A hidden gem for Nordic skiing in the West, the Seeley Lake Nordic Trails boast 18 km of classic and skate ski loops suitable for all skill levels. This area enjoys reliable snowfall, often receiving more snow than nearby valleys. The trails are regularly groomed, and a warming hut is conveniently located near the parking lot, just an hour north of Missoula. The town of Seeley Lake is a popular Montana winter recreation spot, offering various lodging and dining options.

For another great Nordic experience, head northeast of Bigfork—a charming village on the shores of Flathead Lake—where the Bigfork Trail System provides 10 km of flat and gently rolling trails, maintained by the Bigfork Community Nordic Center.

The Missoula area is rich with Nordic skiing opportunities. The Lubrecht Experimental Forest offers nearly 20 km of trails winding through pristine meadows and wooded terrain. These trails are regularly groomed, with inner loops that are especially family-friendly and suitable for all skill levels.

Adjacent to Lubrecht, the Garnet Ski Trails feature over 186 km of trails, including the 51 km Garnet National Winter Recreation Trail that traverses the serene Garnet Mountain range. During winter, the area is closed to vehicular traffic, providing a unique and enjoyable way to explore Garnet Ghost Town. For those looking to extend their adventure, two rental cabins on the property offer overnight stays.

Closer to Missoula, the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area offers 10 km of groomed classic and skate trails in a picturesque, wooded canyon. The south side of the trail system presents more challenging hills, while the north side offers flatter terrain.

In the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, you can ski a gentle but steady 8 km upgrade to Pilcher Creek, with trails groomed specifically for classic skiing.

Glide through the scenic Lolo National Forest and open meadows at Lolo Pass, straddling the Montana-Idaho border. Here, you’ll discover some of the region's most dependable snow, with 13 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, a warming hut, and the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. As you traverse the trail, you'll pass by the historic Glade Creek area, where Lewis and Clark once camped.

Further south in the Bitterroot Valley, Skalkaho Pass, located east of Hamilton, offers 19 km of groomed skiing on the Skalkaho Highway and over 45 km on Skalkaho/Rye Road. These seasonal roads meander through the rolling Sapphire Mountains, providing a picturesque setting for your ski adventure.

At the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, Chief Joseph Pass on the Continental Divide features 49 km of trails, with 33 km groomed for skate skiing and 16 km for classic skiing. The area offers eight loop trails that cater to a range of skill levels, from beginner to expert.

Montana's Flathead Valley is a year-round vacation destination that transforms into a winter wonderland every year. The Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails, situated between Blacktail Mountain downhill ski area and the town of Lakeside, feature 25 km of trails groomed daily for both skate and classic skiing. Just half a mile from downtown Whitefish, the Glacier Nordic Center at Whitefish Lake Golf Course offers 12 km of trails, also groomed for skate and classic skiing, with stunning views of Big Mountain and Whitefish Mountain Resort. For a unique experience, enjoy night skiing on 4 km of the trail from dusk until 10 p.m.

For advanced skiers, the Big Mountain Trails offer 25 km of trails winding through cedar forests, groomed daily and providing exceptional views of Whitefish Lake, Flathead Valley, and the surrounding mountains. North of Whitefish, the Round Meadow Winter Trails feature seven interconnecting loops totaling 20 km, offering a mix of easy to challenging terrain. These trails, groomed weekly, provide a peaceful escape within the Flathead National Forest.

Not far from Whitefish, Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Ski Center offers over 27 km of groomed trails, nestled within the Stillwater State Forest and offering beautiful views of Dog Lake.

Each winter, the park's main roads—including the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road—transform into trails when covered in snow. While these trails aren’t groomed, they are well-maintained by other ski traffic. Before heading out, it's important to check with park rangers for the latest weather and snow conditions. Upper Lake McDonald is the most popular area for skiing in the park. From West Glacier, you can follow Going-to-the-Sun Road for 12.9 km along Lake McDonald to reach Lake McDonald Lodge. Other notable skiing spots include Polebridge, Marias Pass, Two Medicine Valley, St. Mary, and Apgar-West Glacier. Remember that skiing in the park requires a park entrance pass.

The Izaak Walton Inn in Essex is a perfect Montana winter getaway, offering over 30 km of gently rolling skate and classic ski trails with stunning views of Glacier National Park. On-site equipment rentals and daily ski lessons make it easy for visitors of all skill levels to enjoy the trails. For a unique experience, consider spending the night in a luxury caboose.

In Columbia Falls, you can ski 6 km of skate and classic trails at Meadow Lake Golf Course. The Meadow Lake Nordic Trails feature gently rolling terrain suitable for all skill levels, and there's even a cozy coffee shop located right at the trailhead to warm up after your adventure.

Ski among ancient giants in Montana’s tranquil northwest corner. The Ross Creek Cedars Ski Trail in Troy offers a 5.3 km intermittently groomed single track that climbs 400 feet in elevation, leading to the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, where you’ll encounter 1,000-year-old western red cedars with trunks up to 12 feet in diameter. For those who venture to the observation point, breathtaking views of the Cabinet Mountains await.

Near downtown Libby, the popular South Flower Creek Cross Country Ski Trail offers nine trails and several loops totaling 14 km. As a special treat, Friday night skiing features lantern-lit trails and a warm bonfire. Also near Libby, the Bear Creek Cross Country Ski Trails provide 5.5 km of mixed terrain across four trails, offering a perfect day of skiing.

Lookout Pass, located just off Interstate Highway 90 on the Montana-Idaho border, is known for recording some of the highest snowfall amounts in the state. Beyond its popular downhill ski area, the Lookout Pass Cross Country Ski Trails offer various options for a day on the skis. You can enjoy an 8 km loop around Lookout Pass, starting from the parking lot, with multiple trails branching out and covering the surrounding areas of Taft and the Hale Fish Hatchery. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, there are also several backcountry routes in the area, ideal for expert Nordic skiers.