Ski Whitefish :: Small Town Charm in Whitefish

Whitefish, Montana is a quaint community of just over 6,000 residents in the northwestern part of the state. The town has a friendly, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for those looking to take a ski vacation.

1. Ski Vacations to Whitefish Mountain Resort are fantastic. The mountain resort has 98 trails and 4 terrain parks: 10% expert, 40% advanced, 35% intermediate, and 15% beginner. There are a number of bowl and tree skiing areas. The longest run is just over 3 miles long. Whitefish mountain gets about 300 inches of snow a year, that’s plenty of fresh powder to ski!

2. Whitefish offers visitors the Moonlight Dine & Ski on February 7th and March 10th. You will take a nighttime ride on the chair lift to the summit of Big Mountain. Then you will enjoy a buffet style meal with full bar accessibility. After, you have the option of riding back down in the chair lift; or if you bring your ski/snowboard equipment, you can glide your way down the mountain. Advanced reservations are required, and it costs only $49. 95 per adult.

3. If you like to ski under the stars, then visit The Fishbowl Terrain Park (chairlifts 2, 3, and 6) for night skiing. Tickets are only $17 per person and the park is open from 4 pm- 8:30 pm.

4. Whitefish will host their own Winter Carnival from February 3-5th. There is a grand parade with floats, dancers, marching bands, and more along the picturesque Central Avenue. They will also have a fireworks display, ski joring, and children’s characters.

5. Of course, February wouldn’t be complete without a Mardi Gras celebration! This will take place on Sunday, February 19th starting at 11 am. There will be art and craft vendors, face painting, mask decorating, live music, bead tosses, and costume contests. The Base Lodge will be serving southern style food such as crab cakes and jambalaya.

6. Snowmobile tours allow you to explore a lot of area in either half or full day tours. You’ll be able to view Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, the Swan Range, and the Canadian Rockies. Before your tour, you will be given a safety training session so you can have the best experience possible.

7. Ice skating is a pastime loved by many. Here, you have the option of outdoor skating on one of the many frozen lakes. Or you have the indoor rink option as well, such as Stumptown Ice Den. Stumptown Ice Den offers public skating, adult drop in hockey, figure skating, broomball, and refreshment stands.

8. Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours specializes in small group dog sledding tours. First, you will get to learn briefly about dog sledding, and then off you go on the trails. The tour will last about 50 minutes. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the runners of the sled behind a seasoned musher too. After the tour, some tasty treats will be available, plus the opportunity to pet the dogs.

9. If you love sleigh rides, then visit the Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake. They present group rides in the morning, early afternoon, and evening/dinner hours. The dinner tour gives you the choice of a chili or steak meal. Tours last about 45 minutes, plenty of time to relax and enjoy the countryside.

10. Glacier National Park is just a short distance from Whitefish Resort. Glacier Adventure Guides offer snowshoeing and backcountry skiing tours. Your $180 fee will include your equipment for the day, park and guide fee, and lunch. This is available for all ages too.

So, if you’re looking for a resort area that has all the winter activities you love, plus the comforting feel of a small town, then Whitefish is definitely the place for you to visit.