Downhill Skiing + Nordic Skiing/Fat Biking/Sleigh Ride + Snowmobiling + Snowshoeing + Dogsledding
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Fly into Glacier Park International Airport and check into Whitefish Mountain Resort the night before your first day on the slopes. Grab a hearty breakfast on the mountain. To take full advantage of the day, connect with a Ski Ambassador. Whitefish Mountain is big, and with only one day, an ambassador will orient you to the mountain, tell you the best runs, and help you plan your day, where you've got your pick of all four sides of the mountain. Or, take Chair 3 to multiple terrain parks, where there's something for everyone. If you're up for racing, take Chair 7 to the Goat Haunt Course. For brews and views, take Chair 1 up to 7,000 feet and visit the Summit House. Grab dinner on the mountain—there are a few different spots to choose from. Night skiing is offered on Friday and Saturdays by Chairs 2, 3 and 6 and also in the terrain parks. Ski down by moonlight or hop back on the lift. Cap off the evening with a local brew then hit the nightlife in Whitefish before an overnight at Whitefish Mountain Resort or Kandahar Lodge.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Fuel up on breakfast and then take on the challenging Nordic terrain of the Big Mountain Trails, offering 23 km of cedar forest trails groomed daily and exceptional views of Whitefish Lake, Flathead Valley and the surrounding mountains. Or, for easier terrain, head to Round Meadow Winter Trails for a quiet escape in the Flathead National Forest. Seven interconnecting, nicely wooded loop trails total 20 km and are groomed weekly. Top off the evening with a night ski just half a mile from downtown Whitefish at the Glacier Nordic Center/Whitefish Lake Golf Course from dusk until 10 p.m. on 4 km of the trail. Or, for a real winter wonderland treat, take an enchanting sleigh ride to a chuckwagon dinner through the Bar W Guest Ranch or Cripple Creek Horse Ranch.
Day 2 Option: If you can fit it into your day, a fat biking adventure on The Whitefish Trail is well worth it. The Lion Mountain Trail is a great option, and Swift Creek Trail is also popular, but keep your eye out for snowmobilers. Biking on snow is one Montana experience you won't forget. Grab lunch at Piggyback BBQ before heading out to the Nordic trails. Overnight in downtown Whitefish.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
After breakfast, just 20 minutes north of town in Olney, meet up with Action Rentals for a full- or half-day guided snowmobile trip. The Olney Trailhead provides access to more than 200 miles of trails. Snowmobiling offers quite the adrenaline rush and allows you to cover plenty of terrain in one day in fresh, untouched powder and crisp mountain air. Afterward, it's time for a delicious meal at Abruzzo Italian Kitchen in Whitefish.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Glacier National Park is just 30 minutes from Whitefish, and winter is the perfect time to take to the park's trails. Strap on some snowshoes for a ranger-led tour and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. These tours are usually offered mid-January to mid-March, so keep that in mind when planning. After a quiet day in the park, shop for locally made souvenirs in Columbia Falls, then make your way to Backslope Brewing for craft beer and excellent eats. Tip: Grab some fried pickles while you're waiting for your entrée. Overnight in town at Cedar Creek Lodge.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Less than an hour from Glacier National Park, hook up with Base Camp Bigfork for a memorable winter excursion. Mush your own team of sled dogs (with the help of a guide) through Montana's wintry landscape, or sit back and enjoy the ride. Après sled, explore downtown Bigfork. Savor local craft beer and delicious food at Flathead Lake Brewing or enjoy craft cocktails at Whistling Andy Distillery. Overnight at Mountain Lake Lodge.
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Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you’re flying in:
Glacier Country Airports
If you’re renting a car:
Glacier Country Car Rentals
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
