Winter in Montana is nothing short of extraordinary, with its quiet beauty, crisp air, and snow-draped wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see. At Paws Up, the 37,000-acre ranch resort becomes the ultimate winter retreat, where adventure and tranquility come together. It’s winter as it was meant to be experienced: exhilarating, comforting, and framed by the wide-open spaces that make Montana winter vacations unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing snowy thrills or seeking fireside comfort (or a little of both), Paws Up is where the magic of the season meets five-star warmth.

Snowglobe scenery and sweeping Big Sky views invite you to experience winter in Montana like never before. Step outside in the early morning, and the stillness is immense, broken only by the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots. The land feels peaceful and alive with the kind of possibilities that only winter brings. 

Guests enjoy the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and indoor indulgence, with days built around exploration and connection, and evenings grounded in warmth and comfort. It’s a setting that encourages you to embrace the wilderness while savoring the luxuries of a world-class resort, like soaking in a private hot tub with frozen river views framed by icicle-fringed pines.

With more adventures than any other ranch resort in Montana, Paws Up truly has something for everyone. Book an expertly guided tour or borrow gear from the Wilderness Outpost and set out at your own pace, in your own way. Here, winter isn’t something you simply observe – it’s something you experience. Each snowfall invites you to explore the season in whatever way speaks to you. 

Enjoy winter horseback rides or a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride, where hooves press softly into the powder and the world around you feels suspended in a dream. Wander the forested trails on snowshoes or take to the open meadows on cross-country skis, gliding past quiet pines and glistening riverbanks. 

Create lasting winter memories on a dog sledding adventure led by energetic huskies eager to guide you through the forest. Meet the dogs, watch them prepare for the trek, and sit back and enjoy the ride, or choose the Iditarod Experience and learn how to drive the sled yourself. Either way, this bucket-list adventure brings unforgettable moments and plenty of photo opportunities – all followed by a well-earned cup of hot chocolate.

If speed calls your name, rev up a snowmobile or MoonBike and carve thrilling paths through pristine terrain. Families will love an afternoon of snow tubing, where laughter echoes across the hillside during this timeless winter tradition.

After a day in the snow, returning to your private sanctuary feels warm, inviting, and undeniably luxurious. Choose from spacious luxury homes perfect for families and friends or high-design hauses for an adults-only retreat, each one placing you close to nature while wrapped in total comfort.

Inside, crackling fireplaces and mountain views invite long evenings of unwinding. Every detail is crafted for comfort: heated floors, deep soaking tubs, curated local artwork, thick robes, plush furnishings, and the option for gourmet in-home dining prepared just for you. Whether you’re sharing a meal fireside or curling up with a glass of wine and a good book, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world exists as snowflakes drift quietly past your window. 

And for a deeper sense of renewal, Spa Town awaits. Spa treatments and wellness experiences are inspired by the winter landscape, blending warm oils, botanical scents, and expert touch to melt away tension and soothe tired muscles. 

At Paws Up, winter is tasted as much as it’s seen and felt. The ranch’s culinary team creates chef-driven menus featuring ranch-to-table Montana flavors, turning every meal into a celebration of the seasons and a highlight of your stay. Think slow-braised meats, seasonal vegetables, house-made pastas, comforting soups, fresh-baked breads, and artfully crafted desserts. 

Pair your meal with winter wines, brews, or cocktails infused with spices, winter berries, and warming botanicals that capture the spirit of the season. And of course, no winter escape is complete without moments of sweetness, from rich hot cocoa to gourmet s’mores enjoyed fireside under the starry Montana sky.

Stay during the holidays, and you’ll enjoy festive traditions, unforgettable spreads, and live music, creating a stress-free and memorable way to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Paws Up Montana isn’t just another winter destination. It’s a place where nature, comfort, and authentic ranch experiences come together in a way that feels effortless. With 37,000 private acres to explore, every trail and snowy vista feels spacious and untouched. You can play hard, unwind deeply, and reconnect in whatever way you need. Whether you’re looking for quiet, excitement, or a mix of both, Paws Up meets you where you are and makes each moment feel personal.

Montana’s snowy season always has a certain magic. At Paws Up, you get to experience it at its best and carry a little of it with you long after your stay.