Bison roaming the snow capped mountains, steaming scorching springs prepared for soaking and acres of an unspoiled winter wonderland — what’s to not love in regards to the Yellowstone Nation of Montana?
Montana is cut up up into totally different districts: cities and counties which might be cohesively lumped collectively. In the midst of winter, I used to be fortunate sufficient to journey to certainly one of these sections within the north, Glacier Nation. It’s snowshoeing, mountaineering and canine sledding had been so memorable that after I was invited to return to go to Yellowstone Nation within the south of Montana in the identical bitter chilly months, there was no hesitation (particularly as a result of I had leftover toe heaters from my final journey to the state!). It didn’t disappoint.
What to Do in Yellowstone Nation, Montana
1. Attend the Whitefish Winter Carnival
Each first weekend in February, Whitefish, Montana has a vigorous winter celebration known as the Whitefish Winter Carnival. This carnival has its roots in a neighborhood legend about Ullr, the Norse god of winter, who helped the townsfolk from the Yetis.
The festivities kick off with the Penguin Plunge, the place courageous souls take a dip in Whitefish Lake to boost cash for charity. As well as, there’s a beer barter, a Rotary pancake breakfast, an artwork expo, a kiddie carnival, a pie social, an enormous procession, and a snow sculpting competitors. The Skijoring races, by which skiers compete whereas being dragged by horses, are one of many highlights.
2. Large Sky Winter Fest
The Large Sky Winter Fest is an occasion that you simply simply should not miss in the event you love winter festivals. The Montana city of Large Sky is remodeled right into a winter playground for all ages throughout this unbelievable four-day celebration, which bursts with colourful power.
Be sure to mark your calendars for early February, because the Large Sky Winter Fest usually takes place from February 3 to six. There’s one thing for everybody on this four-day agenda that features thrilling ski occasions, a “Frozen Foot” race, nice music, and mouthwatering native delicacies. Plus, the charitable funds raised all through the occasion go in the direction of the Large Sky Ski Schooling Basis, supporting future generations of skiers and snowboarders. Seems like a win-win to me!
3. Catch a Stay Present in Missoula
You may be considering Yellowstone Nation in winter is all about snowy adventures (and also you wouldn’t be completely flawed!), however there’s one other aspect to this coin. Don’t miss the possibility to catch a dwell present in Missoula, the crown jewel of Montana’s cultural scene.
Listed here are a couple of of Missoula’s prime venues for dwell leisure:
- The Wilma Theater – See an enormous touring artist or a hometown favourite at this historic theater in downtown Missoula. All year long, they current quite a lot of occasions, together with rock & roll, classical music, and extra.
- Adams Heart – When it’s not getting used for sporting occasions, the Adams Heart on the College of Montana’s campus is a superb place to see a live performance.
- Missoula Osprey – With Missoula’s mountains as a backdrop, this minor league baseball stadium is a terrific website to see a present outdoors. The Missoula Osprey often host concert events along with baseball video games.
- High Hat – This nightclub is a superb venue to catch native and regional artists in addition to rising nationwide touring performers. DJ nights and different occasions are additionally hosted by The High Hat.
4. Cross-Nation Ski in Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Cross-country snowboarding in Yellowstone Nationwide Park is a unbelievable technique to entry areas inaccessible by automotive throughout winter, in addition to seeing the realm in an entire new totally different gentle. Whether or not you’re a seasoned skier or a whole beginner, there are trails (each groomed and unplowed) for all talents.
For those who’re a newbie, you’ll be able to take a look at the two.2-mile Indian Creek Loop within the Mammoth Sizzling Springs area and the 4.8-mile Lone Star Geyser Path within the Previous Trustworthy space. The 13-mile Pebble Creek Ski Path within the Northeast area and the 12-mile Mallard Creek Ski Path at Previous Trustworthy are the best trails for anybody in search of a real problem.
5. Reduce Your Personal Christmas Tree in Custer Gallatin Nationwide Forest
Let’s add a touch of custom to your Yellowstone Nation expertise with a bucket checklist exercise that’s good for the entire household – reducing your individual Christmas tree within the Custer Gallatin Nationwide Forest. Right here, you get to decide on the proper pine to take house with you from a real-life forest!
