Winter Wisely in Western Montana
Western Montana is a year-round vacation destination and a wonderland of snow come winter. With seven downhill ski areas, pristine backcountry terrain and thousands of miles of snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling trails all blanketed in deep, fresh powder, there’s an adventure for everyone. Did we mention fat biking, dog sledding and hot springs? Post-play, warm up in an enchanting small town, where western hospitality and friendly accommodations—from rustic to luxury—are an equally incredible part of the experience.
Please remember to plan ahead and play it safe. Stick to activities that match your skill level, tread lightly, and be kind and respectful in our communities. Winter wisely, recreate responsibly, and leave nothing but tracks in the snow.
Enter here for a chance to win, and enjoy your season ticket to winter in Western Montana's Glacier Country.
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The peak of winter.
In Montana, we don’t wait out winter, we wait all year for it. Experience the true nature of the season in Yellowstone Country, with swoon-worthy snow, world-renowned skiing, and dreamy mountain towns that will warm your spirit even when it’s cold outside. Yellowstone Country's basecamp communities offer extraordinary lodging options; restaurants, shops and galleries; history, arts and culture; breweries and distilleries; and genuine local vibes.
Crush powder at three of Montana’s largest downhill ski areas all offering a big mountain experience without big mountain prices or lift lines. Or take to the trails and boundless backcountry terrain for Nordic skiing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in Yellowstone’s wintry wonderland.
Montana’s Yellowstone Country offers three entrances to Yellowstone National Park and is a scenic, comfortable drive from Glacier Country and Glacier National Park. Plan your trip now—because the point of life is to reach the height of happiness. Just remember to travel and recreate responsibly.
A four-season destination inspired by the people, culture and landscapes of Montana, Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center blends the comfort of a mountain lodge with modern style at the gateway to Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls. A rich sense of exhilaration infuses every experience, from fly fishing on Whitefish Lake and backcountry adventures in Glacier National Park to championship golf and more. Looking for more information? Call us toll-free within the U.S. at 855-SEEGLACIER (855-733-4522).
Missoula, Montana, transforms into a captivating winter wonderland, offering a charming retreat with thrilling outdoor activities and a vibrant culinary scene. This snowy landscape fosters a sense of community, where nature enthusiasts embrace the chill and creative souls draw inspiration from the glistening snow.
Winter lovers will find paradise in Missoula with five nearby ski areas featuring pristine slopes for downhill adventures. Additionally, the region boasts three rivers, seven wilderness areas, and miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Outdoor ice skating rinks, like the one at the University of Montana, beckon skaters.
Cozy igloos provide a unique dining experience with hearty meals. Fuel up for the city's bustling winter calendar, including thrilling sporting competitions, enchanting symphony performances, community theater productions, lively winter brew fests with local craft beers, and the vibrant Parade of Lights, adding festive cheer to the season.
Missoula offers a unique snowy playground, so book your stay for an unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the heart of Missoula, downtown transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, making it the ultimate destination for embracing the beauty of the season. Amid the enchanting snowy landscape, downtown Missoula emerges as the epicenter of the city's winter charm. This vibrant hub boasts an array of shop and boutiques, cozy restaurants, inviting cafes, and art galleries that encourage visitors to linger and enjoy a local experience. A glistening river winding through the center of downtown Missoula adds to the picturesque scenery, making it an idyllic place for everyone to revel in the delights of winter.
The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown is the ideal choice to experience all Missoula has to offer. Located in the heart of downtown in a gracious park-like setting along the Clark Fork River, this hotel is just steps from vibrant shopping, dining, live-music, outdoor recreation, festivals, farmers markets and more!
Missoula's largest full-service hotel has 198 newly refreshed guest rooms, including a 4th floor Executive Level, 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a park-like outdoor venue, a full-service restaurant and bar, a lobby bar, and a grab-and-go market featuring local favorites and espresso. With the best location and superior conference service, groups are guaranteed a distinctive Missoula experience. Complimentary features include an indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, 24-hour business center, Wi-Fi, on-site guest parking (a rarity in downtown), airport and area-wide transportation. This a nonsmoking hotel with pet-friendly rooms.
