Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Start at the top, with Flathead Lake below.

An upside-down ski area above Lakeside: the lodge and parking sit at the summit, so you start the day skiing down. Views run across Flathead Lake to Glacier National Park, and the mostly intermediate runs suit families. All natural snow, reached by a 13.5-mile mountain road.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,440 ft

Summit

6,780 ft

Skiable terrain

1,000 acres

Trails

27

Lifts

4

Average snowfall

250″ a year

Longest run

1.75 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 15%
• Intermediate 65%
• Advanced 20%

What’s here besides skiing

• Cross-country
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• Opening dayMid-to-late December (depends on snow)Usually

  Opening Day

  Blacktail opens once there’s enough natural snow.

Where to stay

• lodgeMountain Lake Lodge

  Rooms and suites overlooking Flathead Lake near Bigfork.

  1 hr drive
• hotelKalispell Grand Hotel

  Historic 1912 hotel in downtown Kalispell with breakfast included.

  50 min drive
• hotelAero Inn

  Value hotel in Kalispell with an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

  50 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails · 10 min drive

  Volunteer-groomed classic and skate trails on Blacktail Road, run by the North Shore Nordic Club, daily Dec 1–Mar 31 when snow allows.

• Tamarack Brewing · 30 min drive

  Brewpub in Lakeside at the bottom of the mountain road.

• Glacier National Park in winter · 1 hr 15 min drive

  Ski or snowshoe the unplowed Going-to-the-Sun Road past Lake McDonald, or join a weekend ranger-led snowshoe walk.

Après and nightlife

• Muley’s Bar & Grill

  Top-floor bar in the summit lodge with views over Flathead Lake; après daily.

• Tamarack Brewing

  Beer and food in Lakeside on the way down.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Glacier Park International (FCA) · about 50 min drive
• Spokane · about 4 hr
• Seattle · about 8.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps