5 Reasons Winter in Montana is a Good Thing

Having lived in Montana for about 26 years now, I have had the good fortune of experiencing a lot of winters here, ranging from fairly mild, to lots of snow, to tons of snow, and even, as we experienced last week, temperatures dropping to -25° below or colder. But, for all the snowbirds and those who find winter a reason to hole up inside, I say no way; winter is one of the best seasons in Montana, and below are 5 reasons why I can’t wait for the white stuff to start falling each year.

1. World-Class Skiing
Where I live in southwest Montana, I can be enjoying airy powder in an hour or less, at one of three fantastic mountains: Bridger Bowl, Big Sky and Moonlight Basin. Ranging from down-home friendliness and wild expert terrain to big open bowls, pure vertical and après nightlife, the skiing in southwest Montana is tough to beat. For a real test, hit the Ridge at Bridger Bowl (my favorite hill) and the all-expert terrain accessed only by foot and lung power, which requires an avalanche beacon, shovel and partner. Before you strap your skis to your pack and head up, up, up, be brutally honest with yourself and your skiing ability. Once on top, there is no “easy” way down. If in doubt, spend some time on the lower mountain, which is loaded with great runs, and grab a burger and cold one at the base lodge.

2. Snowshoe or Cross Country Ski Excursion
With a state of under one million residents, Montana is lean when it comes to population and elbow room. Want even more peace and quiet? Try a snowshoe or cross country ski trip in some of our millions of National Forest acres. Depending upon where my skis or snowshoes find me, I have admired massive frozen waterfalls, spotted lynx tracks across my trail, watched elk and moose and experienced some of the quietest time the outdoors can provide. But come prepared-winter in Montana can be harsh. Bring warm clothes, food, water, and a compass or GPS is recommended if you venture off the beaten track too far. And don’t forget the camera.

3. Sledding
I know this is not specific to Montana, but who didn’t like sledding as a kid? Growing up, we would spend the entire day regardless of how cold or windy it was hurling ourselves down dangerously steep slopes, hills and tracks, dodging trees, rocks and each other. But what fun it was. I will have to say as I have gotten older, my adult frame on pint-sized sleds, coupled with near Olympic quality bobsled hills and high speeds doesn’t always mix. I have had a few good wrecks when I feel compelled to head out with a group of other adults in denial about their sledding abilities. Which brings us to number four…

4. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch  
I have enjoyed this quintessential Montana experience three times over the years, each with different family members and friends around Christmas and New Year’s who come to visit. You and your group load up on large wooden sleighs with wool blankets over your laps, the big, friendly horses pacing, ready to whisk you up to the log cabin tucked into the trees. It is quite an experience just getting there-the horses’ bells jingle with each step, and the starry, cold night sky eases by as massive pines tower over you. Once inside the warm cabin and at your table, you are entertained by local “cowboy” singers, and enjoy a prime rib dinner cooked on a wood stove. So, don’t spend your time standing in lines or money on sweaters that don’t fit, or “stuff” no one needs during the holidays. Instead gather up the family, and make reservations for this memorable outing. You won’t regret it.

5. Winter “Camping” -In Style
When I can I like to book a Forest Service cabin over a weekend somewhere deep in the woods. It can be a bit of a chore getting there, but a little homework and effort will put you in a snug cabin during the prime wintertime, with miles of snowy forest outside the door. Some cabins are more rustic than others, with just a woodstove, while others have electric lights, stove, fridge and woodstove–none will have water in winter, so bring your own. After a day out, usually doing the first option on this list, I am bone-tired and ready to grill up a steak right on the woodstove with light coming from a gas lantern, and that great woodsmoke aroma. It is a great way to check out from the busy day to day, and there are few places as quiet and calm as a cabin in the woods in winter. And if you don’t want to brave the snow or cold, no worries-just stoke up the fire, break out a book or a chess game, and kick back.

The above is a short list of some of my favorite things to do during the winter, that are readily available. While nowhere near complete, it gives you an idea of what you can do when the snow piles up, the mercury heads south, and you happen to find yourself in Montana, ready to explore and get outside to enjoy it.