Winter here is ushered in on a golden carpet. As the majestic larch responds to the first nips of frosty air, the unique deciduous pine begins to turn gold and eventually drops its needles to the forest floor - creating a brilliant, soft golden carpet... a colorful and soft welcome mat for winter! Now, the celebration begins as the beautiful Seeley-Swan Valley bids welcome to the feisty winter season, packed full with recreation and sports and enjoyment!
The area around Seeley Lake is a four season recreational destination, and winter is fast becoming a major part of the local economy and focus. Nestled between the Bob Marshal Wilderness to the east and the Mission Mountain Wilderness Area to the west, Seeley Lake is the gateway to winter fun and adventure. With over 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, wonderful miles of groomed Nordic Ski Trails, numerous mountain lakes perfect for the ice fishing enthusiasts, and long winding trails for dog sledding across mountain slopes, the Seeley – Swan Valley offers the finest outdoor adventures and scenery imaginable!
This bustling valley, located only 50 miles northeast of Missoula, has a relaxed yet remote atmosphere while offering quality services and accommodation – to those desiring the most modern of comforts and technologies as well as those preferring to be more self-reliant and challenged. Shops, restaurants, and lodges are owned and operated with hospitality and backcountry charm befitting the even most demanding of visitors.

SNOWMOBILING
Offering groomed miles comparable to those near West Yellowstone, snowmobile adventurers are discovering this area allows more unrestricted use of their machines and offers a full range of snowmobile trekking. Stories of the most daring slope challenges and moments of glory – are always enhanced by the unequaled scenic beauty of the ride. With over 250 miles of groomed trails, the views from mountain tops are breathtaking while the quiet meandering curves in the deep forest can provide solitude found only by breaking away and arriving here.
Seeley Lake continues to find itself listed in the TOP 15 Snowmobile Trails in the West. Trails begin on all sides of Seeley Lake and many themselves connected to other trail systems that extend the experience even further! The motel, lodges and fine restaurants are all starting points for a day of backcountry riding. With steep slopes, deep snow, and opportunities to rent machines and/or hire your own guide, everyone has a chance to experience the backcountry winter in style!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
The Seeley Lake Trail System is an 18k (11 mile) trail enjoyed by both visitors and locals because it often provides more consistent snow than surrounding areas. Serious skiers also use these groomed trails and its varied terrain for training opportunities.
A big event this year is the 23rd Annual OSCR Race. OSCR stands for Over Seeley’s Creeks and Ridges and is attended by people from all over Montana and a few other states. Lynn Carey is the contact person in Seeley Lake. The Missoula Nordic Ski Club hosts a two-day race on the Seeley Creek Trail as well. The Seeley Lake Trail System offers choices for the novice as well as difficult trails that keep the most fit and knowledgeable skiers challenged.

DOG SLEDDING
Normally not a spectator sport, Seeley Lake offers a number of events that provide the unique thrill of watching dog sleds teams in active competition. Plenty of opportunities are available to see the teams pull their mushers into town or watch as they start the race creating a cacophony of barking dogs straining in anticipation to get on the trail. Many mushers seen downtown will be found competing in the Iditerod race in Alaska. In fact, Seeley Lake’s own residents Cindy Gallea and her son, Jim, were the first family to complete the Iditerod race during different years. Montana’s Race to the Sky and The Seeley Lake 100 are the best events to see a large number of sled dog teams from all over the country.

ICE FISHING
The Seeley-Swan Valley offers a variety of mountain lakes as well as a variety of fish species for the ice fisherman. Travelers up Highway 83 will see the ice-houses dotting the frozen lakes and will sometimes wonder if the ice will hold the pick-up trucks gathered at one spot – obviously THE place to fish on the lake! Whether you prefer to sit near your hole in the ice and take in the mountain scenery surrounding you, or if you prefer the darkness of the ice-house to watch the fish take the bait you are jigging, the choices are many to ensure the biggest and most plentiful catch.
This year in March, the first annual Pike on Ice Derby will be held on the Chain of Lakes – Seeley Lake, Elva, Inez, and Salmon Lake. Over $1,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded for pike taken by any legal means. Those onlookers who want to view the day’s catch during the Derby, held on March 18th and 19th, need to stop by the parking lot of Rovero’s Ace Hardware. Here the fish will be weighed and measured…and here the fish tales will take on a life of their own! For more information, call Bob Harlock at the Seeley Lake Motor Lodge.

WINTERFEST
Winter hosts one of the biggest celebrations in Western Montana when Seeley Lake offers Winterfest, held the last two weekends of January. The main event is fun, whether it’s attending the Nordic Ski clinics, snowshoeing workshops, taking a free ride in a dog sled, enjoying the many incredible ice sculptures built for a tough competition, letting the kids do a kid/mutt pull, attending all or just one of the snowmobile games and runs, snow golf, or enjoying a Dessert Fest complete with professional entertainment. Ten days of experiencing all the winter recreation and sports excitement available wrapped in the glow of a carnival type atmosphere – this event is a must! Later relax with a warm cup of your favorite brew to watch fireworks over the lake; you’ll be amazed at how the brilliant colors are reflected on the crystal snow below. Contact the Seeley Lake chamber of Commerce for more information: 406-677-2880.

Seeley Lake is the gateway to an incredible winter wonderland experience! Whether just enjoying one of the many delights offered by an area restaurant or high marking on a steep slope high above the valley floor, the valley offers the excitement, the beauty and the hospitality that makes the winter wonderland of the Seeley-Swan a destination of choice.