Beyond the Ski Resort: Red Lodge Winter Activities for Every Type of Adventurer (Winter Guide Part 2 of 3)

**TLDR:** Red Lodge winter extends beyond downhill skiing with Nordic trails at Red Lodge Nordic Center, snowshoeing routes, ice climbing options, and the spectacular National Finals Ski-Joring Races every March. This guide covers cross-country skiing on groomed trails, winter hiking options, fat biking opportunities, and the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary for non-skiing days. Complete activity descriptions help you plan diverse winter adventures beyond the ski resort.

Welcome back. In Part 1, we covered Red Lodge Mountain's terrain, tickets, and everything you need to know about the ski resort itself.

Now let's talk about what happens when you're not on chairlifts.

Because here's the thing about Red Lodge in winter: it's not a one-trick town. Sure, downhill skiing is the main event, but if you think that's all there is, you're missing half the experience. This is a mountain town with legitimate winter culture that extends way beyond the resort boundary.

We're talking groomed Nordic trails with actual elevation and challenge. Snowshoe routes that don't require a guide or a wilderness permit. A completely bonkers winter sport involving horses, skiers, and jumps that you have to see to believe. Ice climbing if you want to get vertical. Winter hiking for those who prefer their adventures at a walking pace.

This is Part 2 of our complete Red Lodge winter guide. If you skipped Part 1 on the ski resort, go back and read it. If you're here because you don't downhill ski but still want a Montana winter experience, you're in exactly the right place.

Let's explore Red Lodge winter beyond the chairlifts.

Red Lodge Winter Activities at a Glance

Nordic (Cross-Country) Skiing:

• Red Lodge Nordic Center: ~15 km groomed track, fee area

• West Fork Road: Multi-use groomed trail, free access

• Silver Run Trails: Forest loops for touring

Snowshoeing and Winter Walks:

• Lake Fork Trailhead: Plowed access, scenic valley

• Greenough Lake / Main Fork Rock Creek: Short, mellow options

• West Fork corridor & Wild Bill Lake: Easy out-and-backs

Skijoring:

• National Finals every March at Rodeo Grounds

• Gates 10 AM, racing 11 AM

• Spectator tickets $15/day, $25/weekend (sold at gate only)

• 2026 dates: March 14-15

Ice Climbing:

• Guided trips via Beartooth Mountain Guides

• Local areas: Rock Creek, Stillwater, Rosebud, Silver Falls

Other Winter Fun:

• Ice skating and pond hockey at Red Lodge Ice

• Fat biking on groomed trails

• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (open daily except Tuesdays)

Now let's break down each activity with the details you actually need.

Where Can I Cross-Country Ski in Red Lodge?

Red Lodge offers three main Nordic skiing options: the Red Lodge Nordic Center (~15 km of groomed track on Aspen Ridge Ranch, fee area), West Fork Road (multi-use groomed trail from Wild Bill Lake to Cascade Campground, free), and Silver Run Trails (interconnected forest loops). The Nordic Center offers varied difficulty with 4 km easiest, 7 km more difficult, and 4 km most difficult terrain.

Red Lodge Nordic Center: The Groomed Option

The Details:

Approximately 15 kilometers of machine-groomed track set on Aspen Ridge Ranch, located about 3 miles west of Red Lodge. This is a fee area with grooming maintained regularly throughout the season.

Terrain Breakdown:

• 4 km easiest terrain

• 7 km more difficult terrain

• 4 km most difficult terrain

The Nordic Center operates roughly December through March, conditions dependent. This isn't a massive trail system, but it's well-maintained and offers genuine variety from gentle meadow cruising to hillier, more challenging sections.

Why Ski Here:

You want groomed track with consistent conditions. You're working on technique. You prefer a defined trail system over exploring forest roads. You don't mind paying a fee for maintained trails.

Pro Strategy: Cold morning laps when sun hits the meadows early, then shift to West Fork Road skating if afternoon winds pick up.

What Is the West Fork Road Groomed Trail?

West Fork Road is a multi-use trail groomed weekly from Wild Bill Lake to Cascade Campground (early December through April) for skate and classic cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, walking, and some snowmobiling. It's free to use with lane etiquette required for different users. This provides an excellent flat to gently rolling route for Nordic skiing without fees.

West Fork Road: The Free Multi-Use Corridor

The Details:

The Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) grooms West Fork Road weekly from Wild Bill Lake to Cascade Campground, typically early December through April. The grooming accommodates both skate and classic cross-country skiing, plus fat bikes, snowshoers, walkers, and some snowmobiles.

It's free to use. No fee area. No permits. Just show up and go.

Lane Etiquette:

Different users share the groomed corridor. Stay in your designated lane (classic tracks vs. skate lane), yield appropriately, and don't be the person who ruins freshly groomed track by walking in the wrong spot.

