Sledding access MSU students can slide into this winter

Skiing and snowboarding — while undoubtedly thrilling — can present the average MSU student with a number of barriers. These activities typically demand time, money and a degree of skill. Fortunately, there is another way to slide down the snow that some may find a little more accessible. Bobcats can start to consider the variety of excellent sledding locales Bozeman has to offer.

Peets Hill — located right at the corner of East Story Street and South Church Avenue — is a great sledding location in Bozeman. Melynda Harrison, writing for Outside Bozeman, provided insight in her article titled, Slip & Slide. “The best-known sledding spot in the Bozone, this is also the place where you’re most likely to break your back,” Harrison said.  According to her, sledders should wait until Peets Hill is completely covered with snow before they go out ripping, otherwise they risk injury on a protruding rock.

Lindley Park is located near Peets Hill, far down on East Main Street across from the Town Pump gas station. The park offers some pretty easy going terrain perfect for children or beginners. Upon parking, one can choose from a variety of runs that all spill out on or next to the Gallagator trail.

Dinosaur Park is another excellent sledding locale in town. One can simply park in the lot in front of the playground and then follow the Main Street to Mountains trail west towards the large grassy hill. The top provides a stunning view of the Bridgers and the Spanish Peaks, and there is a variety of sledding with great run out on both sides of the mound.  The park is a little further west in town, at 1707 Vaquero Pkwy.

The dog lovers amongst us can pay a visit to Snowfill Recreation Area, located further north of town on Mcilhatten Drive. The area offers a winding trail system with access to a number of gentle inclines for mellower sledding. The area also doubles as a dog park, so you can pet canines as you scale its numerous high points, assuming the owners oblige.

Just south of town is Bear Canyon. The area was Bozeman's first ski hill, evident by the rope tow still present on the slope, but no longer gets any commercial use. Sledders can park off of Bear Canyon Road and hike up next to the rope tow. The terrain is fairly steep, so be careful as you ascend. 

Those willing to make the drive up to Hyalite can enjoy all the sledding offered at Langohr Campground, which is located about 13 miles south of campus. The area offers excellent sledding. People will even build jumps towards the end of the runs in an attempt to gap the road.

Anyone who plans on going sledding this winter should make sure they do it safely. Make sure to keep yourself warm with suitable clothing and wearing a helmet for safety. Whoever you are, as long as you have a little bit of time to spare and a love for this traditional wintertime activity, Bozeman offers a plethora of exciting sledding locales for you to pick from this winter.