Winter Wonderland

Affordable winter pursuits

To live in Bozeman, you have to love winter, and that means getting out in it. You could pay big bucks and hit the ski slopes, but there are cheaper ways to fall in love with winter too.

Sledding
Whether you’re careening down ice-slopes in Bozeman or bouncing over bumps in the surrounding forests, there are plenty of places to slide around.

Peets Hill – Bring your first-aid kit and prepare to get airborne. Look for the big hill on S. Church, kitty-corner to Bogert Park.

Snowfill Recreation Area – This off-leash dog area also has sledding and Nordic skiing. It’s on Mcilhattan, past the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

Lindley Center – Perfect for mellow sledders and kids. Park off Ellis St. on the east side of Highland Blvd., north of the hospital.

Ice Skating
The City of Bozeman builds and maintains three ice rinks; opening and closing dates depend on weather. Call 582- 2905 for info.

Bogert Park – S. Church, just a few blocks from downtown.

Southside Park – College and 5th, just down the road from the Pickle Barrel.

Beall Park – Black and Villard, on Bozeman’s northeast side.

XC Skiing
The options for kicking and gliding are nearly endless around these parts.

Highland and Lindley Park – Great after work or when you just need a break. Park off Ellis St. on the east side of Highland Blvd.

Bozeman Creek – Expect company here; this trail is often groomed and it’s only seven miles south of town. Turn onto Nash Rd. from either S. 19th or Sourdough and then head south on Sourdough Canyon Rd. to the parking lot.

Hyalite Canyon – Miles of possibilities here, but make sure the road is plowed (call the Forest Service at 522- 2520). To get there, head south on S. 19th, turn left on Hyalite Canyon Rd. and head into the canyon. The trails are everywhere, so have a map handy.

For even more beta on the miles and miles of local Nordic skiing, check out Ski Trails of Southwest Montana.