Winter offers a different way to explore Western Montana. Snow shifts the pace, opens up new terrain and brings out activities that families return to year after year. With an average of 300 inches of snowfall, the region is well-suited for downhill runs, quiet forest outings and hands-on winter experiences for all ages. Our communities add their own draw—warm hospitality, kid-friendly places to eat and stay, and the kind of mountain-town allure than makes winter days feel complete.
DOWNHILL SKIING
A winter trip often starts on the slopes, and Western Montana has seven downhill ski areas with options for beginners through advanced skiers. Affordable lift tickets, rental access and short lift lines make it easy to get the whole family on the mountain. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers childcare for kids not yet skiing and early ski and snowboard programs for young learners. On the Montana–Idaho border, Lookout Pass provides a budget-friendly Learn to Ski in 3 Days package designed for first-time skiers and riders, plus lift tickets that are free for children 6 and under.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Nordic skiing is a steady, accessible way to experience winter here. Groomed trails stretch across the region and reach places you can’t access by car once the snow piles up—like Garnet Ghost Town or the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. At LOGE Glacier in Essex, guests can step out the door onto more than 30 kilometers of groomed trails. LOGE Glacier lodging includes the main lodge, cabins and even cabooses, plus shared community spaces, gear storage, rentals, and an on-site restaurant—an easy setup for families who want skiing right outside their stay without driving between trailheads.
DOG SLEDDING
Dog sledding introduces families to a different kind of winter travel—quiet, hands-on, and memorable. You can mush your own team with guidance from trained outfitters or ride along while a professional takes the lead. Dog Sledding Adventures in Montana and Base Camp Bigfork offer half-day and full-day outings, and Base Camp also provides overnight lodging and snowshoe access on the property.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to get outside in winter. Trails, rentals and guided options are available throughout Western Montana. Inside Glacier National Park, snowshoeing is a low-impact, quiet way to experience the park’s peaceful winter landscapes. The closed portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a popular route, and both the east and west sides of the park offer additional trails, when conditions permit.
SLEIGH RIDES
Sleigh rides offer a scenic and timeless way to take in winter. Families can book rides at Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake and Cripple Creek Horse Ranch in Trego. At Clydesdale Outpost in Whitefish, guests can pair a sleigh ride with easy snowshoeing on the property and luxury overnight stays in cabins with cedar soaking tubs.
FAT BIKING
In Western Montana, fat biking has become a popular winter activity thanks to groomed routes and dedicated trail systems. Fat bikes use oversized tires that provide stability and traction on packed snow, making them easy for most riders to pick up. The Whitefish Trail’s Beaver Lake Trailhead is a great option, with 8 miles of groomed fat biking trails.
SNO-GO
Sno-Go is one of the easiest winter sports for beginners to pick up. A Sno-Go is a ski bike with handlebars, front and rear skis, steering and speed control. If you can ride a bike, the motion feels intuitive, making it a solid option for families with varying comfort levels on snow. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers designated Sno-Go access, and Montana E-Bikes in Whitefish provides resort-approved rentals and fittings. It’s a straightforward way to get on the slopes and try something new without the learning curve of traditional skiing.
HOT SPRINGS
A hot springs soak is a relaxing way to end a full winter day. Warm mineral pools appeal to both adults and kids, especially after hours on skis or snowshoes. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort in Paradise is a favorite for families, with cozy lodging and two restaurants. Overnight stays fill quickly, so book well ahead. Weekday day-use swim passes are available Monday through Thursday.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
December 22, 2025
Related: Bigfork, Dog Sledding, Downhill Skiing, Essex, Family Fun, Fat Biking, Flathead Corridor, Garnet Ghost Town, Glacier National Park, Hot Springs, Montana, Nordic Skiing, Paradise, Polson, Seeley Lake, Snowshoeing, Trego, Vacation, Whitefish, Winter Fun
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