Stay Active This Winter with These Popular Montana Sports
One of my recurring resolutions every New Year is to get outside and exercise more. I'm the type who could be better at sticking to a gym routine...but that’s tedious. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors this winter. So, here's a list of some top tier winter outdoor activities to do in Montana.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Montana's ski resorts have some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Popular resorts include Big Sky, Whitefish Mountain, and Red Lodge Mountain. Big Sky is the second largest ski resort by acreage in the U.S., and Whitefish offers amazing skiing close to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Montana has some of the best powder skiing because the snow tends to be light and dry. The varied terrain has plenty of steeps, glades, groomers, and backcountry options.
For backcountry skiing and snowboarding, many areas have easy access to powder fields, bowls, and chutes offering a vast variety of terrain opportunities to the more experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders. For those with less experience, or for those looking to increase their skillset, there are many guide services to help facilitate education and get people into the backcountry – Beartooth Powder Guides (Cooke City), Great Northern Powder Guides (Whitefish) and Montana Alpine Guides (Bozeman) are just a few.
Winter Hikes & Snowshoeing
With no motorized vehicles allowed on many trails, hiking is a quiet and peaceful way to explore the great outdoors. This slower pace gives time to photograph and enjoy wildlife. And with so much beautiful scenery, the experience can be both physically and mentally rewarding.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk, a challenging backcountry hike, or an epic mountain trek, plan accordingly. Check the weather forecast before heading out, and dress for the conditions. Sturdy waterproof boots and layers of warm clothing are essential. You should also bring snowshoes or crampons to help you navigate icy trails.
Snowshoes are vital when your passion for hiking takes you to higher elevations with deeper snow. Head to Glacier National Park for superb snowshoeing adventures, or check out Big Sky Resort's guided snowshoe tour. For those looking for a challenge, head to backcountry trails such as the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge. Backcountry trails often involve steep climbs and long distances, so they're not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Snowmobiling
Montana offers some of the best snowmobiling in the nation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Montana is home to over 3,000 miles of groomed trails, most of which are open to snowmobilers all winter long. With so many miles of trails, riders can explore a variety of terrain, from wide open meadows to deep snow-covered forests. There are plenty of places to stay and play. In western Montana, the Lolo National Forest near Missoula offers miles of trails, breathtaking views, and plenty of opportunities for snowmobiling. Check out the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge or the Pryor Mountains near Billings for some great snowmobiling adventures in eastern Montana.
Safety should always be your top priority when snowmobiling. Be sure to review local laws and regulations before you head out on the trails. Keep an eye out for other sledders, and be courteous when passing them by. Make sure your snowmobile is in good condition before hitting the trails. Make sure you have a map, avalanche equipment, and a good sense of direction, so you don't get lost out there.
Ice Fishing
With an abundance of lakes and rivers, the state provides an ideal setting for any winter angling adventure. Find popular game fish such as trout, walleye, pike, and perch throughout the state's rivers, creeks, and lakes. Anglers catch these fish using various techniques, including jigging, fly fishing,, and tip-ups.
All anglers should ensure they are familiar with the state's laws and regulations governing ice fishing. Anyone over 16 years old must obtain a fishing license. Buy them in person at local sporting goods stores or online from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
In western Montana, try ice fishing at Seeley Lake or Whitefish Lake near Kalispell. Check out Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone or Fort Peck Lake near Glasgow in eastern Montana.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is where skiers move along groomed trails in the countryside. It is a form of Nordic skiing, and there are several types of cross-country skiing.
Classic Cross-Country Skiing: This is the traditional style of cross-country skiing and the oldest form. The skier glides along the track using a striding motion in a straight line or a zigzag pattern. Classic cross-country skis are usually long and narrow. This shape allows for greater speed but less maneuverability.
Skate Skiing: This is the newest form of cross-country skiing, similar to ice skating or inline skating. Skate skiing requires the skier to make a V-shape with each stride and push off from their inside ski. Skate skis are shorter and wider than classic skis, allowing for greater maneuverability and control.
Backcountry Cross-Country Skiing: This type of cross-country skiing requires skill. Skiers are in the backcountry navigating ungroomed terrain. Backcountry skis are usually wider than classic skis and often have wider tips and tails to increase flotation in deep snow.
Popular cross-country ski destinations include Lolo Pass and Whitefish in western Montana, and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in south-central Montana, and Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner. Many resorts offer lessons, so even those new to the sport can feel comfortable exploring the trails. For those who prefer to ski alone, there are plenty of trails to choose from, allowing for a peaceful, solitary experience. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and moose as you ski through these areas.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular. This sport requires a combination of climbing skills, technical knowledge, equipment, and a great deal of physical strength and stamina.
For equipment, ice climbers use technical rope, crampons, ice screws and ice tools to help them up the ice. A helmet and protective clothing are also necessary to stay safe while navigating the terrain. Anyone can enjoy this exciting sport with the proper equipment, knowledge, and safety precautions. A few popular places to find guides and classes include Montana Alpine Guides, The Montana Mountaineering Association (Bozeman), and Whitefish Vertical Adventures.
Bozeman is also home to the popular annual Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival that attracts ice climbing enthusiasts and professionals from across the nation. The festival includes great in-town events and Hyalite Canyon clinics.
After a long day of having fun outside, there’s nothing better than soaking in one of Montana’s natural hot springs. Head to Bozeman Hot Springs near Bozeman or Norris Hot Springs near Norris for some relaxation and rejuvenation. For a unique experience, check out Chico Hot Springs near Pray.
As an added benefit, soaking in hot springs can be a great way to relax and enjoy natural healing benefits. The warm water helps improve circulation and helps the body detoxify. It also helps to relieve sore muscles, improve joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.