Why Choose West Fork:

You want a longer, sustained ski without laps. You're comfortable with multi-use trail etiquette. You prefer free access. You might combine Nordic skiing with a snowshoe exploration or winter walk.

The groomed section is flat to gently rolling, making it accessible for most fitness levels while still providing a solid workout if you push the pace.

What Are the Silver Run Trails?

Silver Run Trails are interconnected forest loops off West Fork Road popular for Nordic touring when snow conditions allow. These are less formal than groomed systems but offer scenic forest skiing for those comfortable navigating trails without track-setting or consistent grooming.

Where Can I Snowshoe Near Red Lodge?

Top snowshoeing options near Red Lodge include Lake Fork Trailhead (plowed access with vault toilet, scenic valley), Greenough Lake and Main Fork Rock Creek (short, mellow routes near the winter gate 11 miles south of town), and the West Fork corridor including Wild Bill Lake (easy out-and-back options on groomed road).

Snowshoeing and Winter Walks: Where to Go

Lake Fork Trailhead

Plowed access off US-212 with a vault toilet. The Lake Fork valley follows the creek through scenic terrain with variable snow depth early season. This is a reliable winter option that doesn't require 4WD to reach the trailhead.

Pack microspikes or traction devices for mixed freeze-thaw conditions. The trail gains elevation gradually, making it accessible for most fitness levels while still providing enough challenge to feel like exercise.

Greenough Lake and Main Fork Rock Creek

Short, mellow options near the winter gate approximately 11 miles south of Red Lodge on US-212. When the Beartooth Highway closes for winter, the gate creates a natural turnaround point for winter recreation.

Greenough Lake offers a gentle loop. Main Fork Rock Creek provides creek-side scenery without significant elevation gain. Both are excellent for families, older adults, or anyone wanting winter mountain time without committing to steep terrain.

West Fork Corridor and Wild Bill Lake

The groomed West Fork Road doubles as excellent snowshoe terrain. Easy out-and-back routes with the option to explore as far as you want before turning around. Perfect for varied groups with different fitness levels.

Wild Bill Lake makes for a natural destination point with the option to continue farther if conditions and energy allow.

What to Bring:

Microspikes or snowshoes depending on conditions, layers (temperature swings happen fast), water, snacks, and a headlamp if you're starting late. Trailhead parking can fill on weekends; arrive early or choose weekday adventures.

What Is Skijoring?

Skijoring is a winter sport where a horse and rider pull a skier through a timed obstacle course featuring jumps and gates. Red Lodge hosts the National Finals Ski-Joring Races every March at the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds, drawing teams from across the region for two days of high-speed, high-stakes competition.

Skijoring: The Sport You Didn't Know You Needed to See

Let's be clear: skijoring is completely insane and absolutely worth experiencing.

What It Is:

A horse and rider pull a skier through a timed course featuring gates, jumps, and rings. The skier holds a tow rope, navigates obstacles, and tries to grab rings while being pulled at speeds that would terrify most humans. Teams compete for time and points.

It's rodeo meets skiing meets "what could possibly go wrong" energy. It's spectacular.

The Red Lodge National Finals

Red Lodge hosts the National Finals Ski-Joring Races every March at the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds just west of downtown. This is the big one. The event that determines national champions.

2026 Dates: March 14-15, 2026 (always reconfirm as winter approaches)

Spectator Details:

• Gates open 10 AM

• Racing starts 11 AM

• Tickets sold at the gate only (no advance sales)

• 2025 pricing: $15/day adult, $25/weekend pass, kids under 10 free

• No outside alcohol (vendors on site)

• Bring warm boots and a camp chair

Parking and Conditions:

Parking is on-site at the Rodeo Grounds. The infield can get slushy on warm March days, so wear tall, waterproof boots. Cash is king for gate tickets and vendor purchases.

Why Go:

Because you'll never see anything else like it. The skill required to coordinate horse, rider, and skier at speed through obstacles is genuinely impressive. The crashes are dramatic. The competition is fierce. The energy is pure Montana winter culture.

If you're in Red Lodge during skijoring finals weekend, this is not optional. You go.

Want to Compete?

Teams (horse + rider + skier) must pre-register and follow event rules regarding helmets, rope specifications, divisions, and other competition requirements. Check the official skijoring site's Competitors section for current registration and rules.

Where Can I Ice Climb Near Red Lodge?

Ice climbing near Red Lodge includes areas around Rock Creek, the Stillwater corridor, East and West Rosebud, and Silver Falls in Lake Fork Canyon. These venues offer classic Beartooth winter ice but involve remote approaches and variable conditions. Beartooth Mountain Guides offers guided ice climbing programs around Red Lodge and Cooke City for safer, more manageable access.

