While bears hibernate in winter, Montana residents soak up every season. Even in winter there is no shortage of outdoor fun, with downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing or rekindling memories of childhood winters by sledding on a local hill. The cold and snow also doesn’t stop Montanans from gathering and celebrating the season. A series of annual winter events should be part of your vacation plans.
November – December
Find gifts, wreaths, garlands and more at the Snowline Christmas Market, Nov 17-Dec 3
Kick off the winter holiday season with the Christmas Tours at the Conrad Mansion Museum.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Craft Brewers Cup Hockey Tournament at Woodland Park in downtown Kalispell.
The Brash Winter Rodeo Series is held at the Majestic Valley Arena December through March.
See live performances at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center – speaker series, Suzy Bogguss, Glacier Symphony & Chorale and Mannheim Steamroller.
January
Kick off the new year at the Flathead Lake Polar Bear Plunge in Bigfork.
Cowboy up at the Rocky Mountain PRCA Extreme Bulls & Broncs led by award-winning NFR stock contractor Bailey Pro Rodeo.
The Northwest Montana History Museum in downtown Kalispell hosts the John White Speaker Series.
Check out the shows at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center
February
Stroll downtown Kalispell and sample a variety of chocolate treats at the annual Chocolate Affair.
Join the locals to celebrate winter in style at Frosty the Brewfest. An outdoor festival with local breweries, live music, slow fat bike race, Frosty the Beard contest and a kids dash.
Watch the Bar Stool Ski Races as part of Cabin Fever Days in Martin City.
Wachholz Performing Arts Center – Eli Young Band, International Guitar Night, The Queen’s Cartoonists, and speaker series.
