Exploring Montana

Best Time to Visit

One of the attractive features about Montana is that you can visit almost anytime of year. Of course, the season you plan on visiting all depends on the types of activities you’re interested in. If you are inspired by winter sports, early December through mid-April are the best times to visit. Montana is home to world-class ski resorts for the snowbird travelers. For those who are interested in hiking, visiting hot springs, and fly-fishing, the late summer months from June through September are a great time to visit. The famous national parks in Montana can become crowded in the summer season, so plan your trips in the late summer and early autumn season for less crowds. Montana is a destination for outdoor fun and adventure where you can enjoy Mother Nature’s own “outdoor museum” almost any time of year.

Ski Season

Skiing in Montana is an unforgettable experience. Montana is home to various world-class ski resorts as well as smaller ski resorts for the amateur skiers. The terrain and summits are spectacular for downhill skiing. Snowbirds who are looking for a thrill should add Montana to their destination list. The breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Montana provide some of the best skiing in the world.

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Big Sky Resort, located between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park, is the largest ski resort in Montana and a great mountain for all ski levels. With over 200 trails and 25 plus lifts, skiers with varying abilities can find their perfect trail. Big Sky is one of the most popular ski resorts in the state because of its variety of trails, amenities, and of course its amazing views.

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Whitefish Mountain Resort is another world-class ski resort in Montana. Although popular, it is said to give the intimate feel of a local’s hill with a variety of dining and lodging options. Whitefish brings in heaps of snow annually making for the perfect terrain for skiing. The spectacular scenery of Whitefish is what draws thousands to visit every year. While skiing down fresh powder on a clear day, you can find breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake.

National Parks

Over the years, Montana has become a hot spot travel destination because of its incredible scenery and being home to America’s most stunning national parks.

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Yellowstone National Park is the most famous of Montana attractions. Although most of the national park is in Wyoming, parts of it stretch miles into Montana. The western part of Yellowstone is home to some of the best natural wonders in the world. There are mountains, canyons, rivers, waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and even a super volcano! With all kinds of natural landscapes there is a vast number of activities to do. From hiking to camping to more unique experiences such as horseback riding, Yellowstone is the ultimate playground for nature lovers.

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Glacier National Park is the best attraction for hiking in Montana. It features alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, and many glistening glaciers and lakes to explore. Hiking trails in Glacier National Park range from easy, flat trails, to more difficult hikes with steep elevations. On your hikes, you may spot various wildlife viewings of native species such as bald eagles, rams, and grizzly bears. Always be sure to keep your distance, respect nature, and avoid leaving any remnants behind. If hiking isn’t your thing, check out the 50 mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is one of the top scenic drives in the U.S. and sometimes is called the “Crown of the Continent”. It is one of the best ways to see the Glacier National Park without breaking a sweat!

Cities to Visit

Although Montana is greatly known for its immersive nature experience, it also has a cosmopolitan side. There are many cities to visit in Montana with a variety of things to do - attractions, outdoor activities, and of course stunning scenery.

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Bozeman, Montana is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains in southern Montana. It’s home to the largest ski resort, Big Sky Resort, and close to Yellowstone. This city is often overlooked and treated as an entryway to visit the rest of Montana, but Bozeman is a gorgeous city on its own. Bozeman has many different craft breweries and distilleries, delicious restaurants focused on local cuisine and an exciting downtown area that has a great nightlife. With the mountains nearby, there is the Hyalite Canyon hike that you can follow up with a relaxing soak at Bozeman Hot Springs at the end.

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Missoula, Montana is one of the most popular cities in Montana. It has breathtaking scenery surrounded by mountain peaks. The city is close to Whitefish and Glacier National Park if you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors. Or you can venture downtown Missoula to the River Walk, ride the hand-carved Carousel for Missoula, and indulge in the restaurants and craft breweries. The best time to visit Missoula is in the autumn because the whole city turns bright reds, yellows, and oranges as the leaves change. The cities of Montana are great for exploration, giving you a chance to learn more about Montana’s history and natural features.

A visit to Montana will give you a fresh, unique experience of exploring the Great Outdoors. Whether you decide to explore all the beauty that Montana has to offer or visit elsewhere, be sure to consider travel protection each time you head out to explore. Talk to your travel advisor or visit our website to learn more about how travel protection can help you!