You know, you don't necessarily need skis, snowmobiles, skates or sleds to enjoy winter in Montana. In fact, you don't need anything at all at many of our seasonal events--except for a sense of adventure. In fact, you could make an entire vacation out of traveling from town to town and sampling the local happenings.

Just what can you expect for winter events in Montana? Let's start with Holiday celebrations. Towns and cities across Montana get into the spirit with Christmas strolls, parades, light shows and more. And, Christmas invariably brings a craft show or two filled with homemade treasures.

But Christmas isn't the only reason to celebrate. In fact, winter itself is cause for a party in many parts of Montana. Each year in Whitefish, the Winter Carnival celebrates the snowy season with a large parade, an ice sculpture contest, special events on The Big Mountain and much more. Meanwhile, Seeley Lake has Winterfest, with kid games, snow softball, dog sled rides and fireworks. Lakeside hosts a Winterfest of its own, with free bobsled and sleigh rides, a snowmobile poker run and a snow golf tournament. Missoula's Frost Fever features snow volleyball, snow football, ice skating and fun stuff for the kids.

Of course, popular winter sports bring a number of great events to Montana each year. And even if you don't participate in these sports, they make great spectator events. For instance, Butte hosts the annual Winternational Sports Festival, which has 19 events over eight weeks--everything from downhill skiing to speed skating. The Snowbowl Cup Gelande Championship at Montana Snowbowl is a world-class ski jumping event; jumpers reach distances of 200 feet using alpine equipment. And in Red Lodge, the National Ski Joring Finals, a western event of Scandinavian origin which combines the skills of a horse and rider with that of an alpine skier to negotiate a horseshoe shaped course.

But really, to get a complete idea of the kinds of events Montana's white winters bring, you should take a look at our calendar. Search our happenings then mark your calendar and join us.