Best Cross Country Skiing in Montana
Trying to find the best cross country skiing in Montana? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.
Montana, Beaverhead County
01 :57 hrs
3.6 mi
102.57056 ft
Moderate
Birch Creek ski and snow shoe trail is intermittently groomed and is a great trail to access the foothills of the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. This can be done in a loop or there are several marked trails varying in skill levels available.
Montana, Glacier County
09 :52 hrs
10.9 mi
82.78845 ft
Extreme
This scenic route begins at the east entrance of the park and follows the Going-to-the-Sun Road which is closed to vehicles in the winter. Remember to maintain separate tracks for skiing and snowshoeing when possible. If planning to make this a backcountry camping trip, be sure to obtain backcountry permits from the Hudson Bay District Office.
Wyoming, Big Horn County
05 :51 hrs
4.2 mi
256.6438 ft
Expert
A challenging route along Hwy 14, this ski follows Road 264 up and then along the rolling hills above Shell Canyon. The views are amazing and the wildlife abundant on this out and back route. This route does require a good snow year as portions are south facing and can get a layer of crust. There is occasional snowmobile traffic.
Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park
02 :15 hrs
4.5 mi
73.208984 ft
Moderate
You can cross country ski this trail from either the upper or lower Soda Butte Bridges. The trail is usually well maintained but local conditions should always be checked, especially in avalanche country. Yellowstone ski shops will have current information and shuttle service to ski trails.
Montana, Flathead County
06 :04 hrs
5.8 mi
171.46655 ft
Expert
This Cross Country Ski trail follows the Bowman Lake Road which is closed to traffic during the winter. Take a left at the first junction and a right at the second. There are some hills along the route that may be difficult when icy. The trail travels through the 1988 fire which resulted in a thin forest, but some spectacular views from the edge of Bowman Lake.
Montana, Flathead County
02 :28 hrs
5.5 mi
266.6006 ft
Hard
Autumn Creek Trail is a popular ski route in the area. Be sure to plan ahead as this is a one-way trail. The route is for more advanced skiers because of some steep hills and creek crossings. The beginning of the route is a gradual climb until you reach the open meadows. Beginners may want to ski an out-and-back section of the first part to explore the open areas around Three Bears Lake. The views here are amazing and worth the trip. The trail then heads back to the railroad tracks to a steep access road. Pull off at mile marker 193.8 on U.S. Highway 2.
Montana, Flathead County
04 :58 hrs
5.6 mi
62.07257 ft
Hard
This popular route begins at the Lake McDonald Lodge and follows along Going-To-The-Sun-Road, which is closed at this point during the winter to vehicles. The trail is gentle and follows right along McDonald Creek. The winter scenery is spectacular with the lake and amounts of snow the area receives.
Montana, Flathead County
04 :59 hrs
10.4 mi
221.55817 ft
Expert
This scenic trail follows along the Inside North Fork Road, which is closed to traffic during the winter. Once reaching the meadow, ski along the northern edge of the meadow until you see the opening for the car pullout on Camas Road. This will take you back to where you started. This loop can be done in either direction but going up the Camas Road is the more strenuous route.
Montana, Beaverhead County
02 :31 hrs
3.7 mi
249.29443 ft
Hard
The Grashopper Creek Ski Trail begins at the Grashopper Campground and follows the creek up. The trail is not groomed but a nice intermediate climb. You could do this as a loop or make arrangements for the one-way trip.
Montana, Beaverhead County
02 :57 hrs
5.4 mi
160.56152 ft
Hard
The Comet Ridge Ski Trail is in the Elkhorn Hot Springs area. Parts of this trail follow a dirt road that is closed during the winter. The trail has mild elevation climb and is done in a loop. The trail is not groomed and one of the longer trails in the area.
See more adventures..
Explore complete list