Cross country skiers will find an impressive number of nordic ski areas near Missoula to choose from.
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area, just five miles east of Missoula on Pattee Canyon Drive, offers six miles of groomed skate and classic cross-country ski trails. The trails are maintained by the Missoula Nordic Ski Club as conditions allow. Skiers can choose between the more hilly and scenic Southside trails, accessed by heading right from the main parking lot, or the flatter Northside trails, which are accessed by crossing Pattee Canyon Road from the parking area. Dogs are not allowed on these groomed trails, but they are welcome on ungroomed trails in nearby Crazy Canyon and on gated roads off Deer Creek Road.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers over 61,000 acres of pristine wilderness just 4.5 miles north of Missoula, making it one of the most accessible urban wilderness areas in Montana. The area’s glaciated topography and U-shaped basin are fed by more than fifty small creeks and snowmelt, creating stunning winter scenery. The Missoula Nordic Ski Club occasionally grooms a section of trail from the main trailhead to Franklin Bridge, but much of the skiing here is ungroomed, making it perfect for those looking for a backcountry feel with some beginner-friendly access.
Lookout Pass Ski Trails are located right next to the Lookout Pass Alpine Ski Area and are part of the snowmobile trail system. These trails offer a more rugged and ungroomed cross-country skiing experience, with nine trails totaling 7.3 miles that wind through a scenic basin. The terrain includes 3.6 kilometers of easiest trails, 3.5 kilometers of more difficult trails, and 4.5 kilometers of most difficult trails. All trails begin and end at the Lookout Pass Ski Area and form a loop, providing a satisfying backcountry adventure for those prepared for non-groomed conditions. A snowmobile trail map for the Superior Area can help with navigation.
Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails provide a beautiful, linked trail system with options for short, medium, or long ski loops. These trails are groomed for skate skiing, although grooming is done intermittently depending on snow and weather conditions. Dogs and snowmobiles are not permitted on the groomed trails, preserving the peaceful experience for skiers.
Before heading out on your cross-country skiing adventure, remember to recreate responsibly and check trail conditions and grooming updates from the Missoula Nordic Ski Club. And most importantly, always check the avalanche forecast, especially if you plan to explore backcountry terrain.
