Travel

5 Winter Adventures in Whitefish, Montana

The perfect winter getaway awaits you in Whitefish, Montana

By Jessica Downing January 4, 2017

thumbnail_Whitefish_Downtown-2-1

This post is sponsored.

Sponsored by Explore Whitefish

Located in Northwest Montana, Whitefish is a winter getaway paradise. Downhill skiing or snowboarding? Check. Snowshoe in Glacier National Park? Check. A horse-drawn sleigh ride followed by a homecooked chili dinner? Yummy check! Whatever your adventure style, Whitefish has you covered.


Image by: Noah Couser
Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Consistently top-ranked in national magazines and on top ten lists as a must-ski destination, Whitefish Mountain Resort still keeps its hometown ski vibe while serving up an unparalleled experience. At the summit, strap on your skis or snowboard and gaze around 360 degrees to pick your line3000 acres of Rocky Mountain snow (read: fluffy) await. Insider’s Tip: Ski under the lights! Night skiing happens Friday and Saturday nights through early March, and is a great way to extend the ski day. On-hill restaurants are open later for post skiing grub and hot drinks.

Snowshoe in Glacier National Park
Winter is the quiet season in Glacier National Park, but no less spectacular. Numerous snowshoe and cross-country trails are maintained for a scenic journey to take in the snow-capped peaks and peaceful forest floor. Insider’s Tip: Join in a Ranger-led snowshoe hike January through March for an intimate view of the Park, and look for signs of wildlife, plants and animals that endure and thrive in winter.


Image by: Jessica Downing
Fat Bike Riding on the Whitefish Trail

Ride a Fat Bike
Fat bikes are becoming a popular winter sport for cycling enthusiasts wanting to extend the cycling season, but it’s not just for committed riders. If you know how to ride a bicycle, you can ride a fat bike. Insider’s Tip: Rent a bike at Glacier Cyclery and pedal along the bike path to the Lion Mountain Trailhead of the Whitefish Trail, a well-used, year-round trail perfect for getting your fat bike legs under you.


Image by: Brian Schott
Sleigh riding at Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish

Cozy up on a Horse-Drawn Sleigh
Enjoy the magic of a sleigh drawn by gentle draft horses while snuggling up with friends and loved ones. Sit back and enjoy the fresh air on a sleigh ride at the Bar W Guest Ranch. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Insider’s Tip: Get the full dude ranch treatment with a homecooked chili dinner in the warm lodge after the ride.

Take the “Ski Train”
Sometimes the journey is just as fun as the destination. Amtrak’s Empire Builder leaves Seattle in the late afternoon and arrives in Whitefish early enough to grab breakfast and make first chair. After a few days (or longer) of fun, hop back on the train in the evening and you’ll be back at your desk before lunch the next day. Insider’s Tip: Many hotels are within walking distance of the train station and will let you store your bags while you grab the free SNOW Bus to get in a full day of skiing before checking in!

About Whitefish: Whitefish, Montana is an inviting, small town located in the northern Rockies next to Glacier National Park, home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world that rise up above millions of acres of unspoiled nature. The walkable downtown area is host to dozens of award-winning restaurants, galleries and lodging options. We welcome you to ExploreWhitefish.com.

 

Join The Must List

Seattle's best events delivered to your inbox

Follow Us

Palm Springs Top Destination for Seattleites

Palm Springs Top Destination for Seattleites

Seattle Residents Look South for Vacation Homes

Heading to Palm Springs during spring break or summer vacation? You’re not alone. The California city known for its natural hot springs, restaurants, golf courses, and nearly year-round sunshine is by far the most popular destination for Seattleites who want to buy a vacation home. A study by real estate company Pacaso says 16% of…

Seattle Avalanche Center Keeps an Eye on Hazards

Seattle Avalanche Center Keeps an Eye on Hazards

Avalanche forecasting is a blend of science and art

A mass of heavy snow slides down a 40-degree mountain slope, hissing as it gains speed and momentum. The concrete-like mix comes to a slow stop along Highway 2 near Stevens Pass, completely blocking the road from vehicular traffic and knocking over large Douglas fir trees, upturning boulders and causing destruction in its wake.  For…

Sagecliffe Offers Some Welcome Sunshine

Sagecliffe Offers Some Welcome Sunshine

Sagecliffe Resort and Spa unites people and nature

For savvy Seattleites, the secret is out: Winter snowbirds in search of sunshine don’t have to fly south in winter — they can also drive east. A quick trip over Snoqualmie Pass opens a world of possibilities for vitamin D-deprived city dwellers, from Suncadia to Spokane. For turnkey sun and relaxation just two-and-a-half hours away,…

Travel Destination: Palm Springs

Travel Destination: Palm Springs

How to make the most of a trip to Palm Springs

“The desert tells a different story every time one ventures on it.” — Robert Edison Fulton Jr. Everything about Palm Springs defies easy description. It is both the name of a city and a catch-all term for the small towns scattered along the vast Coachella Valley, from Cabazon to Indio. It evokes hedonism, as well…