Snow Days

In some places, staying inside during winter is standard procedure—but not in Bozeman. Snow, hail, whipping winds, or below-freezing temperatures? Bring it on! And just like us, our kids don’t let a little snow stop them from playing outside. To make sure your little ones are on the right track to embracing this winter wonderland we call home, take advantage of one of these many skill-building and fun-encouraging programs.

Ice Skating

The Bozeman Recreation Department offers ice-skating lessons at Southside Ice Rink (5th and College). Learn the basics of ice skating: skating in a straight line, gliding forward and backward, stopping, falling, and getting up. The first session starts January 3, ages four to adult. Preregister at the Beall Park office or call 582-2290. bozeman.net.

The Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association (BAHA) youth program provides people with the opportunity to have fun learning the skills of skating and the game of hockey. There are a variety of teams for a variety of ages, including adults. Kids as young as three years old can join the Learn-to-Skate program. Register online at bozemanhockey.org.

The Bozeman Figure Skating Club partners with BAHA on the Learn-to-Skate program. Rising Star classes start January 2 and transition skaters from organized group lessons to the more advanced freestyle session. Finer Edge classes teach all skill levels to learn new elements such as: stroking, spiral, Bauer, spread eagle, spin techniques, turns, edges, and jump techniques. bozemanfigureskating.org.

Skiing

Bridger Ski Foundation has world-class Nordic, alpine, and freestyle ski programs for children ages five and up. All abilities are welcome, and kids can focus on competitive or recreational skiing. bridgerskifoundation.org.

Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Bridger Bowl all have ski schools to get even the youngest rippers comfortable making turns. Each ski area offers different programs ranging from single lessons to lesson series. bigskyresort.com; moonlightbasin.com; bridgerbowl.com.

If you want to kick and glide, the Bohart Ranch Cross-Country Ski Center and Lone Mountain Ranch offer lessons and programs for classic and skate skiing. bohartranchxcski.com; lonemountainranch.com.

Warming Up

Organizations throughout the Gallatin Valley have programs that take place indoors and out. Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman Recreation Department, and Gallatin Valley YMCA offer preschool, after-school, and P.I.R.-day programs that combine crafts, learning, games, and outdoor play.