Skiing

Because Montana has a huge mountain range, there is plenty of skiing available during the winter months. The mountains in the Western half of Montana restrict a lot of warmer air flow from the Pacific, leaving the entire mountain range to be cooler all year long. In the winter months, the weather can range anywhere from below zero to thirty degrees, on average. This makes for some perfect skiing conditions if you can handle the cold. The powdery snow, perfect for skiing, generally stays on the mountain for the better part of the year.

The ski resort areas are a tricky thing by nature. Although they bring in a lot of tourism each year, Montana is a tax free state, unless you are visiting a tourist location such as Red Lodge, a popular ski town. In the case of such a visit, there is a seven percent tax on any purchase made. Many of the ski towns have cute little shops of a country nature or some even have small casinos for those of you that do not like to ski. Often times the ski resorts will be fully equipped with spas and other relaxing activities for those that go along that are not snow fans.