5 things to do around Butte, Montana when it's less than pleasant outside
By Emmy Keenan
Some days it feels like there only so many ways to entertain yourself in the wake of a classic Montana snowstorm. The temptation to romp in a foot of fresh powder seems much less novel and exciting as the winter season drags on. We’re often filled with dread at thought of shoveling snow, chipping ice, or running late because we didn’t give ourselves enough time to scrape our cars. However, there are still many fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy the area during its colder season. Butte’s recent hosting of SnoFlinga, Montana’s festival celebrating winter, both reminded me and introduced me to many of these seasonal activities worth taking a study break for.
By Emmy Keenan
Some days it feels like there only so many ways to entertain yourself in the wake of a classic Montana snowstorm. The temptation to romp in a foot of fresh powder seems much less novel and exciting as the winter season drags on. We’re often filled with dread at thought of shoveling snow, chipping ice, or running late because we didn’t give ourselves enough time to scrape our cars. However, there are still many fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy the area during its colder season. Butte’s recent hosting of SnoFlinga, Montana’s festival celebrating winter, both reminded me and introduced me to many of these seasonal activities worth taking a study break for.
Ice Skating
Butte’s ice skating rinks are hidden gems when it comes to the area’s winter recreation. Ice skating is an easy and casual way to get outside and check out the winter version of some of the town’s best spots. The county maintains several ice skating rinks: the Original mine yard, Butte Community Ice Center (1700 Wall St), High Altitude Skating Center (between Three Bears Alaska and Copper Canyon Harley Davidson), Clark Park (Wall St & Texas Ave, east of the Community Ice Center), Racetrack Park (Farragut & Grand Ave), Stodden Park (Utah Ave & Sampson St), Sesame Street Park (S Arizona & Sesame St), People’s Park (Silver & Girard St), and Missoula Avenue (one block west of N Excelsior Ave). The Butte Community Ice Center and the High Altitude Skating Center offer inexpensive skate rentals and open skating during most winter weekends. Ice skating is very beginner friendly and can be enjoyed at any age or skill level. Go at your own pace and don’t worry too much about falling, it happens to everyone!
For more information on the ice rinks in Butte, visit: http://www.co.silverbow.mt.us/809/Ice-Skating-Rinks
Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing
The area around Silver Bow County sports both cross country ski trails and trail systems. Homestake Lodge is located several miles Southeast on I-90, Exit 233. The lodge offers passes, rentals, and lessons. Most trails and groomed with classic tracks and skate lanes. There are almost 10 miles of dog-friendly trails as well. Mount Haggin Nordic Ski area is located 15 miles south of Anaconda towards Wisdom on Highway 274 (Mill Creek Road). There is a lodge and the trails are groomed once a week. Moulton Reservoir Ski Trails are about 10 miles north of Butte on Moulton Reservoir Road. The trails at Moulton are free to access, but there are sections with snowmobiles, vehicles, and nearby private land. These trails are dog friendly. For those who want something even closer to home, Stodden Park also features groomed trails at the convenient location of Utah Ave off Dewey Blvd. For those looking to rent temporary equipment, Bob Ward’s rents out cross-country skis for a daily rate of $10.
Snowshoeing
A great winter weather alternative to hiking, snowshoeing is low-risk, low-difficulty, and low-expense. The saying goes: “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” Available areas include almost anywhere you can hike. Where you can backcountry ski, you can likely snowshoe as long as you remain aware of your surroundings and share the trails. Homestake Lodge offers snowshoe rentals and access to the trails for $15 each.
Curling
For those interested in the Olympic sport of curling, the Butte Community Ice Center hosts leagues for curling through the Copper City Curling Club. This icy shuffleboard-like game features two teams of four players who take turns sliding polished granite stones across the ice towards a target. Two team members on each side of the stone sweep in front of its path to polish the ice and help it move forward.
