Outside the park, more adventure awaits! If you don’t want to commit a full trip to Big Sky, but can’t imagine a winter vacation without any time on the slopes, buy a single day lift ticket at Whitefish Mountain Resort, the state’s second largest ski resort. Traveling with children (or a child at heart)? Bar W Guest Ranch offers an hour long sleigh ride dashing guests through the snow, topped off with hot cocoa and cookies in the lodge. We tried this for the first time during our visit a few weeks ago, and found it to be fun for the whole family! Lastly, for a truly unique experience in the heart of Montana's winter landscape, book a dog sledding excursion with Base Camp in Bigfork. Rare Inuit sled dogs will pull you through the wilderness, with half day, full day and even overnight camping options offered. And unlike many dogsledding operations, Base Camp offers a "hands on” approach, letting you become as involved as you want (no previous experience is needed). Talk about a once in a lifetime trip!
