These Towns In Montana Come Alive In Winter
When it comes to Montana in the wintertime, residents are not just used to the long, cold winters–they embrace them. Even though some parts of the state are snowy as early as October and as late as May, this does not stop Montanans from getting outdoors. World-class skiing (cross-country or downhill) is in its prime during these months, and you cannot forget the state’s western gateway to the ever-majestic Yellowstone. Along with winter recreation, towns come alive with winter festivals, carnivals, and annual traditions, ranging from snow sculpture contests to holiday tree lighting ceremonies. And although these traditions range from town to town, one thing is for certain: Montana’s passion for winter is contagious, and a visit to any of the towns on this list will show you why.
Columbia Falls
With a name like Columbia Falls, you would think this Montana town was overflowing with towering cascades. And although there are some beautiful waterfalls in the area, the town actually got its name from the nearby Columbia River, and “Falls” was tacked on to avoid clashing with another town. What you will find in Columbia Falls, is an incredible pathway to natural wonders, which earned it a different name: “The Gateway to Glacier National Park”.
Stretching across more than 1 million acres (around the same size as Rhode Island), this “Crown of the Continent” has some of the greatest winter landscapes in the world. 26 glaciers, 762 alpine lakes, 175 mountains, and a spread of sweeping valleys are just some of the sights you will see. Bear in mind, the winter weather forces a majority of the usual park roads to close, but there are still a variety of trails that remain open for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The McDonald and Avalanche Creeks trail system is the most popular for XC skiing, supplying a gorgeous and gentle winter terrain. Starting from West Glacier, you will follow the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 8 miles, passing the largest lake in the park, Lake McDonald. Your journey will end at Lake McDonald Lodge, and although this historic accommodation is closed for the winter season, rest assured, the stunning landscape will keep you outside wanting more.
Whitefish
Less than 20 minutes from Columbia Falls, Whitefish is another gateway town–but Glacier National Park is just the tip of the iceberg. Even closer, you can access the town’s crown jewel: Whitefish Mountain Resort. Once called Big Mountain Resort after the massive 11,371-ft mountain it resides on, the resort rebranded in 2007, paying homage to its founding town. Averaging 300 inches of snow each year, the resort slopes are incredibly smooth, with 111 named runs and 11 lifts. Savor the thrill of Big Mountain’s hills to realize why this resort is constantly ranking in the top 10 of SKI Magazine's annual list of “Best Ski Resorts in the West”.
Along with skiing, wintertime in Whitefish is known for its famous seasonal festivities. The Whitefish Winter Carnival is an annual tradition that originates from a zany local legend, and people come from all over Montana to take part the first weekend of February. Legend has it, long ago, Ullr (the Norse god of Winter) made Big Mountain his home. To celebrate his protection of the land, the Whitefish Winter Carnival was born. It starts off with the Penguin Plunge, a charity event where participants plunge into the freezing waters of Whitefish Lake. Other festivities include a snow sculpture contest, a children's carnival, a parade, and so much more–most of which is free of charge.
Big Sky
Making your way to southern Montana, a different world-class ski resort thrives in the alpine town of Big Sky. This Rocky Mountain community welcomed 700,000 visitors in 2020, and the numbers only continue to grow thanks to its infamous Big Sky Resort. With 320 runs across 5,850 skiable acres, the snowy paths are endless. If you are an inexperienced skier or snowboarder, have no fear: half the terrain features a beginner-intermediate rating. You can also take a private lesson, group lesson, or book a class for your kiddos. For the more experienced winter athletes, the other half of the resort features a challenging blend of dynamic terrains to keep any confident skier or snowboarder busy.
For the chance to “take your experience to new heights” you may just want to save your visit for anytime after December 18th, 2023. On December 19th, the resort will launch its newest attraction, the Lone Peak Tram. Guests can ride the tram in comfort to the very top of Lone Mountain, the tallest peak in Big Sky. Whether you descend the slopes from the top of this 11,166-foot mammoth, or decide to sit back and enjoy the views, this Big Sky experience is one you will never forget.
West Yellowstone
When we think of a trip to the country’s first national park, many may tell you they visited Yellowstone from Wyoming–96% of the park is in this state, afterall. But keeping to southern Montana, the town of West Yellowstone grants you an incredible gateway to the nearly 3,500-square mile park, which is why this tiny town has welcomed over 4 million annual visitors in recent years. The town’s name speaks for itself: West Yellowstone prides itself in granting Montanans access to the wonders of this historic park and its awe-inspiring landscapes.
Like Columbia Falls, the town changed its name to avoid confusion, adding “West” to the front in 1910 to set it apart from Yellowstone. Evidently, the adjustment only improved the relationship between town and park, allowing the community to thrive as Yellowstone’s official West Entrance. Tourism is a year-round feat of the town, and wintertime is no exception–albeit, with a bit of an adjustment. Yellowstone is a year-round park, but the North Entrance is the only one open to traffic in the winter. So if you want to use the West Entrance, snowmobiles are the way to go. Thankfully, West Yellowstone is filled with businesses ready for anything. Rent a snowmobile with services like Back Country Adventures, Yellowstone Fun, or High Mark Rentals. Once you have adventured into the park, partake in the fabulous winter scenes by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Wildlife spotting is magical this time of year due to the humbler winter crowds, meaning elk, bison, and river otters are less often spooked and more easily spotted.
