Most snow-seeking travelers think of Big Sky, Montana for its scenic views or the adrenaline rush from skiing its awesome slopes. For those interested in the less busy enclaves close to Whitefish, a world of boutique experiences will be right at your fingertips.
You won't want to miss the immaculate, vast sections of Glacier National Park. The snowfall in the winter months will guide you into quiet woods and lonely lakes where routes are traced not by tread but by the soft murmur of a moose in the distance, providing an isolation that is increasingly rare. Easy to travel between, Whitefish and Kalispell offer endless choices for whatever your travel mood dictates.
Apart from regular skiing and snowboarding, think about lacing up skates for a twilight spin on an outdoor ice rink surrounded by tall pines or discovering new territory by fat tire biking on clean wilderness paths just outside Bozeman. Less well-known than the headline attractions, these quieter pleasures allow you to explore Montana's more personal side, where unexpected wildlife encounters may serve as a reminder it is as much about tuning in to nature as it is about crossing off items on a list.
For those travelers who love to shop, winter in Montana is a great time to look for local artisans who create handwoven blankets, carved wooden skis, or imbue of small-batch delights with the spirit of fresh-harvested mountain juniper. Visit Missoula's markets or check out an unannounced workshop on Helena's outskirts where a craftsperson could be combining modern flare with old-world skills to produce that one-off scarf or limited-edition whiskey that warms you from the inside out.
Glacier Rim Hats (GlacierRimHats.com) in Whitefish, a custom hat shop run by Todd and Becky Horning, is just the sort of hands-on boutique experience one might seek to create a one-of-a-kind custom-fit “your head only” hat. Known for their stylish and quirky linings and the customized stamped engravings on the inside leather sweatband, these hats are sure to please. It is not
uncommon to see the Horning’s designs on celebrities and musicians alike, along with providing the official hats for Montana’s rodeo queens, Miss Montana and countless custom bridal orders. Be sure to book ahead of your trip, lead times can be anywhere from 3-to-4 months.
It will not be hard to adventure travel by day and find your inner epicurean by night at WinterFest, happening at the green o
(TheGreenO.com), February 14-17. An adults-only escape located at The Resort at Paws Up. WinterFest is three days of winter-themed meals created especially for you by some of the country’s most illustrious chefs. Opus One Winery and winemaker, Michael Silacci will be a star participant this year. Silacci will be featuring a library wine tasting and discussions about wine pairings at these exclusive dinners.
Now that your appetite for more is awakened, additional experience options at the Resort at Paws Up (PawsUp.com) can be yours, where 37,000 acres, 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River combine to make for the ultimate wilderness playground. The Paws Up staff can customize an adventure for you.
If all-inclusive is not your style, the properties found on RedAwning may be just your speed. Settle into a vacation home or condo all to yourself. Tim Choate, Founder and CEO of RedAwning (RedAwning.com) offers this thought to a discerning traveler: “As someone who has spent decades connecting travelers to exceptional vacation experiences, I’ve learned even in the most remote, wintry regions, what truly counts is discovering authentic local offerings and forging meaningful connections."
“Working in the vacation rental and digital innovation space has given me a unique lens to see how Montana’s winter landscapes, cultural traditions, and entrepreneurial creators can align with traveler expectations—especially when it comes to experiencing
the state in all its frosty brilliance.”
Albeit vast and seemingly wild, Montana offers more than just a long weekend of fun. Planning your moments will be part of the excitement, a guaranteed solution for the winter blues. Montana is home to experienced guides who can assist in your trip planning. Whether it’s a tiny business in Livingston or an independent operator from Kalispell, seasoned local guides have stories that transcend the shiny brochures. They will bring you to hidden canyons for snowshoeing or thermal springs so you can watch the springs silently steam in the predawn cool, creating memories for a lifetime. Montana is for the solo traveler, the couple getaway or the perfect family trip, unique in its landscape, personalized only by the limits of your imagination.
"Even in the most remote, wintry regions, what truly counts is discovering authentic local offerings and forging meaningful connections." -- Tim Choate, Founder and CEO of RedAwning