However earlier than you seize your trusty noticed and head out, there are some things to remember. You’ll must snag a seasonal tree allow beforehand on Recreation.gov. There are additionally particular tips about the place you’ll be able to lower and how much tree is up for grabs. Don’t fear, it’s all fairly simple, and rangers are pleased to reply any questions.
6. Take a Dip within the Boiling River
Simply south of the Parallel Bridge, and really near Mammoth Sizzling Springs, you can see certainly one of Yellowstone’s greatest saved secrets and techniques — The Boiling River. Chilly water that flows from the Garner River mixes with scorching springs to create the superbly temperatured soaking bathtub. For those who’re fortunate, your view whereas within the water will probably be of the herds of bison that roam the realm within the winter.
7. Drive to the Beartooth Mountains
One of the crucial epic methods to expertise a winter wonderland in Yellowstone Nation is by strapping your self in for a scenic drive by the guts of the Beartooth Mountains by way of the equally spectacular Beartooth Freeway. This legendary stretch of street isn’t nearly level A to level B – it’s a full-blown bucket checklist expertise in itself.
Nicknamed “The Most Stunning Drive in America” for a cause, the Beartooth Freeway winds its means for 68 miles by the guts of the dramatic Beartooth Mountains, and the views are nothing in need of breathtaking (particularly at Beartooth Cross in Wyoming, the freeway’s highest level.)
8. Discover the Lewis and Clark Caverns
Spelunking caves might be not on the checklist of issues that come to thoughts when visiting Montana through the winter months. However consider it or not, you’ll be able to really add a dose of subterranean journey to your journey by exploring the Lewis and Clark Caverns, which is situated 60 miles northwest of Yellowstone Nationwide Park.
The caverns themselves are limestone caves and are thought-about one of the crucial superbly adorned caverns in North America. The limestone formations, together with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites, had been fashioned over tens of millions of years.
Tip: The park is open year-round, and whereas they often solely do guided excursions from Could to September, they do have a ‘candlelight’ tour which they provide in December (climate allowing).
9. Discover Yellowstone by Snowcoach
If you wish to discover Yellowstone Nationwide Park within the winter with out being uncovered to the chilly parts that snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding will provide you with, then a enjoyable possibility is taking a snowcoach tour — assume tour bus with heavy responsibility wheels geared up for the chilly climate terrain.
See Previous Trustworthy, Steamboat Geyser or Gibbon Falls both from the window of the coach or briefly hop off to do some on foot inspection.
10. Go Canine Sledding
There’s nothing fairly just like the sound of a dozen pups barking in a particular musical concord proper earlier than they’re launched to do what they love — run. You’ll then both drive your individual group into the wilderness or be whisked away as a passenger. Morrison Racing Kennel has an incredible 10-mile tour that’s about 3 hours lengthy.
11. Hit the slopes at one of many ski resorts
Let’s be sincere, who wouldn’t wish to carve recent tracks down a pristine mountain after a recent snowfall?
Listed here are 3 of the most well-liked ski resorts in Yellowstone Nation Montana to take a look at: Large Sky Resort (with its legendary “Largest Snowboarding in America” title), Bridger Bowl (a neighborhood favourite, for the hardcore skier/snowboarder), and Crimson Lodge Mountain (pleasant ambiance and inexpensive, with beautiful views of Beartooth Mountain).
12. Ice Climb Hyalite Canyon
In case you are on the lookout for a severe Montana journey, strive your hand at mountaineering at one of many United States most well-known climbing locations, Hyalite Canyon close to Bozeman. You don’t even should be an knowledgeable to scale a number of the over 200 distinct pitches, you are able to do so with an knowledgeable information. Montana Alpine Guides provides an Introduction to Ice good for the newbie.
13. Go Ice Fishing
Assume winter means placing away your fishing rod? Assume once more! Ice fishing is an epic journey that allows you to expertise the wonderland of Yellowstone Nation in a recent, frozen means. Head to Hebgen Lake, legendary for its monster rainbow trout, or strive your luck at Hyalite Reservoir, the place you may snag a trout or two. Cooney Reservoir State Park is one other well-liked spot for ice fishing and can also be a great place to catch giant rainbow trout.
