Heading to Big Sky Country This Winter? Read This Warning

Winter is on the horizon in Montana, and before long, nearly the entire state will be buried in snow. If you live somewhere that doesn’t see much of the white stuff, you might be thinking about taking a trip here to experience a “real winter.” You might want to rethink that idea.

Before You Visit Montana This Winter, Read This First

If someone has ever told you that Montana turns into a winter wonderland, they weren’t completely honest. Sure, it can look beautiful, but in reality, it's much less charming than it sounds.

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For the most part, winter in Montana is tough. The days are short, the cold is brutal, and the kind of wind we get will make you question every life choice you’ve ever made. People here call it “brisk.” That’s a polite way of saying it hurts.

Locals will tell you that you get used to it after a while, but if you’re visiting from somewhere warm, you’re in for a shock. When the temperature drops well below zero, and it will, it’s hard to enjoy much of anything. Even simple tasks like starting your car or walking to the mailbox can feel like a full-body workout.

And forget about checking out Montana’s famous parks and landmarks. Many of the state’s top attractions are closed or buried under snow until spring. Unless your vacation plans involve skiing, snowboarding, or staying indoors for a week, you might want to visit another time of year.

We’ve put together a list of reasons you should think twice before planning a winter trip to Montana. You can ignore it if you’d like, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.