Cross-Country Ski
Free is the best price, and once you have gear, you can Nordic ski to your heart’s content all around the valley without shelling out any more cold, hard cash. Bridger Ski Foundation grooms over 40 miles of cross-country trails in Bozeman every year, so an awesome winter activity is right at your doorstep for both skate skiing and Nordic. Even if you don’t own your own skis, rental shops around Bozeman can get you taken care of with rentals for way less than you’d spend buying new gear.
Downhill Skiing
Ski resorts don’t have to break the bank, either. A ski pass can save you a bundle when you buy one well before the start of the season. But if the upfront cost of a pass makes you cringe (or you miss out on those early deal days), try a frequent skier card on for size. Bridger Bowl offers their frequent skier card for $65 upfront, which lowers your daily lift ticket price to $45 on weekdays and $53 on weekends, for a savings of up to $18 per ticket. Or check out off-the-beaten-path ski hills—like Maverick, Great Divide or Discovery—for big savings on daily lift tickets. Plus, you can dive into the welcoming ski culture at these smaller resorts.
Holiday Markets
The holidays can seem daunting where your budget is concerned. There are so many people to shop for—which adds up cost wise—and not enough time in a busy schedule to be completely budget-friendly and make heartfelt gifts for everyone on your list. Get the best of both, plus adding in a fun winter activity for a lazy weekend, when you scope out holiday markets for locally made wares. You can check out Holiday Market Jubilee at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds each year in early December, which lets you get ahead on shopping so you’re not scrambling to get gifts at the last minute. And don’t worry if you miss this market—local communities host winter markets throughout the season. Check local event listings to find more.
Hike South Cottonwood
For the cost of a cheap pair of microspikes, winter doesn’t have to be the offseason where hiking is concerned. Tons of well-trafficked trails in the Gallatin Valley get enough people packing the snow down that they’re completely passable without any extra gear besides a little traction boost: no snowshoes required. South Cottonwood makes a great day out in the woods, with its rustic log bridges spanning streams, and forest shifting into meadow as you walk. The best part? All that fresh air is free!
Head to the Climbing Gym
Winter weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your favorite outdoor activities, just that you may have to move some of them inside. If you love to climb, or even if you just want to try out a new workout, a trip to Spire’s world-class climbing gym will get your feet off the ground in no time. You can spend a whole day climbing for less than the cost of a night out at the movies, and you can snag inexpensive gear rentals if you’re just getting started in the sport.
Now that the cold and snow of winter have officially hit, plan some fun things to do that will get you out of the house! The best part is that most of these winter activities are budget friendly as well. For more ideas on things to do, or tips on budgeting, buying a car, and everything in between subscribe to our blog by clicking the button below.
