If you’re looking for some old-fashioned and affordable winter fun for the whole family, you’re in luck! Bozeman has some great sledding hills, both in town and close by. Inexpensive sleds are available at larger retailers, or stop by one of the local tire shops for an inner tube. Then end the day with some hot cocoa or winter libations at one of Bozeman’s cozy restaurants.
Sledding Safety
When letting your littles explore the area sledding, make sure you take some safety precautions to keep everyone happy and healthy! Children under five should sled with an adult, and any child under 12 should be under supervision at all times. Everyone should sit face-forward on their sleds with their feet downhill. Never go down the hill face-first because this can lead to a serious head injury. Never stand on a sled. Walk up the side of the hill to leave room in the middle for sledders. For the extra cautious, helmets can be reassuring; a winter sports helmet is best, but a bike helmet is better than no helmet.
Peet’s Hill
This hill located just outside Lindley Park is iconic Bozeman. Locals will tell you about sledding back in the day when a barbed wire fence sat at the end of the hill. (Parents, don’t worry, it’s no longer there.) There is plenty of elbow room and a long run out, but take note, the snow gets quickly packed and can be fast! For the adventurous type, there are often artificial jumps (and some safety banks to stop you.) If the little nippers are too small for the hill, take them into Lindley park and let them glide down the gentle slopes.
Dinosaur Park
(Formally Gallatin County Regional Park)
Sitting next to Dinosaur Park, a community-funded park built with the help of 1,500 volunteers, is a massive mound of dirt for sledding during the winter and biking in the summer. This popular spot has room to roam and can accommodate many people. You can sled off front or back sides with plenty of run-out. Be careful; if you get going too fast, you might end up in the pond!
Snowfill Recreation Area
As one of Bozeman’s most well-known dog parks, this area doubles as an excellent sledding area. You’ll have beautiful views of the valley, a gentle incline, and plenty of pups to pet. There are benches for resting and a public toilet available too.
Snowbank Campground
(Mill Creek near the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness)
This hill is worth the drive—the sledding across from the Snowbank Campground is a rip-roaring treat. The hill is fast and sometimes bumpy, but plenty of runouts mean you’ll stop before flying into the parking lot. You can usually find a campfire ring for s’mores and plenty of trails for a multisport adventure. Stop at Chico afterward to soak your bruises in the hot springs. Drive up Mill Creek Road, off Hwy. 89 until you hit a gate. Turn left into the parking area.
Bear Canyon
Home to Bozeman’s first ski hill, Bear Canyon used to operate with a rope tow, a ski jump, and a log cabin complete with food and beverages. Though it’s no longer a ski area, those with the stamina to hike up the hill will enjoy a long, steep sled run with few people around. You might also keep an eye out for areas marked as property of Mt. Ellis Academy, as usage may be interrupted at certain times. Otherwise, this is a great place to take a toboggan, but sled cautiously. You’re guaranteed to pick up some high-speed on this hill!
Langohr Campground
(Hyalite Canyon)
Get out of town and into the woods. There are plenty of sledding spots in Hyalite Canyon, but the hill across from Langohr Campground is bound to please. Bonus: fellow sledders build jumps at the bottom of the slope to launch themselves across the road.
Sledding is a great winter activity that can be fun for the whole family. Bundle up and head out to explore everything Bozeman has to offer!
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- 11 Things You Need To Know About Visiting Bozeman In The Winter
- 10 Things To Do In Bozeman In The Winter, If You Don't Ski
- A Guide To Snowshoeing In Bozeman
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