Family Friendly Winter Activities in Yellowstone Country
We embrace winter in Yellowstone Country. There’s nothing like a snow-covered playground to bring out the kid in you. Imagine a day ripping it up on the slopes or snowshoeing through a silent forest. Think about a riding in a warm snowcoach and seeing the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in it’s winter coat or watching slow moving bison, steamy thermal hot pots and the hot geysers shooting up like clockwork through the cold.
Have you ever been dogsledding? Those canines love their job as much as you’ll love the ride!
Skijoring, a true western sport, features cowboys on horseback pulling skiers over a rowdy course of jumps. It’s as serious of a competition as it is entertaining.
When you need a little downtime, seek out the museums throughout the region; they will take you back in time to when the west was truly wild.
Nordic skiing is top notch around here, drawing die-hard’s from across the country to race, train and simply enjoy the terrain. Choose between groomed cross country ski areas or backcountry National Forest trails (or maybe both!).
For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, guided snowmobile tours take you to everything from serious backcountry riding to relaxing rides. Sleds these days aren’t like they used to be— they have heated seats, hand warmers and the sound has been turned way down.
Not into motorized sledding? Grab a couple of traditional sleds—we’ve got sledding hills everywhere you turn and coffee houses that serve fresh roasted coffee and rich cocoa to warm your bones. A hot shower, a delicious meal and a cozy place to rest your head will round out your day no matter what your adventure.
As we like to say, the family that plays together, stays together.
Downhill Skiing
Yellowstone Country boasts three of Montana’s biggest ski resorts, all with different attributes and all a ton of fun. Located in Red Lodge, Bozeman and Big Sky, these three towns have all been named as some of the best ski towns in the country. And bonus: you’ll have no trouble finding evening entertainment!
Red Lodge Mountain is known for it’s relaxed Montana attitude, no lift lines and no big price tags; it’s as authentic of a Western experience as it comes. Bridger Bowl, known for steep chutes and deep powder has expanded their base to include seven acres of family friendly fun. With two covered conveyors, two lifts leading to long gentle slopes and a new warming hut at the bottom, your little (or big) ones will have the perfect terrain to learn. Big Sky Resort is known for some of the Biggest Skiing in America with 5,800 acres of terrain and 4,350 feet of vertical to shred. Ride the tram to the top of Lone Peak and you can see three states, two national parks and numerous mountain ranges.
Guided Snowmobile Tours
Known for both it’s challenging backcountry and smooth, open spaces, snowmobiling in Yellowstone Country is an experience like no other. Cooke City, tucked up at the end of the road on the northeastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is the perfect winter getaway. There are miles of groomed trails, and the hills are unparalleled for climbing. The town, though tiny, is full of good food and friendly faces. If you’re staying in Bozeman or Big Sky, local tour guides will take you through the gorgeous national forests that surround the area, and the towns are hopping with music in the evenings. West Yellowstone is considered a snowmobiling mecca by riders across the country. Spending a day in the park is a must-do, but you’ll find endless trails starting right from your hotel room.