Missoula shines in winter, and one of the best places to experience the season’s beauty is Lolo Pass. Just a short, scenic drive from town, this mountain pass transforms into a playground for snow lovers. With endless trails, fresh powder, and crisp alpine air, Lolo Pass is where adventure meets the beauty of Montana’s winter wilderness. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing in Montana are just a few of the outdoor adventures that await.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Missoula when the snow falls. Nearby, Lolo Pass Montana, offers incredible access to snowshoeing trails, Nordic skiing routes, and snowmobiling terrain. Start at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center off Highway 12, also known as the Lewis & Clark Highway, and explore a borderland paradise that straddles Montana and Idaho. The Visitor Center provides trail maps, weather updates, and a cozy place to warm up before or after your outdoor excursions. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why visitors make this winter escape part of their Montana adventures.
Our Missoula Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. With panoramic views of the Bitterroot River and Missoula Valley, our bed and breakfast highlights our love of Montana’s wild spirit. Enjoy warm hospitality, homemade breakfasts, and peaceful accommodations that make every guest feel at home. After a night with us, you’ll wake refreshed, ready for another day exploring Lolo Pass. The best of winter surrounds you here, making it the perfect destination for couples seeking relaxation and exploration. Book your stay today!
Winter Fun at Lolo Pass, Montana
Winter in Missoula has a special kind of energy, with the snow bringing out the best of the surrounding mountains. When you head toward Lolo Pass, you’ll find a place that captures everything wonderful about winters in Montana. The snow-covered trees, crisp mountain air, and endless trails create a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s the kind of spot where time slows down, and every turn of the trail feels like a discovery.
Located along the Montana-Idaho border, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center sits at about 5,200 feet and serves as the starting point for a variety of snow adventures. Before heading out, you’ll need a winter recreation pass, just $5 for a day or a seasonal pass if you plan to visit often. Whether you’re here for a single afternoon or a week of exploring, Lolo Pass, Montana, offers something for every winter outdoor enthusiast.
At Lolo Pass, you’ll find several trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in Montana. They include:
- Glade Creek Loop Ski Trail – 2.1 miles, perfect for beginners and those looking for a shorter outing.
- Packer Meadows Loop Ski Trail – 6 miles, a scenic route through forested terrain and open meadows.
- Moose Ridge Loop Ski Trail – 14 miles, a challenging trail groomed for both skiers and snowmobilers with sweeping mountain views.
- Lolo Pass Snowshoe Trail – 1.8 miles, starting directly from the Visitor Center and offering incredible panoramic vistas.
Tip: The Lolo Pass Visitor Center rents snowshoes and skis if you don’t have your own gear, and provides updated trail maps and weather information to help plan your adventure.
Popular Snowmobiling Routes from Lolo Pass, Montana:
- Pack Creek to Beaver Ridge to Lochsa Lodge – a classic mountain ride with diverse terrain.
- Granite Pass to Fox Creek – scenic stretches that weave through forested slopes.
- Upper Shotgun to Parachute back to Lochsa Lodge – a thrilling route with beautiful high-country views.
Many of these routes connect with the Lolo National Forest snowmobile trail system, running parallel to the Great Burn roadless area. Be sure to review your forest maps and stay within designated travel zones. Maps are available for purchase at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and online for easy access before your trip.
More Things to Do in Missoula This Winter
With so many trails and opportunities for adventure, it’s easy to see why Lolo Pass, Montana is such a popular destination in the winter. However, spending a day at Lolo Pass, Montana is just one of the many great things to do in Missoula in the winter! Get ready to bundle up and have some fun – below, we’ve listed more of our favorite things to do in Missoula in the winter.
- There’s plenty of great Missoula skiing, including the Montana Snowbowl – and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Missoula in the winter!
- If you’re looking for more snowshoeing trails, we recommend heading to Pattee Canyon Recreation Area or Rattlesnake Recreation Area. This is easily one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to do in Missoula in the winter.
- Cross-country skiing is one of the best things to do in Missoula in the winter, and there are far more trails than just those at Lolo Pass, Montana! Don’t miss the Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails.
- If you want an unforgettable adventure, try dog sledding with places like Dogsled Adventures Montana and Triple Creek Ranch.
- If you’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors on the trails, your muscles are probably sore and tired. Take some time to rest and relax at local hot springs near Missoula. This may just be one of our favorite things to do in Missoula in the winter.
- There are also plenty of romantic things to do in Missoula in the winter, including taking a sleigh ride through this magical winter wonderland. Double Arrow Lodge offers winter sleigh rides.
We love all the things to do in Missoula in the winter, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say our absolute favorite is to relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area from our cozy Missoula Bed and Breakfast. We think you’ll love it, too! Book your room with us today!
