BOZEMAN REAL ESTATE BLOG
10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman During the Winter
On Dec 15, 2021
Whether you live in Bozeman or are just visiting, you probably want to get out and experience the best of winter in Bozeman. Here is our list of the best things to do in Bozeman during the winter.
1. Skiing (of course)
This one is a given. Bozeman is a ski town that’s for sure. Bridger Bowl is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Bozeman and it offers some of the best expert skiing in the nation. If you aren't comfortable flying down chutes, don't worry, Bridger Bowl has more than 75 runs with a wide variety of terrain difficulty. Big Sky Resort is known as some of the Biggest Skiing in America with more than 5,800 skiable acres and 36 lifts. Located 45 minutes away from Bozeman, it's easy to visit Big Sky for the day.
2. Cabins
Is there any better way to spend a cold winter day than cozied up in a charming log cabin? Whether you are visiting or just looking for a getaway, Bozeman has so many cabins that are perfect for cozy winter nights. From Airbnb's near downtown to Forest Service cabins in the mountains, click here for a list of the 10 best cabin rentals in Bozeman.
3. Winter Hiking
There are a few perks to winter hiking in Bozeman that are worth mentioning. For one, there is hardly any trail traffic which means you can often have some of Bozeman’s most popular hiking trails all to yourself! Second, the scenery is different. If you grew tired of a Bozeman hiking trail over the summer, revisit it in the winter – it’s a whole new world! Third, is there anything more beautiful than Bozeman's snow-covered peaks? Click here for a list of the best winter hikes in Bozeman.
4. Ice Fishing
Who said fishing is a summertime activity? Sure, it takes a little more work, and a little more insulation, but ice-fishing is a great way to get out during a long Montana winter. So where do you go? Ice fishing at Hyalite Reservoir is our top pick, it’s hard to beat those mountain views. Trout take in Hyalite is limited to five a day and arctic graylings have to be released but it's worth it for the peace & quiet. You can also ice fish at the East Gallatin Recreation Area where you’ll find a fishing dock and picnic areas that double as a shelter. The Bozeman Pond is also a great option for day use with a boat launch, bathrooms, and access for camp trailers.
5. Ice Skating
In the winter months, there are several places in Bozeman where you can strap on some skates and enjoy a bit of ice skating. The Bogart Pavillion on South Church Avenue has a fully covered & fully fenced ice rink, which is great for kids! Just a few blocks north of downtown, Beall Park has an ice rink & playground. And just off College Street, the Southside City Rink is a large rink with plenty of space for the whole family! For hockey players, the place to go is Haynes Pavilion. They have youth and adult leagues, lessons, open skate times and so much more.
6. Cross Country Skiing
If hiking is not your jam, cross-country skiing is a great way to get out and explore the trails. There are countless groomed cross-country ski trails in and around Bozeman. Our top picks? Hyalite Loop, History Rock, South Cottonwood Trail, and the Highland Glen trail. You can visit the Bridger Ski Foundation website for trail grooming updates. For cross-country ski rental gear check out Round House Ski and Sports Center.
7. Hot Springs
When you’ve got that winter chill in your bones, nothing does the trick quite like a soak in one of Bozeman’s many nearby hot springs. Bozeman Hot Springs is a great place to spend the day, not only can you spend hours soaking in their outdoor & indoor pools but you can also enjoy the sauna, steam room & gym. Norris Hot Springs is great for a night out with friends with live music every Friday, Saturday & Sunday. For a weekend escape, Chico Hot Springs is a classic with lodging, incredible food, live music, and two open-air hot springs pools. Photo credit: Yelp
8. The Museum of the Rockies
If you’ve had enough of all that fresh mountain air, a day at the world-class Museum of the Rockies is a day well spent! With ever-changing exhibits, the dinosaur complex and our personal favorite, the planetarium, a day at the museum is a day well spent.
9. Winter Farmers Market
Every other Saturday, local farmers gather at the Emerson Cultural Center to bring us fresh greens, vegetables, farm fresh eggs, fresh breads and so much more. Even if you just go to browse, a hot breakfast, live music and cozy atmosphere make Bozeman’s winter farmers market well worth a visit! Photo credit: Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
10. Local Events
We are so happy about the return of local events to get us through the winter months in Bozeman! Catch your favorite band at Bozeman's newest music venue, the Elm, or Live from the Divide. The Ellen Theater is back with live theater, movies, and music. Sports fans can get back in the stands and cheer on the Bobcats, Hawks or Raptors. The Bozeman Symphony has also returned to live performances, as has the Montana Ballet Company. In Bozeman, there is no lack of events in town!
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