Whitefish, Montana, is a winter wonderland where skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts find exhilarating adventures alongside serene, scenic activities. With a spectacular location and places to stay in the Rocky Mountains and a stone's throw from Glacier National Park, Whitefish’s captivating array of wintertime pursuits is perfect for families looking to bond, relax, and get their adrenaline fix.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is a perennial favorite for winter enthusiasts, with slopes for every skill level, cozy lodge experiences, and picturesque trails. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to embrace the season, from high-energy excursions to leisurely explorations.
Hit the Slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is the area’s crown jewel of winter recreation, drawing skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Known for its famously powdery snow, Whitefish Mountain offers over 3,000 acres of terrain, encompassing groomed runs, bowls, and a terrain park and tree skiing areas for the more daring.
Beginners will appreciate the wide, gentle slopes like those found on Chair 6, while more advanced skiers can tackle the steep pitches and tree runs off Chair 11. The resort’s Snowsports School provides lessons for kids and adults alike, making it easy to learn the ropes or hone skills. After a day on the hill, head to one of the slope-side eateries to warm up and enjoy mountain views with gourmet hot chocolate or locally sourced cuisine.
Explore the Local Trails
If skiing isn’t on the agenda, snowshoeing is a great way to explore Whitefish’s breathtaking landscapes at a slower pace. Many local trails, from easy paths to more challenging routes, are accessible to snowshoers, making it a versatile option for families looking for a gentle, scenic activity.
At Whitefish Lake State Park, visitors can embark on trails that wind through snowy forests and along frozen lakes, providing photo-worthy scenery around every turn. If you’re interested in a more fast-paced activity, visit Glacier Cyclery and Nordic to get outfitted with cross-country skis and fat-tire bikes to help you explore the winter landscapes.
Experience the Magic of Dog Sledding
For a unique, low-impact adventure, try dog sledding through the winter landscapes of Whitefish. Local outfitters like Dog Sled Adventures have been taking guests on unforgettable dog-sled journeys through the snow-covered wilderness since 1979. This activity is a wonderful way to take in Western Montana’s vast, snowy expanses. It includes a meet-and-greet with the dogs and guidance from expert mushers who share stories about the area’s history, the sport, and the dogs themselves.
Go Ice Skating and Sledding in Whitefish’s Downtown Area
For families looking to enjoy a classic winter outing, the downtown Whitefish area offers a charming ice skating rink that’s perfect for all ages. Located at Depot Park, this outdoor rink is open throughout the winter season and conveniently offers skate rental. After an afternoon on the ice, nearby brew pubs and pizza joints serve hearty American fare to warm you up.
Sledding is another must-do winter activity that’s easy to fit into any itinerary. In the summertime, locals and travelers relax on the beach of Whitefish Lake and enjoy swimming, dining, and float plane tours. In the winter, The Whitefish City Beach area’s gentle slopes make for an ideal, family-friendly sledding experience with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains over the frozen waters. Bring a sled or rent one from a local outfitter and enjoy a day of traditional snowy fun.
Visit Glacier National Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Whitefish, Glacier National Park transforms into a serene, snow-draped landscape in the winter, offering a quieter, more intimate way to experience the iconic scenery that made this place famous. While many of the park's main roads are closed to vehicles during the winter months, the Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open to hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. This unique access allows visitors to explore sections of the park at their own pace, without the crowds typical of warmer seasons.
Winter wildlife sightings are common, with elk, deer, and occasional moose roaming through the park's valleys. Local experts like Whitefish Outfitters make it easy to get the right gear to navigate the snow-covered terrain while learning about the park's fascinating ecology and history.
