Montana Style: Revel in Winter Activities

Granted, it's cold outside, requiring extra layers of well-insulated clothing. But, Montana is a winter paradise with wide-open spaces surrounded by towering mountains. There's wildlife all around and, frankly, the snow makes them easier to spot. Another bonus, the crowds are gone; even the state's ski resorts aren't busy.

So, forget about cabin fever, catching up on chores, or knitting scarves for everyone you know. Get out and take in the sights, discover dinosaurs in Bozeman, a snow coach ride in Yellowstone, and have fun in Whitefish. You'll be glad you did.

A day trip to Bozeman can combine Tyrannosaurs Rex, trampolines, and a relaxing soak in natural hot springs pools.

Within the Museum of the Rockies is the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world and one of the few Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils on display. Also worth a tour is the Welcome to Yellowstone County exhibit, which tells the evolving story of the region's settlers and indigenous people. Permanent exhibits and special collections are committed to featuring native art and history, and the museum offers lots of children's activities. For a relaxing and exhilarating break, watch movies of the stars in the Taylor Planetarium. 600 W. Kagy Blvd., 406-994-2251, museumoftherockies.org.

When it's time to burn off some energy and jump into the fun, head to Jump Time Bozeman, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment center with attractions designed for all ages and abilities. Choose from the Ninja Warrior Course, Storm Castle Tower, Battle Beam and Slack Line, Slam Dunk Basketball, Extreme Dodgeball, and Toddler Zone Kid's Court, or try them all. It's also a great place to host a birthday party. 159 Homestake Dr., 406-586-3473, jumptimebozeman.com.

What's not to like about an energizing swim or relaxing soak in natural hot springs? Bozeman Hot Springs, in the heart of the Gallatin Valley, has been relaxing and rejuvenating their guests for more than 100 years. Twelve different pools with temperatures from 59 to 104 degrees and kiddie pools are naturally flowing, drained, and refilled each day. There's also a full fitness facility. 81123 Gallatin Rd., 8 miles west of Bozeman, 406-586-6492, bozemanhotsprings.co.

In winter, a visit to Yellowstone National Park feels like having the park all to yourself. The crowds are gone, the geysers are celebrating, full steam ahead, and unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

For a special experience, treat yourself to a Snowcoach Tour. Take a guided tour of wintry Yellowstone and discover the winter landscape in warmth and comfort, with your full attention and your camera on spotting wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and coyotes, easier to see against the white background. The raised vans with snow treads give access to parts of the park closed to others and your guide provides commentary on the history, ecology, and geology of the park. Tours cover Old Faithful with several stops; the Snowshoe tour takes you to Upper Geyser Basin. West Yellowstone Tour Companies: Backcountry Adventures, 406-646-9317; Yellowstone Alpen Guides, 406-646-9591.

For an added treat stay at Old Faithful Lodge, the only winter accommodation at Old Faithful and only reachable by snow coach or snowmobile. Built in 1999, it's the newest of the park's full-service hotels. The Lodge, decorated in moose and bear motifs, has rooms and there are also Frontier cabins. When hunger beckons, enjoy the full-service dining room or quick-service Geyser Grill, and then stop by Bear Den Gift Shop for a memento from your trip. 1000 Old Faithful Rd., 307-344-7311.

Wildlife is one of the things that make Montana the Treasure State and while they're often elusive in the wild, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, in West Yellowstone, provides viewing and education both inside and outside all year long since the animals have no need to hibernate in the winter. The Not-for-Profit Wildlife Park and Educational facility care for grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters, and more; animals unable to survive in the wild, that serve as ambassadors to wildlife. Enjoy the Banks of the Yellowstone River Otter exhibit, BEARS: imagination and Reality, the Naturalist Cabin located between two of the wolf habitats and the Museum Theater. And best of all – each ticket is good for two consecutive days. Open every day. 201 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, 406-646-7001, grizzlyctr.givecloud.co.

Whitefish, in a beautiful setting below Montana's mountains, is, with 3,000 skiable acres, one of the best ski towns in the country. It's also accessible by Amtrak, making it an easy destination for the whole family.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Village is a full-service alpine village located at The Big Mountain right outside of town. Its amenities include restaurants, shopping, and a variety of accommodations including a lodge, condos, and homes. The village offers plenty of places to check out once the winter activities are done - Bonsai Brewing Project, Stumptown Art Studio, Sunti World Art Gallery, The Mercantile at the Roastery featuring Montana Coffee Traders brews, and many excellent restaurants. There are activities for the entire family.

When it's time for a little action, head to Dog Sled Adventures Montana and explore the backcountry of Stillwater State Forest pulled by Alaskan sled dogs. The family-friendly outfit owns 130 Alaskan huskies that pull safe, comfortable sleds. It's a good chance to see rare wildlife and afterward enjoy a warm fire, hot cocoa, and homemade cookies in the cabin. 1-406-881-2275, dogsledadventuresmontana.com.

If you don't want the dogs doing all the hard work, try Fat Biking, using a mountain bike with double-width tires for riding on packed snow and getting access to winter terrain not usually open to non-skiers. The 22-mile Whitefish Trail is one of best places for snow biking in the state and Whitefish Bike Retreat, 9 miles west of Whitefish, can set you up with groomed trails, accommodations, and bike rentals, 406-260-0274, whitefishbikeretreat.com.