Whitefish Mountain Resort

Tree skiing, snow ghosts and a real Montana town.

A big, friendly mountain above the town of Whitefish, known for gladed tree skiing, rime-crusted “snow ghost” trees and views into Glacier National Park. Tickets cost far less than at the big Colorado and Utah resorts, and the lively downtown is a short drive away. Good for a week of mixed skiing, with night skiing on weekends.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,353 ft

Summit

6,817 ft

Skiable terrain

3,000 acres

Trails

110

Lifts

14

Average snowfall

300″ a year

Longest run

2.5 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 15%
• Intermediate 35%
• Advanced 50%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Sleigh rides
• Snowmobiling
• Ice skating
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

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

• ChristmasFri Dec 11

  Whitefish Christmas Stroll

  Downtown holiday evening; Winter Carnival buttons go on sale at the carnival float.

• ChristmasDec 24 (annual)Usually

  Santa’s Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade

  Santa hands out gifts to kids on Christmas Eve, then a torchlight parade comes down the slopes of Chair 2. Sign up ahead.

• New Year’sDec 31 (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

  A torchlight parade and fireworks on the mountain, with night skiing that evening.

• Opening dayFri Dec 4

  Opening Day

  Lifts start turning for 2026-27, conditions permitting.

• FestivalFeb 5–7

  Whitefish Winter Carnival

  The town’s 68th carnival: a grand parade, penguin plunge, yetis, vikings and skijoring races.

• Pond skimClosing weekend (annual)Usually

  Pond Skim

  Costumed skiers and riders try to cross an icy pond near the bottom of Chair 1.

Where to stay

• slopesideKandahar Lodge

  Classic lodge in the resort village: ski down Hailey’s Run to the door. Buchanan’s chophouse, an outdoor hot tub and a steam room on site.

  Slopeside
• lodgeGrouse Mountain Lodge

  Big lodge-style hotel on the edge of town, next to the golf course.

  15 min drive
• hotelThe Lodge at Whitefish Lake

  Lakefront hotel and condos with a spa and the Boat Club dining room.

  15 min drive
• hotelFirebrand Hotel

  Modern hotel in downtown Whitefish, steps from restaurants and bars.

  15 min drive
• condoWhitefish Mountain Resort Lodging

  The resort’s own condos and townhomes around the village, some ski-in/ski-out. Some units need five nights in winter.

  Slopeside

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

Things to do

• Glacier National Park in winter · 45 min drive

  The road is plowed to Lake McDonald Lodge; ski or snowshoe the closed Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond it, or join a ranger-led snowshoe walk on weekends.

• Bar W Guest Ranch sleigh rides · 15 min drive

  Horse-drawn sleigh rides of 30–45 minutes, with cookies and hot chocolate after. About $65 a person; they fill up fast.

• Night skiing · On mountain

  Lit runs under Chairs 2, 3 and 6 until 8:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and nightly over the holidays. $38, free for kids 6 and under.

• Glacier Nordic Club trails · In town

  Groomed classic and skate trails in town and on Big Mountain. Check the grooming report before you go.

• Spa at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake · 15 min drive

  Massages and a soak by the lake after a ski day.

Après and nightlife

• The Bierstube

  The ’Stube, the resort’s après bar since the early days, packed with ski memorabilia and a covered patio.

• Hellroaring Saloon

  In the old chalet just above Chair 1, famous for heaping plates of nachos.

• Ed & Mully’s

  Big village bar with a fireplace, handy for a beer on night-skiing evenings.

• Great Northern Bar & Grill

  A downtown Whitefish institution with live music.

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

Getting there

• Glacier Park International (FCA) · about 35 min drive
• Spokane · about 4.5 hr
• Seattle · about 8.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps