Snow Limits

Discovering new ways to get after it in winter.

Winter in southwest Montana is a wonderful time of year, and there’s no limit to the ways you can spend it. While more fashionable cold-weather pursuits have made Bozeman a mecca for winter recreators, there’s more to do than just skiing or ice-climbing. So, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the splendors of winter sans skis or ice axes—or are simply seeking to break up the monotony—look no further.

While more fashionable cold-weather pursuits have made Bozeman a mecca for winter recreators, there’s more to do than just skiing or ice-climbing.

Snowmobiling
The thrill of opening the throttle on an 850cc snowmobile and tearing up a field of fresh powder is hard to beat, and there’re plenty of places to ride across Montana—the Bridger Range, Paradise Valley, Cooke City, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone, to name a few. Plus, there’s no shortage of ways to utilize a snowmobile, or “sled,” such as accessing hard-to-reach backcountry terrain, cruising snowed-in trails and access roads, or simply going out for a rip. Sleds aren’t cheap, but thankfully there are plenty of guide services and rental shops around Gallatin Valley that can hook you up with a ride, helmet, and ski suit. 

Ice Skating
There are few activities that lend themselves to romanticism, artistry, and brutality like ice skating does—and all you need to go is a pair of skates and a bit of humility. Bozeman maintains several outdoor community rinks come mid-December—Bogert, Southside, and Beall—all of which are free to the public. Several elementary schools in the area put up rinks as well, although they’re only open to the public after school’s out. Looking for professionally maintained ice? Head on over to Haynes Pavillion. Entry is only $10, and another $5 if you need rentals. Once you’ve got your legs under you, you can take things up a notch with a race around the rink or a friendly game of stick-and-puck hockey. 

Ice Fishing
Though not exceptionally popular in the West—and sometimes looked down on by more serious (read: pompous) anglers—ice fishing is a great way to spend a day during the winter. All you need is an ice auger, a rod, a chair, some warm clothes, and a beverage of your choosing. Waterbodies such as Hyalite Reservoir, Canyon Ferry, Glen Canyon Pond, or the Bozeman Pond are all great options, but always check that the ice is at least four inches thick, lest you find yourself taking an unexpected (and potentially fatal) polar plunge.

Snowshoeing
Hiking in the wintertime can be great—no mosquitoes, no bears, no people—but post-holing through deep snow is an exhausting and miserable experience. Avoid the hassle by finding yourself a pair of snowshoes. While they’re relatively inexpensive (a beginner set up is typically about $200), you can also rent a pair through MSU’s Outdoor Recreation Program or at various outdoor shops. Once you’ve gotten your hands on shoes (and poles—they help a ton), all you’ve got to do is bundle up and take to the hills. Snowshoes work best in deep snow, so don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and blaze your own trail.

Sledding
It doesn’t get better, or more nostalgic, than barreling down a snow-covered hill on a piece of plastic with the expectation—nay, intention—of crashing. The beauty of sledding lies both in its simplicity and accessibility, as it requires no skill, no fancy gear, and no level of physical aptitude beyond walking uphill. Anywhere with a suitable incline will do, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in-town at Peets Hill, the Snowfill Recreation Area, the Regional Park, and Langohr Campground up in Hyalite.