Montana is an extreme state where legends are made by men brave and determined enough to explore the vast open spaces. For those seeking winter adventure there this year, you won't be disappointed (unless you are looking for smog-choked highways and long lift lines!) One of the beauties of a state as open and free as Montana is that activities you wouldn't (or couldn't) consider elsewhere suddenly become possible if you are brave enough. For instance, many people enjoy parasailing and thousands more people enjoy backcountry skiing - so how about combining them?
What Do You Call Your "Guys Trips"?
- Montana offers diverse extreme winter activities including backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and unique sports like skijoring for adventure seekers.
- Backcountry skiing locations like Bridger Ridge and Beehive Basin offer exceptional terrain with deep powder conditions.
- The state features extensive snowmobile trails with 300+ inches of annual snowfall in prime locations like West Yellowstone.
- Dog sledding provides a quieter alternative to motorized winter sports, with opportunities from half-day trips to multi-night adventures.
- Hyalite Canyon stands out as a premier ice climbing destination with over 250 routes of varying difficulty.
While we don't all need to be as extreme as Adam Majors flying off the top of Saddle Peak, there are plenty of other awesome winter adventures waiting for you here in Montana!
Cross-Country Skiing
Pretty much the entire state of Montana is a haven for cross-country skiing but there are also tons of groomed trails spread throughout the western part of the state.
Back Country Skiing
If you're not ready to go flying, you can still enjoy the thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness in Montana. Guides throughout the state are ready to help you explore terrain including Yellowstone National Park.
Bridger Bowl Backcountry
The Bridger Ridge offers exceptional expert-level backcountry terrain with over 2,000 feet of vertical drop and consistently deep powder conditions.
Beehive Basin
Located near Big Sky Resort, this pristine basin features wide-open bowls and gladed tree runs perfect for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers.
Paradise Valley
The Absaroka Range in Paradise Valley provides remote, uncrowded backcountry skiing with stunning views of Yellowstone National Park.
Great Northern Mountain
This hidden gem in the Flathead National Forest offers steep chutes and open powder fields that receive abundant snowfall throughout the winter season.
No matter where you choose to go though, always do so safely. Unless you are an expert skier and familiar with the terrain here, you should only go on a backcountry ski trip with a knowledgeable guide.
Back Country Snowmobiling
Between Glacier County and the Yellowstone area, you've got two of the greatest places on earth to explore from the back of a snowmobile. Whether you are looking for extreme slopes to gentle groomed trails Montana has thousands of miles of snowmobile trails to choose from. Glacier Country Montana is the place to go for an epic snowmobile adventure with its combination of frozen lakes and logging and forest service roads that are closed to cars and trucks after the winter snow sets in. There's plenty of adventure here from those just starting out to the experts in your party.
The untamed terrain here offers some of the best powder riding in the Lower 48. From West Yellowstone's legendary Two Top Trail to the Lolo Pass area near the Idaho border, riders can access remote backcountry bowls and ridges that see annual snowfall counts north of 300 inches. The Canyon Creek area outside Coram is a local favorite, offering technical tree riding and wide-open meadows perfect for carving fresh tracks. Many outfitters in towns like Columbia Falls and West Yellowstone rent high-performance sleds like Polaris RMKs and Ski-Doo Summit X machines that can handle the deep snow and steep terrain.
For multi-day adventures, rustic lodges and warming huts dot the trail systems, letting you string together epic point-to-point rides. The Duck Lake Winter Recreation Area connects over 250 miles of groomed trails across the Flathead National Forest. Remember to pack emergency gear and check avalanche conditions - Montana's backcountry demands respect.
Few winter experiences can match the rush of exploring these snow-blanketed mountains by sled with your crew.
Dog Sledding
While speeding through the wilderness atop the roar of a snowmobile is certain to get your adrenaline running - imagine being pulled silently through the snow-covered trails by a pack of dogs instead! Whether your preference is as an observer or a participant Montana has tons of opportunities for people looking to explore dog sledding. This includes Glacier Country Montana's historic 300 mile Race to the Sky held each February. Glacier Country has some of the finest mushers in the lower 48, and they can set you up for everything from a half-day outing to a multi-night adventure that will create memories for a lifetime!
This is a perfect father-son trip idea since you can do it together as adult men or as a team with your teenage son even.
Skijoring
Another sport for people who would prefer animal power instead of mechanical power ... imagine being pulled down the street and over jumps by one of Montana's finest horses? Yes, Skijoring is a real sport!
Skijoring, which means "ski driving" in Norwegian, originated in Scandinavia as a method of winter travel, with horses or reindeer pulling skiers across snowy terrain. The sport gained popularity in Montana post-WWII when soldiers returned home, and cowboys decided to attach ropes to their horses for a thrill replicating what they experienced in Norway. It's not without controversy, though, but it's on the top of my list of things to see this winter in Montana!
Today, Red Lodge, Montana hosts one of the state's premier skijoring events each March, featuring teams racing through a challenging course where horses pull skiers at speeds up to 40 mph while they navigate jumps and grab rings.
Ice Climbing
Unlike other states, Ice Climbing can be a year-round adventure in Montana. Obviously, the opportunities to climb frozen waterfalls expand dramatically in the winter months, typically October - April, depending on weather. Hyalite Canyon in Yellowstone Country, Montana, is one of the top ice climbing spots in the country due to its more than 250 different routes with various difficulties as well as its sheer beauty. Hyalite Canyon features a mixture of difficulties from moderate climbs to some o the hardest in the United States.
No matter what you seek, if you are looking for extreme winter adventures for your next guys trip, Montana has got what you are looking for. Just remember not to let your passion exceed your abilities. Be smart and check out the Visit Montana website for suggestions for guides and other services to ensure that you are able to create amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
Photos courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development.
