12 Winter Activities to do in Missoula this Season

12 Winter Activities to do in Missoula this Season

1. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding 

With five downhill ski areas within easy driving distance of Missoula, your powder paradise is always right around the corner.

Where to Go:

  • Snowbowl Ski Area – Missoula, Montana
  • Lost Trail Ski Area – Sula, Montana 
  • Lookout Pass – Mullan, Idaho (Montana Border) 
  • Blacktail Mountain Ski Area – Lakeside, Montana  
  • Discovery Ski Area – Anaconda, Montana  

2. Cross-Country Skiing

Whether you’d rather glide through town, or traverse the backcountry on your skis, there’s a trail for every nordic skiing adventure.

Where to Go:

  • Pattee Canyon Recreation Area– Missoula, Montana
  • Rattlesnake National Recreation Area – Missoula, Montana
  • Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails – Seeley Lake, Montana

3. Snowshoeing

Because there’s no better way to spend a Missoula winter than completely immersing yourself in it, strap on your snowshoes and set out to explore snow-packed versions of the trails you love all year long.

Where to Go:

  • Blue Mountain Recreation Area – Missoula, Montana
  • Pattee Canyon Recreation Area – Missoula, Montana
  • Rattlesnake National Recreation Area – Missoula, Montana
  • Lookout Pass Trails – Mullan, Idaho (Montana border) 

4. Winter Hiking

Crunch some snow beneath your boots as you hike Missoula’s most popular trails to see the city from a brand new point of view.

Where to Go:

  • The “M” Trail – Missoula, Montana
  • Waterworks Hill- Missoula, Montana
  • Mount Sentinel trails- Missoula, Montana
  • Riverfront Trail- Missoula, Montana
  • Blue Mountain Recreation Area- Missoula, Montana
  • Pattee Canyon Recreation Area- Missoula, Montana

5. Ice Skating

There’s nothing quite like an evening skating under the stars. Lace up your skates, it’s time to hit the rink.

Where to Go:

  • Glacier Ice Rink- Missoula, Montana
  • Pineview Park- Missoula, Montana
  • The Oval – University of Montana in Missoula Montana

6. Ice Hockey

Winter means hockey season, and with local rinks, teams and leagues, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action, whether you’re cheering in the stands or on the ice.

Where to Go:

  • Glacier Ice Rink – Missoula, Montana
    • Offers adult and youth hockey leagues 
  • University of Montana Men’s Hockey – Missoula, Montana
    • Catch a match at Glacier Ice Rink from September to January 
  • University of Montana Outdoor Ice Rink – Missoula, Montana
    • Designated hockey hours on the weekends

7. Hot Springs Day Trip 

A day of chilly adventures always calls for a warm soak in the wilderness. Hit the road for these nearby hot springs that are just a short drive out of town.

Where to Go:

  • Lolo Hot Springs – Lolo, Montana
  • Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort – Paradise, Montana
  • Jerry Johnson Hot Springs – Idaho

8. Grab a Local Brew

The weather may be cold outside, but a chilly winter evening is the best time to warm up with a craft brew. We take our beer seriously in Missoula, and with local breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries in abundance throughout the valley, the hardest part is choosing what to drink first. 

 Where to Go:

  • KettleHouse Brewing Co. – Bonner, Montana near Missoula, Montana
  • Gild- Missoula, Montana
  • Western Cider - Missoula, Montana

9. Holiday Markets

The holiday season is the perfect time to give the gift of Missoula. With local makers markets popping up all over town, these one-stop-shops have something for everyone on your list. 

Where to Go:

  • Holiday MADE Fair- Missoula, Montana
  • Holidays on Higgins -Missoula, Montana
  • Merry Little Market- Missoula, Montana

10. Sledding

For kids and kids-at-heart alike, grab your sleds and get ready to get your blood pumping.

Where to Go:

  • Blue Mountain- Missoula, Montana
  • Playfair Park- Missoula, Montana
  • Wapikiya Park- Missoula, Montana

11. Warm Up Like a Local 

Just because the bears are hibernating, doesn’t mean we have to! Warm up in inviting restaurants, explore local art galleries on First Friday and catch a show downtown.

Where to Go:

  • The Wilma for winter concerts- Missoula, Montana
  • First Fridays- Missoula, Montana
  • Grab dinner and drinks at Plonk- Missoula, Montana

12. Winter Wildlife Viewing

Snow covered mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop for viewing the native wildlife in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars. 

  • Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge- Bitterroot Valley South of Missoula, Montana
  • Milltown State Park- Bonner, Montana East of Missoula, Montana
  • Kelly Island & Bitterroot River corridor- West of Missoula, Montana
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A sunset stroll along the Riverfront Trail is never a bad idea!

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