7 Winter Day Trips from Belgrade, Montana

Written by Erin Hoppe Updated on 12/05/2025

7 Winter Day Trips from Belgrade, Montana

Belgrade sits in the heart of Southwest Montana, putting you within an hour or two of some of the state's best winter activities. Whether you're craving fresh powder, natural hot springs, or wildlife watching in America's first national park, these winter day trips from Belgrade, Montana, will help you make the most of the season without the crowds you'll find in neighboring resort towns.

Hit the Slopes at Bridger Bowl

Just 30 minutes north of Belgrade, Bridger Bowl delivers some of Montana's best skiing without the resort town prices. This nonprofit ski area is known for its steep terrain and light, dry powder.

Bridger offers terrain for every skill level, from mellow groomers to the infamous Ridge, where expert skiers hike for untouched lines. If you’re choosing between Bridger and Big Sky, Bridger is much more affordable. This makes it a go-to spot for winter day trips from Belgrade throughout the season.

Soak Your Muscles at Norris Hot Springs

After a day on the mountain or trails, soak under the stars at Norris Hot Springs. Located about 40 minutes west of Belgrade on Highway 84, it’s worth it just for the drive, which parallels the Madison River for a stretch.

The outdoor pool is fed by a natural spring, and on weekend evenings, live music drifts across the water while you soak. Grab a beer and some of their (delicious) food as well – and yep, you can eat and drink in the pool!

Arrive early on weekends — this place fills up fast, especially after fresh snowfall.

Explore Yellowstone's Winter Wonderland

Yellowstone National Park completely transforms in winter, and the North Entrance near Gardiner is just 1.5 hours from Belgrade. This is the only entrance accessible by car year-round, making it one of the most practical winter day trips from Belgrade, Montana.

Winter means fewer crowds, incredible wildlife viewing, and geothermal features that look even more dramatic surrounded by snow and ice (definitely walk the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs). Bison wander the roads between Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, where wolves, elk, and bighorn sheep are easier to spot against the white landscape.

Pack layers, bring binoculars, and plan to spend most of your time in the northern range between Mammoth and Cooke City. Always check road conditions before heading out and carry winter emergency supplies. On your way back, consider stopping at Chico Hot Springs near Pray or Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner for a relaxing soak after your adventure.

Snowshoe the Hyalite Canyon Trails

Hyalite Canyon, about an hour south of Belgrade, offers an array of snowshoeing trails. The canyon's trail network ranges from easy strolls to challenging climbs, with frozen waterfalls as your reward.

The Palisade Falls trail is a winter favorite — it’s about 3-4 miles round trip (since the forest service gate closes in the winter, making it longer than in the summer) and ends at a stunning frozen waterfall. You can also try out Grotto Falls trail, which climbs through forest to another spectacular ice formation. This one is more popular, making it more likely that the snow will be packed down (in which case you wouldn’t need snowshoes). If you go after a large snowfall, they’ll definitely be necessary though!

Rent snowshoes in Bozeman from Chalet Sports or Round House Ski & Sports Center, and start early for better traction and prettier scenery.

Cross-Country Skiing at Homestake Lodge

Homestake Lodge, about an hour west of Belgrade near Butte, maintains a network of groomed cross-country ski trails through meadows and forests with mountain views. The trail system works for first-timers and experienced Nordic skiers alike.

The peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere sets Homestake apart. Gentle rolling hills make it ideal for learning, while advanced trails provide a solid workout. The lodge offers rentals, lessons, and a warming area.

Ski Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort, about an hour south of Belgrade, offers over 5,850 skiable acres and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. With its famous Lone Peak tram accessing expert terrain and plenty of intermediate runs spread across multiple mountains, Big Sky delivers a true destination resort experience.

What makes Big Sky worth the drive is the lack of lift lines compared to other major Western resorts. The mountain spreads crowds across its massive terrain, so you'll spend more time skiing than waiting. The resort also gets consistent snowfall throughout winter. Stop for lunch at one of the on-mountain restaurants or bring snacks to maximize slope time.

Visit Bozeman's Winter Scene

Bozeman, just 10 minutes away, offers plenty of winter activities beyond the slopes.

Downtown Bozeman's Main Street is perfect for an afternoon of shopping at local boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor gear shops. For dinner, head to Bodhi Farms for farm-to-table cuisine in a unique, cozy setting (located about 20 minutes south of Downtown Bozeman). You can also explore other local favorites along Main Street, like Blackbird (Italian) or Montana Ale Works (American).

Bozeman also hosts winter events throughout the season, from art walks to live music – make sure you check out the city’s events calendar so you don’t miss out.

Planning Your Winter Adventures

Belgrade's location gives you quick access to all these destinations without the accommodation costs of staying in resort towns. Most of these day trips require 30 minutes to two hours of driving, making it easy to return to your hotel each evening.

The beauty of winter day trips from Belgrade, MT, is the variety. You can ski world-class terrain, soak in natural hot springs, spot wolves in Yellowstone, and sample craft beer — all without booking expensive lodging or fighting resort crowds.

Once you come back from your day trip, check out one of Belgrade’s restaurants and breweries, like The Mint or Madison River Brewing.

Get started on winter travel planning and book your stay in one of the many hotels in Belgrade today!