Kandahar Lodge is a cozy, ski-in, ski-out mountain lodge located on Whitefish Mountain Resort. Enjoy Kandahar’s charming lobby complete with a crackling fireplace and vintage snug bar—the perfect spot to relax after a day on the slopes. Unwind in our Wellness Center featuring therapeutic massage and a fitness center with views of the mountain, plus a large outdoor Jacuzzi and steam room that allow guests to recharge for another day on the slopes. A European-style continental breakfast is included with lodging.
Come ski, unwind and indulge in luxury at Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Ranked the No. 3 best ski resort in North America, Whitefish Mountain boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain with 300 inches of annual snowfall.
Makers of Montana's iconic Cold Smoke® Scotch Ale, KettleHouse Brewing Co. has a brewery and taproom nestled on the banks of the beautiful Blackfoot River in Bonner, Montana. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Missoula, KettleHouse offers stunning mountain views, and wildlife sightings of ospreys, eagles, bears and bighorn sheep are not uncommon. This location is also home to Montana's premier music venue, the KettleHouse Amphitheater.
KettleHouse's mission is to match the quality of their beers to the quality of Montana's outdoor experience. They've been independently owned an innovating since 1995.
Instagram: @kettlehouse
Facebook: facebook.com/kettlehousebrewingcompany
Experience Lookout Pass and Eagle Peak this winter!
Double down on adventure and ski two states for the price of one plus twice the terrain with Eagle Peak open. Lookout offers an average of 400+ inches of light, dry powder annually, with easy access just off I-90 on the ID-MT border at Exit 0. Enjoy impeccable corduroy and affordable lift tickets. Ski over 1,000 acres, 1,650ft vertical, 52 trails, bountiful glades, 5 Chairlifts (2 Quads, 2 Triples & 1 Double). Voted the most family-friendly mountain resort in the Pacific Northwest by OnTheSnow.com.
Located in the charming town of Whitefish, The Pine Lodge knows winter inside out. This is the ideal setting for your snow escape.
Featuring 76 hotel rooms ranging from standard rooms to executive suites, The Pine Lodge is known for its family-friendly nature and easy access to Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Their ski package—the White Glove Experience—is included with every reservation. It offers perks, like a complimentary ski van to and from Whitefish Mountain Resort, ski locker room and the use of boot dryers. Plus, you can beat the lines and purchase lift tickets at the front desk.
The Pine Lodge also provides numerous ways to relax and have fun right on the property. Roast s'mores over the firepits. Explore with their complimentary snowshoe rentals. Soak in their indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub. It's all there.
At The Pine Lodge, you can go all out, then come on in. It's the perfect winter getaway.
Open year-round, Quinn's Hot Springs Resort is nestled in a majestic canyon on the Clark Fork River in Sanders County on State Highway 135. In addition to 83 rentals, Quinn’s offers a full-service restaurant, tavern, gift and coffee shop, five natural hot springs pools including a cool plunge plus an additional two salt-treated pools. All lodging is new since 2001 forward and includes standard and luxury accommodations with options for both couples and families or groups. Quinn’s Luxury River-View Cabins are the ultimate experience in relaxation and comfort with stunning river and mountain views. Photo by Noah Couser Photography
Southgate Mall is your most convenient and best Missoula shopping destination. With more than 100 stores and 10,000 brands, you'll find something for everyone in the family and for every occasion. The largest mall in Western Montana, Southgate Mall stores offer women's apparel, shoes, children's and teens' clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, home décor, electronics and more. Browse department stores, specialty shops and boutiques. When you're ready for a break, choose from some of the most popular Missoula dining options, all under the same roof.
With tax-free shopping, Southgate Mall is home to Scheels, Dillard’s (women’s), Dillard’s (men’s + kids’), AMC-9 Dine-In Theater, Cost Plus World Market, Lululemon, Athleta, H&M, Chico’s, Bath & Body Works and more.
Southgate Mall offers some of the top-rated restaurants in Missoula, including Mustard Seed, Hoagieville, Sushi Palace, #1 Greek Gyros, Noodle Express, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Double K Ranch Deli & Meats, and, coming in October 2023, Texas Roadhouse.
Whitefish Marine’s family-friendly guided Snowmobile Tours will lead you through miles of pristine snowcapped forests, over frozen rivers and streams, and past stunning mountain views all within the Stillwater State Forest. Their energetic and experienced guides will go above and beyond to meet and exceed your expectations. Half-day and full-day tours available! Let Whitefish Marine help you create memories to last a lifetime.