Snowshoeing is rapidly gaining popularity as a winter sport, thanks to advancements in snowshoe technology. The appeal of snowshoeing lies in its accessibility and affordability; you don't need to invest heavily in equipment, and the learning curve is gentle. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
One of the best aspects of snowshoeing in Montana is the sheer variety of locations to explore. Almost any trail suitable for hiking or mountain biking in the summer transforms into a snowshoeing haven in winter.
Where to Snowshoe in Bozeman
Montana's national forests and wilderness areas offer ideal snowshoeing destinations. You might find snowmobiling trails to follow in the national forests, or cross-country tracks in some wilderness areas. However, on your snowshoes, you'll have better access. If you have a favorite summer hiking trail in Montana, you're free to snowshoe on it in winter.
Yellowstone National Park is a unique option, where you can snowshoe past bubbling geysers while admiring buffalo and elk - from a safe distance, of course. Some cross-country resorts in Montana are also embracing snowshoeing.
Here are a few specific locations to consider:
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- Big Sky Resort: Join a guided interpretive snowshoe tour on Moose Tracks Trail.
- Lone Mountain Ranch: Offers 30km of self-guided snowshoe trails.
Down toward the Meadow Village area, Lone Mountain Ranch offers 30km of self-guided snowshoe trails. Adult day passes are $20 and rentals are available on site.
Trekking Yellowstone Country by snowshoe is, quite possibly, the easiest way to explore our snow-covered landscapes. It's simple, inexpensive, and doesn't require a lot of gear. It's also one of the best ways to tour Yellowstone National Park when it's closed to vehicles (except snowcoaches), as well as Montana's national forests, in the winter.
This family-friendly activity can be done by every age group and is a great way to seek out adventure together. Make sure you get the right gear, as the snow gets quite deep and you'll often find yourself sinking to your waist without a set of snowshoes; poles can be quite helpful too.
Snowshoe Rentals in Bozeman
Snowshoe rentals generally run about $10.00 per day. To explore any winter trail on your own, snowshoe rentals are inexpensive and available at a few shops in town.
Most modern snowshoes have the same basic design, but there are some differences in construction, size, materials, etc. You can try out the various differences in snowshoes before actually buying a pair, but renting difference styles.
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Here's a table summarizing rental prices for various winter sports equipment:
SNOWSHOES: Everything You Need to Know
| Equipment Type | Adult Price/Day | Youth Price/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Snowshoes (w/ Poles) | $20 | $20 |
| Alpine Skis (w/ Boots and Poles) | $40 | $20 |
| XC Skis (Classic/Skate/BC) (w/ Boots and Poles) | $30 | $15 |
| Snowboard (w/ Bindings and Boots) | $30 | $15 |
Guided Snowshoe Tours
If you are new to snowshoeing and are not sure where to go and/or what to take, you will want to hire a guide. Snowshoeing guides are prepared to lead you through the pristine wonders of the surrounding area of Bozeman.
Guides and outfitters offer snowshoe tours that can take you to a specified location where you can enjoy snacks/treats or a full meal.
Snowshoeing is the winter parallel to hiking, and it's a great way to be outside in the winter without having to learn a whole new sport.
Additional Activities
Connect with the natural world as you move through the shimmering winter landscape on cross-country skis or snowshoes. This is a wonderful way to get some exercise and grow some invaluable friendships.
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When you participate at Eagle Mount, you make new strides, happy memories, and good friends while enjoying Montana’s amazing recreation opportunities! As an Eagle Mount volunteer, you’ll receive training designed to help you improve your personal skills, learn to adapt to the needs of people we work with, and learn about the wonderful world of Disability.
There's only one way to walk through the serenity of winter in Yellowstone Country while listening to the sounds of nature and the crunch of snow underfoot: snowshoeing.