Outdoor Winter Adventures in a Montana Wonderland
When it comes to winter recreation, White Sulphur Springs offers an embarrassment of riches for outdoor enthusiasts. This town is a gateway to adventure – a rare access point to the Smith River valley and the Kings Hill Scenic Byway – and truly an “outdoor paradise” for all seasons. As soon as the first snows dust the surrounding Castle and Little Belt Mountains, residents and visitors alike gear up for all kinds of winter fun. Before you head out (or when you’re warming back up!) stop in to see us at The Parberry Coffee & Mercantile on Main Street, and then choose from this list of adventures:
Hiking Elephant Rock in the Little Belt Mountains. Photo © 2025 Melynda Harrison/TravelingMel
Enjoying a snowmobile Rental from oprental.us
Skiing and Snowboarding: Just a half-hour drive north of town brings you to Showdown Montana, the local ski area famed as Montana’s oldest ski area. Showdown, located on picturesque Kings Hill Pass, offers 1,400 vertical feet of terrain (summit elevation 8,200 ft) and genuine Rocky Mountain powder with no snowmaking needed . It’s a modest-sized hill with a distinctly friendly, Old West character – easy to imagine folks skiing here since it opened in 1936 . Don’t expect high-speed gondolas or pretense; instead you’ll find “a distinctly Western spirit” and staff so welcoming you feel like a regular. Wednesdays through Sundays from early December to early April (including most holidays), families carve turns on uncrowded slopes. Whether you’re a beginner on the pony tow or an expert relishing untouched powder glades, Showdown delivers pure snowy joy. And if you’re here at New Year’s, remember that torchlight parade – it’s truly a must-see celebration on the mountain!
Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing: Prefer your winter sports a bit quieter? The Silver Crest Cross-Country Trail System in the Little Belt Mountains offers stunning groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, as well as snowshoe routes through hushed pine forests. Located near Kings Hill (about 34 miles from White Sulphur Springs) , Silver Crest is known for reliable snow and beautiful scenery at roughly 7,000 feet elevation.
Elephant Rock Hike: It’s a great place for a morning snowshoe hike or a family cross-country ski outing – you might spot tracks of foxes or snowshoe hares in the fresh snow. The crisp mountain air and pristine solitude make for an invigorating experience. Afterwards, you’ll have earned a hearty meal. Try The Jawbone, Bar 47, or other great restaurants in downtown White Sulphur Springs such as Stockman’s, and locally crafted holiday season beers at 2 Basset Brewery.
Snowmobiling: For those who crave some motorized excitement, the areas around White Sulphur Springs are prime snowmobiling country. In fact, the town sits at an entrance to the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, which doubles as a corridor to fantastic snowmobile trails in the Little Belt Mountains. Rent from OP Rental, then enjoy hundreds of miles of the groomed and ungroomed trails that spider out into the national forest, offering everything from easy meadow rides to deep powder hill climbs. You can trailer your sled up to Kings Hill Pass and zoom off into endless snowy expanses. Many riders consider this one of central Montana’s best-kept secrets for winter motorsport. Local tip: always check the avalanche conditions and trail reports, and be prepared for changing weather – this is authentic backcountry riding.
Hunting & Wildlife Viewing: As winter sets in, big game hunting season winds down – but not before late fall hunters take to the hills in search of elk and deer. White Sulphur Springs has long been known as a hunting hot spot, with ample public lands and thriving herds in the surrounding ranges. By November, you’re likely to see pickups in town with orange-clad hunters swapping stories at day’s end. If you’re more of a wildlife watcher than a hunter, winter is also a great time to spot animals like moose, fox, or eagles; drive carefully at dusk, as deer often wander near the roads.
Photos © 2025 Melynda Harrison/TravelingMel
No matter your winter sport of choice, White Sulphur Springs offers a bit of everything: alpine ski runs, quiet forest trails, and wide-open country to explore. And the best part? After your adventure, the town’s warm welcomes await you back home.
