How to Survive Your First Winter in Bozeman

by Liz Nitz

How to Survive Your First Winter in Bozeman

If you were in that huge influx of out-of-town buyers this summer, you’re probably a little nervous about the winter season. Yes, it gets very cold and snowy. But Bozeman winters are also filled with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities. Winter is a great season if you’re prepared for the roads and have the right gear to stay warm and comfortable. Here’s a simple guide on how to survive your first winter in Bozeman.

How to survive your first winter in Bozeman:

Get good winter boots.

Bozeman averages 63″ of snowfall per year, so good winter boots are a necessity.

  • Schnee’s Pac Boots All styles of the unisex Pac Boots are hand-crafted right here in Bozeman, Montana. These boots are made to last but are rebuildable if they ever wear out. The leather is thick American cow and buffalo hides. The soles are vulcanized rubber, so they have serious traction in the most challenging conditions. And the removable liner is Thinsulate™ Insulation that keeps your toes warm up to -20 degrees. These boots are pricey ($299-$349) but you are paying for hand-crafted quality.
  • Oboz Footwear This is another great local company making sturdy boots. Their winter versions can take you from Main Street to the Mountains. The Women’s Sapphire 8″ Insulated Waterproof; Men’s Bridger 8″ and 10″ Insulated Waterproof; and Men’s Sawtooth II 8″ Insulated Waterproof also have Thinsulate™ Insulation and Oboz’s proprietary O Fit Insole™ that is molded to match the specific shape and construction of your boots. From $169 to $199.
  • Yaktrax® These strap right onto the bottom of your shoes and provide sticky traction in the slipperiest of conditions. They have styles to take you from town to a winter hike to a backcountry excursion. From $20 to $90.

Get your tires ready.

The roads can get pretty scary in the winter, which is why you need dedicated winter tires or studded tires for your car. The question is: studs or no studs?

  • Winter Tires They have really improved the technology on winter tires and they will get you around pretty good and safe. People usually go for these over studs because you don’t have to change them out every season.
  • Studded Tires These are the safest choice for icy conditions when even winter tires can’t get a good grip. You have to make sure, though, to change your tires out once road conditions start to change. Studded tires are permitted in Montana from Oct. 1 to May 31.
  • What About a Bike?  A fat tire bike or studded tires on your regular mountain bike are great for in-town errands or some of the easier Main Street to the Mountains trails. The wide tires on a fat tire bike provide float and traction on snow, sand, and other mixed terrain. Some fat tire brands to look into are Jamis and Rocky Mountain. Most shops sell do-it-yourself studded tire kits.

Get the right gear.

You don’t realize how quickly the elements can get the best of you when temperatures dip below freezing. So, it’s important to wear thermal base layers and keep all exposed areas protected with a facemask and good gloves if you plan on being outside for a few hours. Here are some unique and popular brands:

  • Beringia World This boutique label makes standout winter gear. They are headquartered here in Bozeman, Montana but have a design lab and retail store in Tokoyo, Japan. Their Men’s and Women’s Diomede Merino Wool Snorkel Hoody is great as a base layer or on its own. It’s super soft, warm and the unique design keeps everything but your eyes covered.
  • Azyre Gear This Wyoming-based brand makes technically driven outdoor apparel for women. Their Vision Baselayer Top and Pant is designed to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s warm. The base layers are super soft, have a feminine fit, and the signature camo pattern is one you won’t see anywhere else.
  • Blackstrap You’ll see this brand’s balaclavas all over the ski hills at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. They’re made in the USA and come in all kinds of fun patterns and colors.
  • Hestra These gloves are a top favorite among skiers and snowboarders for their warmth and stylish look.

Come check us out this winter and see if Bozeman is a place you’d like to live. I can help you find the right home for you. Contact me at liz@windermere.com.

(Photo of Schnee’s Outfitter II boot)

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38 Marten Peak Court, Bozeman, Montana 59718

38 Marten Peak Court, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.21Acre
2,476Sqft
Located in the Woodland Park subdivision, this brand new modern, contemporary home is 2,476 sf built by Old Mill Homes. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home has 4 bed, 3 bath, two living rooms and great floor plan. Estimated completion will be the end of June. Main level includes the master suite and addl bedroom with full bath for guests.
$1,000,000

410 Westridge Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

410 Westridge Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.20Acre
2,406Sqft
This meticulously maintained 4-bedroom home in the well-established Figgins neighborhood is must-see. Upstairs features a beautifully updated kitchen/dining room, a generous sized living room, master bedroom, an additional bedroom, and thoughtfully renovated bathroom.
$875,000

1068 Flanders Creek Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

1068 Flanders Creek Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.10Acre
1,500Sqft
Rare find in Bozeman-a townhouse with a three car garage! This well maintained home is move in ready, from the cozy and private front porch, to the spacious living room with a three sided fireplace allowing enjoyment from the kitchen/dining area as well. The spacious patio features privacy, a hot tub and plenty of room for entertaining or grilling.
$575,000

840 Quail Run Road D, Bozeman, Montana 59718

840 Quail Run Road D, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,519Sqft
You'll love this charming and well maintained condo centrally located in the desirable North Star Subdivision in Four Corners. This quiet bright end unit boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1519 sqft of living space. The combination open concept kitchen, dining room and living room make for easy and spacious single-level living, accented with vaulted ceilings and a granite finished gas fireplace.
$529,900

2940 Upper Rainbow Road, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2940 Upper Rainbow Road, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.97Acre
1,588Sqft
Lovingly maintained single level home on almost an acre in the desirable Four Corners area. This charming single owner home comes to market for the first time and offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms with an open floor plan. The kitchen has plenty of counter space, ample cabinetry for storage and a center island.
$700,000

727 Harper Puckett Road, Bozeman, Montana 59718

727 Harper Puckett Road, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
20Acre
1,780Sqft
GREAT HORSE OR GENTLEMAN RANCHER PROPERTY. PROPERTY WILL CONVEY WITH 50 INCHES OF WATER RIGHTS FROM THE LOWER MIDDLE CREEK DITCH COMPANY. HAS AAKER CREEK THAT RUNS YEAR ROUND THAT RUNS THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROPERTY. BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN WILLOW TREES. THIS PROPERTY HAD GREAT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL AND HAS NO COVENANTS OR ZONING. COULD BE A GLAMPING PROPERTY.
$2,700,000

96 Defender, Bozeman, Montana 59718

96 Defender, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
0.52Acre
3,393Sqft
Stunning new plan under construction in Black Bull! This modern design is located on a .5 acre+ lot in a quiet cul de sac. Backing to state owned land, this lot provides an abundance of privacy. On the main floor are three bedroom suites, each with their own luxury bathrooms.
$1,899,000

171 Cold Smoke, Bozeman, Montana 59715

171 Cold Smoke, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1.19Acre
2,940Sqft
Glorious views of the Gallatin Valley and surrounding mountain ranges from this 1-Level custom. This home features 2 large master suites which has have large walk-in closets. One bath with separate tub and shower, 2nd Master with walk-in closet and 3/4 bath, additional bedroom and office.
$2,375,000

1609 Maple Street B2, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1609 Maple Street B2, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,046Sqft
Stunning Mountain views of The Bridgers and Spanish Peaks can be seen from these incredibly well located, brand-new Bridgeview condos. Just down the street from MSU. These newly constructed condos boast dual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms; featuring beautiful tiled showers with glass doors.
$499,500
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