14. Ice skate at an out of doors rink
There’s one thing undeniably magical about gliding throughout a easy sheet of ice underneath a blanket of crisp winter air.
A few of the out of doors rinks I like to recommend embrace the Previous Trustworthy Snow Lodge (situated proper by the enduring geyser) and Crimson Lodge Ice in Crimson Lodge. Town of Bozeman additionally has three out of doors rinks you’ll be able to slide into (Beall Park, Southside Park, and Bogert Park.)
15. Mammoth Sizzling Springs
Mammoth Sizzling Springs was certainly one of my favourite experiences in Yellowstone to {photograph}. An eerie steam floats off the terraces which might be made from crystallized calcium carbonate, which you’ll view from the planked walkways. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t take a dip in these steamy swimming pools, as a result of they’re over 170 levels, however simply the view alone is price it.
16. Go to the Montana Winter Honest
Held each (late) January in Lewistown, the three-day Montana Winter Honest is a deep dive into the guts and soul of Montana’s agricultural heritage. The honest options tons of enjoyable occasions resembling livestock judging, competitions (like animal reveals, baking contests), commerce reveals, and naturally, dwell music.
17. See the Frozen Waterfall at Kootenai Falls
Whereas geysers like Previous Trustworthy may be the summer time superstars, there’s a hidden gem ready for explorers who embrace the frosty embrace of winter. I’m speaking in regards to the frozen majesty of Kootenai Falls, situated simply west of Libby, Montana. This 56-foot waterfall on the Kootenai River transforms into a wide ranging, multi-tiered ice sculpture come winter. Don’t miss the enduring Swinging Bridge, good for some photograph ops!
18. See a Grizzly Up Shut (However, not Too Shut!)
I used to be completely content material not seeing a grizzly out within the Yellowstone Nation wilderness (they will do some main injury with only one swat of their paws!). However, there was a a lot safer different, the Montana Grizzly Encounter. This sanctuary is at the moment house to 3 bears (in addition to 4 Nigerian Dwarf goats) who had been rescued from unlucky conditions and couldn’t be returned into the wild.
19. Go Snowmobiling
What higher technique to conquer Montana’s frosty frontier than on a snowmobile? Fortunately, you don’t should be a seasoned snowmobiler to affix the enjoyable. Guided excursions like those by Yellowstone Adventures are plentiful, they usually deal with all the things – from offering top-notch gear to main you on protected and scenic routes.
20. Snowshoe in Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yellowstone boasts miles of snowshoeing (and cross nation snowboarding) trails that you’ll be able to navigate by yourself, or by becoming a member of a tour. Plus, it’s one of many best sports activities to do, you’ll be able to change into an knowledgeable snowshoer in about ten steps!
21. Soak in a Sizzling Springs Pool
After a cold afternoon canine sledding or ice fishing, take a heat soak within the swimming pools at Chico Sizzling Springs Resort. There are two open-air mineral swimming pools with temperatures that usually vary from 96 to 103 levels. You’ll be able to both spend the evening on the resort to obtain entry to the new spring swimming pools or simply purchase a day go, which most of the locals do.
I’ll warn you, the water is a taking place place and will get busy. It’s a social exercise, plenty of folks chatting and ingesting cocktails. If you’d like one thing extra peaceable, you’ll be able to head to their spa for a therapeutic massage.
22. Take a sleigh experience
Sleigh rides – they’re virtually synonymous with winter, conjuring up pictures of Santa Claus and people heart-warming vacation motion pictures, proper? Effectively, a sleigh experience in Yellowstone Nation is the quintessential technique to expertise the magic of a Montana winter.
Examine round cities like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Large Sky (particularly this one) for choices. Some sleigh rides even embrace a scrumptious post-adventure scorching meal, making it the proper technique to finish a captivating winter day.
23. Go to a ghost city
I’m no stranger to ghost cities, however visiting one in Montana throughout winter certainly introduced chills down my backbone (however that’s simply from the chilly, after all). Some in style picks embrace Virginia Metropolis, the West’s best-preserved gold mining city from the 1860s, and Bannack State Park, the positioning of Montana’s first main gold discovery in 1862 and residential to over 50 historic buildings.
