Someone once told me that the best way to feel at home is to embrace where you live, and live each day to the fullest. Well, that can be a challenge here, because the winters in Montana can be pretty grueling and long. So, here are the top ten ways to not only make the most of this coming winter but, quite possibly, learn to love it!

Embrace The Snow
The winter blues can sneak up on you quickly in Bozeman during our long, cold and dark winters. Yet, if you learn to love the snow and how to enjoy it, you will get through winter easily. This is the basis for all of the tips in this article.

Get A Snow Blower Or Hire Someone To Remove Your Snow
Snow removal in Bozeman can be overwhelming if it’s just you and a shovel. Don’t make things harder than they need to be; either buy a snowblower or hire someone to remove your snow. This will give you back much needed time, and will eliminate extra stress in the mornings.

Learn A Winter Sport
If you moved to Bozeman because you love our quick access to beautiful hiking trails, bike trails, and lakes, you’re in luck! Winter in Bozeman is when the fun begins. You can try all sorts of winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding (the obvious ones), but you are not limited to just those two. Try ice skating, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, hunting, or ice climbing.

Join a Book Club
If you’re not the outdoorsy type, there are still many hobbies you can take up, and ways to get connected in town, such as joining a book club. Winter is the best time to dive into a good book, especially when you’ve got a hot cup of tea and warm blankets while it’s snowing outside. A great way to find a book club is through the Bozeman Public Library.

Get Snow Tires
This may seem like a no-brainer with the amount of snow we get in Bozeman, but it’s really important. Snow tires will give you extra security while driving no matter what type of car you drive, but they are especially important for front wheel drive cars. If you need to get tires put on, it is best to make an appointment at a tire shop as early as mid-September. If you wait until October or November, tire shops are typically booked out for months, or they may even be sold out of snow tires. So, next year, plan in advance.

Invest in Good Quality Winter Clothing
Good quality winter clothing makes all the difference. If you have the proper attire on, 10 degrees doesn’t feel so bad. You don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get these quality pieces, either. Check out Second Wind or Play it Again Sports for all kinds of second-hand gear, including winter clothing.

Get Some Sunlight
Vitamin D deficiency is real during Montana’s winters. Your mom is right when she tells you to get some Vitamin D. Being deficient in this vitamin can lead to a slew of issues including mood swings, bone problems, and more. The best way to get good quality vitamin D in the winter is to spend 30 minutes outdoors daily. But if the sun isn’t poking out of the clouds, just grab yourself a good ole’ sun lamp. This way you can get vitamin D from the comfort of your warm home.

Have A Handful Of Seasonal Foods You Enjoy
Whether it’s coffee drinks, hot soups and stews, or baked goods, food can really help us enjoy the season. In fact, as a young girl, I have fond memories of spending the day skiing, then having chili for dinner with all the fixings. What are you going to prepare this season?

Jigsaw Puzzles
Winter means more time indoors. Being indoors for longer durations means it’s time to bust out the 1000 piece jigsaws. A puzzle is enjoyable for the whole family, and is a great way to have fun while working your brain!

Keep Up With Community Events
Bozeman events don’t stop when the snow starts falling. There are a variety of events that take place all winter long, including 5K races, live music, festivals, farmers’ markets, and more. You can find an in-depth list of events on Bozeman Magazine’s website.

BONUS TIP - Furry Friends
Bozemanites love their furry friends. Don’t forget to help them enjoy the winter season by finding them some warm booties so they can join you on winter adventures and outings!