Jump right into your winter adventure in Seeley Lake on the back of a snowmobile. The scenic community of Seeley Lake, nestled between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Mountains with the namesake lake to the west, sits among numerous groomed, marked snowmobile trails as well as off-trail areas, so it’s easy to find family-friendly options as well as more rugged ones. You can explore the landscape on your own or arrange a guided trip with an outfitter like Kra-Z’s Snowmobile Rentals and Backcountry Guide Service. Check in to Double Arrow Lodge in the afternoon and experience the snowy grounds of the resort at a slower pace on a horse-drawn sleigh ride — a time-honored and endlessly delightful way to take in the  winter landscape. After your tour, enjoy dinner at Seasons, the lodge’s fine dining restaurant, or opt for a more casual experience in the Stirrups Lounge. Head outside to end the evening around the fire pit — with s’mores, of course.
 

Enjoy Double Arrow’s signature Rise and Shine Breakfast, then head into the Bitterroot Valley. Your drive here affords sweeping views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east as well as chances to explore the friendly towns along the way. Darby, a little town with big Western allure, makes a great spot to stop for a stroll through downtown. Don’t miss the Old West Antiques and Candy Store, filled with enticements for both adults and kids. Grab lunch at the deli next door, then continue south to the Chief Joseph Cross-Country Ski Trail, a multi-loop system with about 20 miles of groomed trails. Spend the afternoon cross-country skiing and be on the lookout for resident moose on the trail. If it’s feeling too cold for a ski, use your daylight to visit the Big Hole National Battlefield Visitor’s Center — the site of the 1877 Battle of the Big Hole between the Nez Perce and U.S. troops. From there, it’s about a half-hour to your overnight spot at Jackson Hot Springs Lodge. Check in, dig into dinner at the on-site restaurant and then get your soak on in the mineral-rich waters of the spring-fed outdoor pool. The combination of geothermally heated water and frosty air is a true Montana winter moment.

After breakfast at Jackson Hot Springs, check out and head out for a day on the slopes at Maverick Mountain. Among its 24 runs, it has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Pop into the Cowboy Cafe on the hill for a lunchtime warm-up break, fueling up for your afternoon session. When you’ve had your fill, recap your day of downhill with the locals at Maverick’s Thunder Bar. Continue your wind down with an unplugged, rustic stay at Elkhorn Hot Springs just a few miles away. Find your ideal temperature for relaxation between the two outdoor pools (they range between 92 and 102 degrees) and the indoor wet sauna that can hit 106. When you start getting hungry for dinner, head into the lodge for homestyle favorites. Indulge in a warm beverage by the fireplace before heading to bed in one of the lodge’s no-frills rooms or cabins.

Wake up after a great night’s sleep head into the lodge for the complimentary home-cooked buffet breakfast. Then it’s time to hit the road. The 19th-century mining town of Philipsburg is your ultimate destination, but on the way, don’t miss the chance to see some real Montana history up close with a visit to Bannack State Park, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country. Bannack was established in 1862 after the first major discovery of gold in nearby Grasshopper Creek, and once served as the territorial capital. Feel the crunch of snow as you explore the town and the more than 50 buildings still standing. After your walk back through time, make your way to Philipsburg, about two hours away. When you make it to town, head to Doe’s Restaurant for lunch — it features an old-time soda fountain, and the bison burger is a local favorite — then stretch your legs with a stroll along the colorful main street lined with historic buildings. Head to the outdoor Winninghoff Park Ice Rink and lace up (skates are available to use for no charge and you’ll find them in the adjacent warming hut) for an afternoon of gliding, spinning and laughing your way across the ice — a memorable way to end an unforgettable four days of Montana winter adventures.