Ready to escape to Western Montana’s quietest corridor? The Northwest Corridor encompasses Kootenai Country, the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, quaint small towns, and plenty of backcountry to recreate in. With snowmobiling, Nordic and downhill skiing, and a magical sleigh ride and spa retreat, we’ve put together a unique itinerary that will let you disconnect in this undiscovered winter wonderland.  

Get ready for the ride you’ll never forget. Photo: Noah Couser

Day 1: Snowmobiling

Several scenic groomed trails wind through Kootenai Country. This corridor is a sledder’s paradise, and you could spend your whole trip powdering through the stunning landscapes. Sled the rugged Keeler-Rattle Trail System, 60 miles of loop trails in the Purcell Mountains, or the Pete Creek Trail, traveling into mountain bowls and alpine lakes. Our recommendation—go with a guide. Action rentals and Northwest Montana Adventures, both out of Onley, offer half-day and full-day packages.

Actions rentals is a Polaris Adventures certified outfitter. Photo: Action Rentals

Overnight at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Ski in Olney; grab a wood-fired pizza for dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Day 2: Nordic Skiing + Sleigh Ride

At Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Ski Center you’ll find 27 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails through the Stillwater State Forest.

Dog Creek offers on-site equipment rentals, and, if you decide to swap your skis for wheels, they rent fat bikes as well. Photo: Dog Creek Nordic Ski

Once you’ve tuckered yourself out, head to Cripple Creek Ranch in Trego for an enchanting sleigh ride. Bask in the splendor of Montana’s snowy landscape during the 45-minute ride. After a day skiing, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride underneath a starry night sky with your favorite people (or special someone); this is what dreams are made of. Opt to have a full dinner in a warm cabin during the ride, or enjoy refreshments around a cozy fire.

Option to drive to Eureka and overnight at the Wilderness Club Resort. It’s a two-night minimum stay, so plan to add a day onto your trip here and snowshoe through their 550 acres, ice skate one of the many frozen bodies of water or relax at the on-site spa or nearby Relics Retreat Spa.

There’s no better way to warm up than a sauna treatment at Relics Retreat. Photo: Relics Retreat Spa

Day 3: Downhill Ski

Make the drive to Libby for a day on Turner Mountain, open Friday through Sunday. This downhill ski area flies under the radar and offers excellent snow conditions, wide-open slopes, beautiful scenery, few crowds and affordable lift tickets. Combine all that with a vertical drop of 2,110 feet and 25 named runs and you have a successful day on the slopes.

Here’s a little secret, Turner Mountain is available for full-day private rentals.

Grab dinner and check out the local craft scene at Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company, known as “Libby’s living room.” Rest your head at the Venture Inn or the quaint Evergreen Motel.

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: practice physical distancing; know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly and build an inclusive outdoors. Travel responsibly by reviewing Western Montana’s COVID-19 information and guidelines at SafetyFirstMT.com.

February 7, 2022

Related: Breweries, Downhill Skiing, Eureka, Libby, Nordic Skiing, Northwest Corridor, Olney, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing

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