Hot Springs
Snow on the ground only seems to amplify the luxury of soaking in a hot springs. If you’re looking to relax and escape the cold for a while, there are several natural hot springs not too far from Butte. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the closest at only 15 minutes away on I-90 West (Exit 211). It features an indoor and outdoor pools with a waterslide, as well as other resort amenities. If you’re willing to travel, other hot springs include Elkhorn and Jackson Hot Springs near Dillon, Boulder Hot Springs at Boulder, and Norris Hot Springs.
Downhill skiing or snowboarding is usually the first choice for anyone who wants to enjoy winter in Montana, but it can become expensive with passes, equipment, and transportation. Even in the cold season, Butte is rich in alternative outdoor recreation to keep the winter fun alive. Always remember to dress warm, check the weather, and enjoy the view!
Butte’s ice skating rinks are hidden gems when it comes to the area’s winter recreation. Ice skating is an easy and casual way to get outside and check out the winter version of some of the town’s best spots. The county maintains several ice skating rinks: the Original mine yard, Butte Community Ice Center (1700 Wall St), High Altitude Skating Center (between Three Bears Alaska and Copper Canyon Harley Davidson), Clark Park (Wall St & Texas Ave, east of the Community Ice Center), Racetrack Park (Farragut & Grand Ave), Stodden Park (Utah Ave & Sampson St), Sesame Street Park (S Arizona & Sesame St), People’s Park (Silver & Girard St), and Missoula Avenue (one block west of N Excelsior Ave). The Butte Community Ice Center and the High Altitude Skating Center offer inexpensive skate rentals and open skating during most winter weekends. Ice skating is very beginner friendly and can be enjoyed at any age or skill level. Go at your own pace and don’t worry too much about falling, it happens to everyone!
For more information on the ice rinks in Butte, visit: http://www.co.silverbow.mt.us/809/Ice-Skating-Rinks
Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing
The area around Silver Bow County sports both cross country ski trails and trail systems. Homestake Lodge is located several miles Southeast on I-90, Exit 233. The lodge offers passes, rentals, and lessons. Most trails and groomed with classic tracks and skate lanes. There are almost 10 miles of dog-friendly trails as well. Mount Haggin Nordic Ski area is located 15 miles south of Anaconda towards Wisdom on Highway 274 (Mill Creek Road). There is a lodge and the trails are groomed once a week. Moulton Reservoir Ski Trails are about 10 miles north of Butte on Moulton Reservoir Road. The trails at Moulton are free to access, but there are sections with snowmobiles, vehicles, and nearby private land. These trails are dog friendly. For those who want something even closer to home, Stodden Park also features groomed trails at the convenient location of Utah Ave off Dewey Blvd. For those looking to rent temporary equipment, Bob Ward’s rents out cross-country skis for a daily rate of $10.
Snowshoeing
A great winter weather alternative to hiking, snowshoeing is low-risk, low-difficulty, and low-expense. The saying goes: “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” Available areas include almost anywhere you can hike. Where you can backcountry ski, you can likely snowshoe as long as you remain aware of your surroundings and share the trails. Homestake Lodge offers snowshoe rentals and access to the trails for $15 each.
Curling
For those interested in the Olympic sport of curling, the Butte Community Ice Center hosts leagues for curling through the Copper City Curling Club. This icy shuffleboard-like game features two teams of four players who take turns sliding polished granite stones across the ice towards a target. Two team members on each side of the stone sweep in front of its path to polish the ice and help it move forward.
Hot Springs
Snow on the ground only seems to amplify the luxury of soaking in a hot springs. If you’re looking to relax and escape the cold for a while, there are several natural hot springs not too far from Butte. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the closest at only 15 minutes away on I-90 West (Exit 211). It features an indoor and outdoor pools with a waterslide, as well as other resort amenities. If you’re willing to travel, other hot springs include Elkhorn and Jackson Hot Springs near Dillon, Boulder Hot Springs at Boulder, and Norris Hot Springs.
Downhill skiing or snowboarding is usually the first choice for anyone who wants to enjoy winter in Montana, but it can become expensive with passes, equipment, and transportation. Even in the cold season, Butte is rich in alternative outdoor recreation to keep the winter fun alive. Always remember to dress warm, check the weather, and enjoy the view!
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