Ice Climbing: For When Nordic Skiing Isn't Scary Enough

The Reality:

Ice climbing around Red Lodge is legitimate and technical. Areas near Rock Creek, the Stillwater corridor, East and West Rosebud, and Silver Falls in Lake Fork Canyon provide classic Beartooth winter ice climbing.

These are remote approaches with variable conditions, avalanche considerations, and route-finding complexity. This is not beginner territory unless you're with someone who knows what they're doing.

The Smart Move: Go Guided

Beartooth Mountain Guides operates out of Red Lodge and offers winter ice programs around the Red Lodge and Cooke City areas. This is the right call if you're new to ice climbing, unfamiliar with local conditions, or don't want to manage avalanche and approach risk independently.

Guided trips handle gear, site selection, safety systems, and instruction. You climb ice without spending hours researching approach beta or worrying about whether the route you drove 45 minutes to reach is even in condition.

Local Resources:

Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop in downtown Red Lodge carries winter climbing gear and often posts local trail and condition notes. Stop in, ask questions, and support the local shop that keeps the community informed.

Can You Fat Bike in Red Lodge in Winter?

Yes. The groomed West Fork Road accommodates fat biking alongside Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and walking. Follow lane etiquette and yield appropriately to other users. Additional winter biking and hiking options include Wild Bill Lake loop and lower Lake Fork when snowpack is thin.

What Other Winter Activities Are Available in Red Lodge?

Red Lodge Ice maintains community skating and hosts the Winter Classic pond hockey tournament typically in early January. The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily except Tuesdays (10 AM - 4 PM, last entry 3:30 PM) with native, non-releasable species from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Adults $12, with tours and encounters available.

Ice Skating, Pond Hockey, and Wildlife

Red Lodge Ice

Community skating and the Winter Classic pond hockey tournament (typically early January). Check the rink schedule closer to winter for public skate times and tournament details. This is your classic small-town ice rink experience without the overwrought production of commercialized venues.

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Open daily except Tuesdays, 10 AM to 4 PM (last entry 3:30 PM). Adults $12.

The sanctuary rescues and houses native, non-releasable Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem species including bears, mountain lions, foxes, and raptors. These are animals that can't survive in the wild due to injury, habituation, or other factors.

Winter visits mean smaller crowds and often more active animals. Dress warmly. The sanctuary is outdoors. Tours and animal encounters are available with advance arrangement.

Why Visit:

It's educational, it supports wildlife conservation, and it gives families with kids something to do that doesn't involve strapping equipment to their feet. Not every winter day needs to be an athletic event.

What's the Best Way to Experience Red Lodge Winter Activities?

Combine activities based on weather and energy. Cold, calm mornings are ideal for Nordic skiing when grooming is fresh. Windy afternoons work well for snowshoeing in tree-protected valleys. Match your activity to conditions rather than forcing a predetermined plan when weather doesn't cooperate.

Combining Activities: The Reality of Mountain Weather

The Smart Approach:

Mountain weather changes. Your carefully planned Nordic ski morning might arrive with 30 mph winds that make groomed meadow skiing miserable. Your planned snowshoe to Lake Fork might coincide with perfect calm skies better suited for skating on West Fork Road.

Be flexible. Check conditions in the morning. Match your activity to the weather rather than stubbornly sticking to a plan that no longer makes sense.

Sample Day Combinations:

• Cold, calm morning: Nordic Center laps while grooming is fresh and meadows are sheltered

• Windy afternoon: Pivot to snowshoeing in tree-protected West Fork corridor

• Warm March day: Skijoring spectating with slushy infield and beer

• Bluebird morning: Lake Fork snowshoe for photography and views

• Late afternoon energy: Quick West Fork walk or Wild Bill Lake out-and-back

The best Red Lodge winter experiences happen when you read conditions and adapt accordingly.

What's Coming in Part 3?

We've covered the ski resort (Part 1) and winter activities beyond downhill skiing (Part 2). Now we're ready for the final piece: Red Lodge's winter events, culture, and how to actually plan your trip.

Part 3 dives into the Christmas Stroll, Winter Carnival, local museums and historic sites, photography spots, complete sample itineraries for different trip lengths, and all the insider planning tips that separate good trips from great ones.

Because winter in Red Lodge isn't just about activities. It's about timing your visit around events, understanding the local culture, knowing where to eat après, and building an itinerary that balances adventure with the kind of downtime that makes mountain vacations actually feel like vacations.

One more post and you'll have everything you need. Stay with us.

Ready to book your Red Lodge winter adventure? The Yodeler offers pet-friendly rooms with in-room steam saunas and a wax room for your gear. Make us your basecamp for experiencing everything Red Lodge winter has to offer.