Your local guide to family-friendly winter adventures in the Beartooth Mountains.
Winter in Red Lodge is made for playing outside.
Snow-covered mountains, crisp bluebird days and a downtown full of cozy places to warm up make this little Montana mountain town a wonderful winter getaway.
Whether you're planning a family ski vacation, a weekend with friends or simply looking for ways to enjoy the snow, Red Lodge has plenty to offer. And some of the best winter memories come from the simplest adventures.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience winter in Red Lodge.
1. Snow Tubing & Sledding: Simple Winter Fun
Sometimes all you need for a great winter afternoon is a snowy hill, a sled or tube, and a little enthusiasm.
Snow tubing and sledding bring out the kid in everyone. There's something about racing down a snowy slope, laughing all the way, and climbing back up for another run that never gets old.
It's an especially fun way for families and groups of friends to spend time together between bigger mountain adventures.
A local tip: Next to the animal sanctuary there is a gentle slopping hill coming down from the soccer fields, start there and then explore some of our beautiful trails and bring your own sleds. But make sure you choose a gentle, open hill with a long, clear runout, away from roads, trees, rocks and frozen water. Wear helmets, supervise children and check conditions before you go.
Red Lodge Mountain and the Red Lodge Nordic Center do not permit recreational tubing or sledding on their trails, so plan on a separate, approved location.
2. Spend a Day at Red Lodge Mountain
Just outside town, Red Lodge Mountain is the heart of winter adventure.
With terrain for different abilities, ski and snowboard lessons, and beautiful views of the Beartooths, it's a favorite for families, longtime skiers and first-time visitors alike.
Spend the day making turns, stop for lunch on the mountain and head back to town when you're ready for a change of pace.
Even better? A ski day doesn't have to mean a packed evening. Sometimes the perfect après-ski plan is dinner downtown and a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
Plan your day: Red Lodge Mountain
3. Try Cross-Country Skiing at the Red Lodge Nordic Center
For a quieter way to explore the winter landscape, head to the Red Lodge Nordic Center.
Located just a few miles from downtown, the center offers more than 15 kilometers of groomed trails winding through open meadows and aspen groves, with beautiful mountain views along the way.
It's a wonderful place to try cross-country skiing, get some exercise or simply enjoy the peaceful side of winter.
Check trail conditions and rent skis at Sylvan Peak and confirm grooming reports with Beartooh Trails before visiting.
Explore the trails: Beartooth Trails Nordic Center
4. Explore the Snowy Trails on Snowshoes
Hiking season doesn't have to end when the snow arrives.
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to slow down and experience the beauty of winter in the Beartooths. Snow-covered trees, quiet forests and fresh mountain air make even a short outing feel like an adventure.
The West Fork of Rock Creek area and designated winter trails around Red Lodge offer opportunities to explore, depending on snow and trail conditions.
If you're new to snowshoeing, start with a short, established route and ask a local outdoor shop about current conditions and rentals.
Be prepared for changing weather and remember that avalanche terrain requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
5. Go Ice Skating in Town
For a little classic winter fun, lace up a pair of skates. You can rent skates at Grizzly Peak and head to Lion's Park when the outdoor rink is open.
Red Lodge's seasonal outdoor skating rink hosted by Red Lodge Ice are a favorite when temperatures are cold enough to maintain safe ice.
It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon with family or friends, especially when paired with hot chocolate or a warm meal downtown afterward.
Check with Red Lodge Ice for current rink conditions and opening information before heading out.
6. Enjoy a Winter Afternoon Downtown
Some of the best winter days in Red Lodge include a little time off the mountain.
Stroll along Broadway, browse locally owned shops and galleries, stop into a coffee shop or settle in for a leisurely lunch.
Red Lodge has a wonderfully relaxed pace in winter. You can spend the morning skiing, the afternoon exploring town and still have plenty of time to enjoy the evening.
And if you're visiting during the holidays, don't miss the Christmas Stroll and the wonderfully unique Blade Parade, when decorated snowplows make their way down Broadway.
7. Come Home to a Cozy Montana Evening
After a day playing in the snow, there's nothing quite like coming home to a warm house.
Hang up your winter gear, make dinner together, play a game or head outside for a soak in the hot tub beneath the Montana sky.
At Garvey House Collective, we love helping guests experience both sides of Red Lodge: the adventure of being outdoors and the simple pleasure of having a comfortable place to come home to.
Our locally owned homes offer room to gather, relax and settle into the rhythm of Red Lodge.
A Few Tips for Planning Your Winter Adventure
Winter weather in Montana can change quickly, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Dress in layers. Warm, waterproof outerwear, gloves and good winter boots make a big difference.
Check conditions. Snowfall, road access and trail conditions can change throughout the day.
Plan for shorter daylight hours. Start outdoor adventures early and allow extra travel time.
Choose safe places to play. Stick to designated recreation areas and follow posted rules.
Leave room in your itinerary. Some of the best Red Lodge experiences happen when you're simply enjoying the day.
Make Red Lodge Your Winter Home Base
From tubing and sledding to skiing, snowshoeing and exploring downtown, winter in Red Lodge offers plenty of ways to get outside, spend time together and make the most of Montana's snowy season.
Whether you're bringing the kids for their first winter adventure or planning a ski weekend with friends, there's something special about having your own place to come home to at the end of the day.
Come play in the snow. Stay like a local.
Explore Garvey House Collective's Red Lodge vacation homes and start planning your winter getaway.