Red Lodge
Tucked away in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, this historic former mining town is one of Montana’s greatest winter getaway destinations. Red Lodge, a town famous for its winter recreation, gets a pretty late snowfall, so January through March is usually the best time to visit. Skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes at Red Lodge Mountain, and you will notice it differs from the previously mentioned lodges. Red Lodge Mountain proudly prefers a more simple side to the slopes, prioritizing “great skiing and great people over glitz and glamor”.
But this does not mean the mountain lacks excitement. Hit the slopes for a run at some of the 70 ski trails across 1,635 acres. The mountain has a nice blend of difficulty levels, meaning there is something to ease in any beginner, or electrify any expert. The best part is, even if you cannot make it later in the season when the snowfall is at its peak, the staff has you covered. Red Lodge Mountain owns the second largest snowmaking system in all of Montana, meaning they are open for the winter season as early as late November.
If downhill skiing is not your cup of tea, there is plenty else to do in Red Lodge during the winter. Rent a pair of skates at the Ski Station and lace up before hitting the ice at the town’s community-run rink. Cross-country skiing is also a great way to get out into nature without the rush of a downhill excursion, and the town’s Nordic Center features a variety of scenic family-friendly trails through pretty aspen forests. Red Lodge also hosts an annual Winter Carnival with 2 days of food, live music, parades, a Snow Ball, and a fireworks show. The festivities kick off with the carnival’s iconic (and incredibly fun) tradition: the Cardboard Classic Parade. The parade offers a glimpse at the next day’s competition, where you can cheer on competitors racing down Red Lodge Mountain in decorated sleds with costumed participants.
Philipsburg
If you are hoping to enjoy an earlier winter landscape, visit the beautiful town of Philipsburg in southwest Montana. Snow begins to fall as early as October in this pleasant ranching community, meaning the winter activities are limitless. Adventurous anglers can go ice fishing at Georgetown Lake, while other visitors might prefer cross-country skiing on the pine-lined trails at Echo Lake. Ice skating can also be enjoyed in town at Winninghoff Park, where hockey games can be observed on the weekend.
For the chance to see more of this darling rural town, families and solo travelers alike can reserve a stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek for a western winter getaway. The ranch extends across 6,600 acres of mountains, meadows, and forests. Wintertime is an especially enchanting time here, with the landscape transforming into a wonderland of ice and snow. Bundle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the ranch’s gorgeous alpine valley at the base of the mighty John Long Mountains. Then, savor an evening of toasty fireside bliss in your cabin or lodge, both of which include a gorgeous blend of rustic and luxurious amenities. If you book your stay around the holidays, the ranch also ensures magical experiences daily, with themed crafts for kids, gingerbread decorating, elegant feasts, and the chance to meet an extra special, jolly guest.
Bigfork
If the holidays are on your radar, visit “Montana’s Christmas Village”. Bigfork, another Rocky Mountain town, takes the holidays very seriously, especially on the first Saturday of December, with their Holiday Parade of Lights. In anticipation of this joyful event, “Bigfork Elves” light up the town with more than 10,000-feet of lights and garland, and the results are truly Hallmark worthy. The event also includes the Holiday Art Walk, where local shops and galleries open their doors and stoops with festive treats and great holiday deals. Stroll the colorfully lit streets to get some holiday gift-buying done, or simply enjoy some window shopping with a warm drink in hand! End your evening with the annual tree lighting in front of Bjorge’s Gallery to be a part of Bigfork’s merriest tradition.
Aside from Bigfork’s reputation for holiday cheer, others delight in its outdoor activities. The town is under an hour’s drive from Glacier National Park, and there is also a ton to do closer to town. Try a customized dogsledding experience with Base Camp Bigfork, where “Real Deal Dogsledding” is guaranteed. The experience can be as hands-on (or as hands-off) as you would like, but active participation is encouraged to get the most out of your experience. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can also take advantage of the Bigfork Community Nordic Center. Trek across 6 miles of carefully groomed trails along the mighty Swan Mountains for some truly stunning winter scenes.
From Montana’s highest peaks to its flattest prairies, the cover of snow transforms each and every landscape into a winter wonderland. Whether you are looking to splurge on a luxurious ski lodge trip to Big Sky Resort or a more cost-effective alpine adventure at Red Lodge Mountain, there is something for every downhill enthusiast to enjoy. But skiing is just the beginning of Montana’s winter fun. Between Whitefish’s Winter Carnival and Bigfork’s Holiday Parade of Lights, it is not a question of whether to visit Montana in the winter, but which of its towns to choose.
