Article and photos by Jamie Blotske

With Christmas and New Year’s behind us, the long stretch of winter can feel daunting. It’s easy to slip into a routine of cozying up indoors, longing for the sun-soaked days of summer. But Montana winters are filled with their own kind of magic, and there’s no need to hibernate! From snow-dusted trails to thrilling sledding hills, opportunities for fun abound. With a little planning, you can turn these frosty months into a season of adventure.

The key to embracing winter is to get outside and engage with the beauty of the season. Whether you’re trekking through a snowy trail, gliding down a sledding hill, or soaking in a steaming hot spring, there’s a sense of wonder in Montana’s winter landscape that’s unlike any other time of year. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and dive into the countless ways to make the most of these chilly days. Winter isn’t just a time to endure – it’s a time to explore, play, and create lasting memories.

Hiking

There is no need to head to the mountains for this adventurous activity! There are several hikes right here in our hometown of Billings that are highly recommended for a wintery view. With some sturdy snow boots and appropriate outerwear, you’d be set to take on any of the trails in the magic city. A few hours in the frosty air is a great way to wake your body from its midwinter slumber. Warm up afterward with a hot meal at a local food joint, or grab a pint at one of the many family-friendly breweries.  

Best views (recommended at sunrise/sunset):

Phipps Park

Four Dances Recreational Area

Best for kids:

Two Moon Park

Riverfront Park

Best for exploring/long walks:

Zimmerman Park

John H. Dover Memorial Park

Snowshoeing

If you want to take your hiking adventures up a notch, head to Red Lodge for some epic snowshoeing or hiking. The Red Lodge Nordic Center, located 3 miles outside Red Lodge, is a great place to explore the day away. With roughly 10 miles of groomed trails, this is an ideal starting point for families of all ages! 

Other trails: 

Lake Fork 

Silver Run 

Palisades Trail 

West Fork Road 

Advanced hiking/snowshoeing trails: 

Timberline Lake 

Glacier Lake 

Lost Lake 

Know before you go! 

Please be sure to do your research on any of the above trails. The winter weather can be bitter and unforgivingly cold. You could be in a potentially dangerous situation without proper knowledge of the area, gear, and apparel. Talk to the locals at any of the outdoor shops in town. They can help guide you to a trail appropriate for your skill level. 

Sledding

Believe it or not, Billings boasts some pretty epic sledding hills. Fill up your thermos with hot cocoa, strap on your snow pants, grab a sled or innertube, and load up your family for a fun-filled day at one of many local sledding spots:

Most Popular – Pioneer Park

Centrally located, this hot spot is an excellent option if you feel social! Pioneer Park provides a variety of hill types, from long and slow to short and steep. And if those little ones in your life get tired, the playground is a great way to take a break from the exhaustion that comes with hauling a sled up the hill over and over… and over again.   

Keep it Simple – Rimpoint Park

Another popular sledding hill is located west of Shiloh, just north of Rimrock. Referred to as “the bowl,” this hill serves its purpose. There’s plenty of room to spread out, and the base of the bowl is fairly wide, so there isn’t much concern about sledders colliding. This park does not have a playground, hence its simplicity and to-the-point nature. It is a great hill for all ages!

The Heights – Castle Rock Park

Live in the heights but don’t feel like venturing down the rims? No problem! Castle Rock is a large park ready to accommodate a lot of people. Be aware of the duck pond in the park's northeast corner. It should be drained or frozen over, but you’d be wise to check it out before plummeting straight towards it!  

Feeling Adventurous – Phipps Park

Whatever type of hill you’re in search of, you’ll find it at Phipps! The park is hands down the closest you’ll get to a mountain town sledding hill. The only downside to this location is the rocks and bushes. Those unforgiving obstacles will be in your way without a good snow cover. This area might not be the best choice for smaller children, but for teens looking for more of a thrill, Phipps Park is where it’s at! 

Yellowstone National Park

It’s safe to say that most people associate a trip to YNP with late spring, summer, and early fall. However, winter can be a great time to visit! The number of people visiting this time of year is significantly less than during peak tourism. You can essentially have the whole place to yourself! With that being said, a large portion of the park is not accessible, as road access is extremely limited. The park entrance through Gardener, MT, is open year-round, which is great news for Billings residents because it is the closest entry point. By vehicle, you can drive into Mammoth and on into Lamar Valley for sweeping views of the basin, blanketed in snow. Mammoth Hot Springs is still reachable on foot, and the visitor center/gift shop is open for all your educational and shopping needs.

Despite most roads being closed to private vehicles, there are still ways to experience the park's interior. Snow coaches run twice daily between Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Yellowstone Park also provides plenty of winter adventure tours, giving an up-close and intimate look into the park’s wintertime landscape and wildlife. Hop online to check out all available options, from skiing, snowshoeing, and star-gazing.   

With various ideas, creating a space that reflects the messages found in each card received is possible. Every card represents a narrative, and each display serves as a representation of connections. Instead of storing cards away this season, consider showcasing them creatively to enhance holiday décor. These inspirations can assist in addressing common holiday display challenges. 

Hot Spring Soaking

A dip in a natural hot spring is fabulous any time of year, but there’s something extra soothing about a pool plunge in the dead of winter when the steam that ascends from the water is a little thicker, and the need for a beanie is essential for the ears. We here in Billings happen to be within close proximity to two incredible hot spring facilities. Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley and Yellowstone Hot Springs just outside of Gardener, MT, are the best in Big Sky country. With a recipe for relaxation, plan for a weekend stay at either location, as both have accommodating lodging options all year long.

Let this be the winter of adventure! Montana is made for memories – grab your family and make one today!

Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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