Glacier National Park + Missoula/Greenough + Lolo Pass + Georgetown Lake/Echo Lake + Mount Haggin + Homestake + Bozeman + Lone Mountain Ranch + West Yellowstone/Yellowstone National Park
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Make your way to the park’s famously scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. During the winter, most of the road is closed to vehicular travel as snowfall creates a sanctuary for Nordic skiing. The road is plowed from the west entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge, and snow enthusiasts can access the road just past the lodge. For a guided winter tour in Glacier National Park, book a trip with an experienced team of guides who can tailor a trip to your needs. Either way you’ll have an unforgettable time. Spend the night just outside of the park in Columbia Falls or Whitefish.
For more information
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
From your base camp just outside the park, head south to Montana’s arts and culture hub. The Missoula area offers no shortage of Nordic opportunities. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area provides 10 km of groomed classic and skate trails in this woodland canyon area. The south side trails offer hills, and the north side is much flatter. You can also head up to Missoula’s Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and ski a slight but easy upgrade to Pilcher Creek on 8 km of trail groomed for classic skiing. Overnight in downtown Missoula and enjoy the nightlife.
Opt. 2: GreenoughJust east of Missoula in Greenough, the Lubrecht Experimental Forest maintains nearly 20 km of trails through pristine meadows and wooded terrain. Trails are groomed regularly, and the inner loops are very family-friendly. There are rental cabins on site as well. Adjacent to the forest, Garnet Ski Trails offer more than 186 km of trails, including the 51 km Garnet National Winter Recreation Trail through the beautiful and serene Garnet Mountain range. Closed to vehicular traffic in the winter months, this is a unique and fun way to explore Garnet Ghost Town and even enjoy one of two rental cabins on the property.
For more information
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Head to beautiful Lolo National Forest, 1 hour south of Missoula. This mixed wooded and open meadow area along the Montana-Idaho border at Lolo Pass offers some of the most reliable snow in the region and 13 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, as well as a warming hut and the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. Along the trail you’ll pass the historic Glade Creek area where Lewis and Clark camped. Nearby Lolo Hot Springs offers an après-ski soak and warm accommodations. You can also overnight in Missoula.
For more information
Southwest Montana
Make the drive from the Lolo Pass area or Missoula to Georgetown and Echo lakes, situated between Anaconda and Philipsburg. This area offers a variety of trails around the lake and through the surrounding forests, perfect for all skill levels. The nearby Echo Lake also provides serene skiing opportunities on 14 km of trails for both classic and skate skiing with an additional marked 15 km of ungroomed trails plus breathtaking views of the Pintler Mountains. After a fulfilling day on the trails, unwind at a local spot for dinner.
Overnight at The Forge Hotel in Anaconda
For more information
Southwest Montana
Next, head to Mount Haggin near Anaconda. This area offers 25 km of well-groomed trails across open meadows and through dense forests on the Continental Divide. The high elevation guarantees good snow, and you’ll find wide valleys and scenic vistas as you ski meadows and hill trails. Roughly 10 km are groomed for both classic and skate skiing while the remaining trails are tracked for classic skiing.
Overnight at Fairmont Hot Springs Montana Resort or Sugar Loaf Lodge and Cabins
For more information
Southwest Montana
Head to Homestake Lodge, which offers 35 km of groomed classic and skate trails plus stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trails are perfect for all skill levels, and the lodge itself is a charming, off-the-grid retreat, ideal for relaxing after your final day of skiing. The Lodge offers lessons, ski and snowshoe rentals, and delicious homemade food on weekends. Though these trails are open to the public, Homestake Lodge feels like your own private winter paradise.
Overnight at Homestake Lodge.
For more information
Montana’s Yellowstone Country
From Homestake Lodge, drive to the Bozeman area and take your pick of the three options below:
Opt. 1:Five miles south of town, the 23 km Bozeman Creek Trail provides a wide track and a gradual climb along beautiful Bozeman Creek. There’s the 32 km Mystic Lake out, or you can ski Moser Divide up to Mystic Lake—a 45 km round trip. Connect to the Moser Trailhead in Hyalite Canyon, where you’ll find 30 km of scenic trails as well as explore-worthy ungroomed terrain.
Opt. 2:For in-town skiing, the Bridger Creek Golf Course provides some of the city’s best trails plus captivating views of the Bridger Mountains. Also in town—and for a quick Nordic fix if you’re getting a late start—the 3.8 km Sunset Hills Trail is a community-centric loop nestled between Bozeman’s Lindley Park and Deaconess Hospital. In addition, the trails in the Highland Glen Nature Preserve area offer a good mix of terrain for all skill levels.
Opt. 3:Sixteen miles north of Bozeman adjacent to Bridger Bowl Downhill Ski Area, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center—formerly Bohart Ranch—offers 35 km of trail that’s groomed daily. This is one of the region’s premier Nordic ski areas for classic and skate skiers, and the scenery is spectacular. If you need lessons and/or rentals they can accommodate.
For more information
Montana’s Yellowstone Country
Next up it's on to Lone Mountain Ranch, about an hour south of Bozeman and a stone’s throw from Big Sky Resort. Explore 85 km of groomed skate and classic ski trails right outside your cabin door at this historic guest ranch. Lone Mountain Ranch was voted the No. 1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier Magazine. Guides and shuttles are available and the views are spectacular. Lone Mountain offers the quintessential Montana Nordic experience with a diversity of trails on pristine woodland, creekside and meadow terrain. Overnight in a cabin at the ranch.
For more information
Montana’s Yellowstone Country
End your trip just west of Yellowstone National Park in the idyllic town of West Yellowstone, an hour south of Lone Mountain Ranch. The Rendezvous Ski Trails begin right in city limits, offering 35 km of gently rolling, impeccably groomed trails winding through a wonderland of wintry forests and meadows at the edge of Yellowstone National Park. The dog-friendly Boundary Trail is also an option, running from West Yellowstone to the Baker’s Hole Campground along the western border of the park. Or, you can head inside Yellowstone National Park on the Riverside Trail, skiing along the famous Madison River. Combine the Upriver and Downriver loops for 10 km of incredible views and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Overnight in West Yellowstone.
For more information
Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you’re flying in:
Western Montana’s Glacier Country Airports
Montana’s Yellowstone Country Airports
Southwest Montana Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Western Montana’s Glacier Country Car Rentals
Montana’s Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
Southwest Montana Car Rentals
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
