When one thinks of Montana, visions of expansive mountain views and sprawling ranch lands often come to mind, and with good reason.
In the springtime, it’s a wildflower and birders paradise, summer promises more lakes and streams that can be fished and paddled in a year, and come fall, Mother Nature blesses us with some of the most spectacular colors of the season.
And then, there’s winter. White, wonderful and WILD winter. For those who seek adventure, this is your time of the year, and Montana is your kind of pace.
Whether this type of lifestyle fits your profile, or if you’d rather cozy up inside and take in our magical winter sights, let our Hollinger team member at RE/MAXS of Bigfork, Montana, find the perfect spot for your comfort zone. See our “Top Picks” then contact us for a personal tour.
Just Say … “Mush!”
Bring your spirit of adventure as any day dog sledding in Montana is an adventure you will always remember. Long before Americans discovered the beauty of our treasure state, Indigenous residents discovered the benefits of letting their furry friends help carry the load.
Since then, dog sledding emerged as an ironclad “must-do” wild adventure in Montana. To mark this one off your bucket list, connect with Base Camp Bigfork or Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures
Climb On!
For those who love the thrill of hanging off a rope on the side of a cliff, or those who like to push one’s pulse to the limit, go climb some ice. There’s plenty of it in Montana and plenty of professional to help you get started. All you need is an axe, and guts.
Those who make this a daily habit put Hyalite Canyon at the top of their list. In addition to this gulp-inducing escapade, the views are just as jaw-dropping.
And here’s the best news, sections of the Canyon are ideal for those who are first timers or part-time climbers.
Need more advice? Click into Montana Alpine Guides … and climb on!
Seek the Extreme Side of Snowshoeing
If your idea of slowing gliding a pristine wide open flat snow-laden fields is BORING … read on. Our friends at Wild Montana have your name on their list. Throughout the winter, their non-profit organization hosts adventure-based snowshoe shoe hikes promising some of the state’s most scenic sights. Below are four of our favorites with ‘difficulty ratings’ noted as well.
Magical Snowshoe to Mystic Lake
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Billings, Montana
Difficulty: Strenuous
Explore the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness on a 6-mile round trip hike out and back.
Winter Classic: Stanton Lake Snowshoe Hike
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Columbia Falls, Montana
Difficulty: Moderate
Enter the Great Bear Wilderness with a strenuous start and final stop with stunning views of Stanton Lake.
Snowshoe Hike Along the Parkside NRT
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Red Lodge, Montana
Difficulty: Moderate
Celebrate the Winter Solstice wrapped within the sights of the Beartooth Mountains.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Missoula, Montana
Difficulty: Easy
Make is a holiday to remember snowshoeing while stargazing Montana’s BIG DEEP SKY! Learn about the constellations, and if you’re lucky, you’ll capture sights of a few the world’s deep-sky objects including the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
The Wild Are Calling and You Must Go
West Yellowstone, Montana
All Season-long
Winter is a special time to experience wildlife in Montana. As the deep snow pushes the wildlife out of the higher country, abundant whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, moose and thousands of elk and bison move down into the milder climates. And it is this time of the year where you can capture the magic – through a lens – to keep the memories, forever. See all your options (an book early) with Yellowstone Wild Tours,
When you are done crossing off your bucket list of some of the wildest things to do in Montana in the winter, you deserve some sleep. If you are up for just ONE more adventure, go camping in a tipi at Bodhi Farm – just outside the city limits of Bozeman. You’ll be roughing it, yet there are heated restrooms and sauna to soothe your bones and soul.
Live It. Love It.
As you ponder which adventure to enjoy in our paradise, our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Bigfork, Montana wishes you a white, wonderful and wild Christmas, Hannukah or “whatever way you celebrate” season!