24. Watch a skijoring race
Ever craved an adrenaline rush that’s totally different from the norm? You then gotta take a look at a skijoring race! It’s a sport that type of jogs my memory of wakeboarding (on ice), the place a mounted horse races round a monitor with a skier in tow, making a spectacle that’s in contrast to something you’ve ever seen.
There are two essential cities to catch a skijoring race in Montana throughout winter: Large Sky (which hosts their annual skijoring occasion in early February) and Crimson Lodge (which holds the Nationwide Finals Ski Joring Competitors in early March).
The place to Eat & Drink
25. Eat The place Anthony Bourdain Filmed No Reservations
Connected to the enduring Murray Resort in Livingston is the well-known 2nd Avenue Bistro, also referred to as 2SB. This restaurant won’t solely serve you a scrumptious meal, like pan seared faroe island salmon served over bacon braised beluga lentils and an entire grain mustard cream sauce, however it was additionally featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.
PS: If you’d like a pre/after dinner drink, pop into the close by Katabatic Brewing Co. for a craft beer.
26. Benefit from the Billings Brew Path
With all of the snow and exploring, generally you simply crave somewhat heat and an entire lot of hoppy goodness. That’s the place the Billings Brew Path is available in, Montana’s largest (and solely) walkable brewery path!
The self-guided path loop is about 1.5 miles lengthy, taking you bar hopping by downtown Billings’ many craft breweries. You simply must enroll to their cell unique passport first, which additionally comes with offers and reductions you should utilize throughout your go to.
The place to Sleep
27. Keep in a Forest Service Cabin
Forest service cabins are available in all styles and sizes, catering to totally different journey kinds. Whether or not it’s a romantic escape for 2 or a winter journey with a bunch of buddies, there’s an ideal cabin ready for you.
Insider tip: Snag these cozy escapes effectively prematurely, particularly throughout peak winter – they’re a scorching commodity! Listed here are a few my prime picks you may wish to take a look at:
- Mill Creek Cabin: Positioned off of Mill Creek Street, Mill Creek Cabin provides quick access and beautiful views (particularly the creek and campground!). Good for a household getaway or a bunch of buddies in search of a winter wonderland escape.
- Beaver Creek Cabin: For the extra adventurous traveler, Beaver Creek Cabin requires a brief ski or snowmobile experience, however the reward is a secluded haven beneath Hilgard Peak, the very best level within the Madison Vary. Supreme for a romantic winter retreat or a backcountry journey with a buddy.
28. Sleep in a Yurt
Cooke Metropolis within the winter is price a go to simply to see how excessive the snow piles in entrance of the companies, plus the snowmobiles that whisk proper down the principle drag. However, simply 7 miles from town middle, you’ll be able to have a really distinctive expertise by sleeping in a yurt (a spherical tent — don’t fear, it’s heat).
A part of the journey is that you simply’ll want a snowmobile (or ski) to get to your lodging, however it’s assured to be an expertise you received’t overlook only for the views alone.Guide Right here: Mt. Zimmer Yurt
29. Sleep The place Buffalo Invoice & Calamity Jane Did
You’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time at The Murray Resort in Livingston. The genuine Western lodge opened in 1904 and has saved its rustic really feel ever since, there’s even an indication that claims “weapons should be checked on the entrance desk” while you arrive. It has seen many well-known company over time, together with each Buffalo Invoice and Calamity Jane.
30. Snooze in an Creative Room on the Lark
The Lark is a novel, one-of-a-kind lodge the place every room options totally different customized art work from 10 native artists. The artistic items provide you with inspiration to not solely journey domestically but additionally regionally.
Additionally they have a customized Map Room that includes USGS maps the place their knowledgeable guides will allow you to navigate to one of the best of Bozeman. Plus, there’s an out of doors hearth and taco truck proper outdoors the entrance doorways. What extra may you need?
So, there you’ve got it – the best hits of spending winter in Yellowstone Nation, Montana. Each second spent right here looks as if a postcard come to life, whether or not you’re taking over the climate, mountaineering or snowmobiling, or just enjoyable in a scorching spring. The distinctive mixture of thrilling actions and charming native traditions will maintain your bucket checklist busy and your coronary heart (and abdomen!) pleased.