Whitefish Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Whitefish Mountain Resort may be hard to get to, but it has an amazing and unique combination of small mountain feel and big mountain facilities. Located in the northwest corner of Montana, Whitefish has a great 3,000 acres of skiable terrain with a very fun variety of skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. The town itself is a friendly ski town that will make you want to stay for good. The locations keeps crowds to a minimum, while the mountain provides plenty of fun for a ski and snowboard vacation.
All Photos Courtesy of Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort has three main areas within the ski and snowboard area, the Frontside, the North Side, and Hellroaring Basin. Across these three parts of the mountain there is terrain for all abilities. All of the chairlifts have names and numbers, however, the numbers are used far more often. Beginners have a couple options that are all close to the base area. Whitefish is a good mountain for skiers and snowboarders who are just getting started, however, there isn’t much beginner terrain higher up on the mountain.
There is a wealth of great intermediate terrain at Whitefish, all over the mountain. There is nice grooming all over the frontside, too. Chairs 1 and 2 access the frontside terrain, as well as the mountain’s summit. From the summit, intermediate skiers and snowboarders can drop into any area of the resort. The 3.5 mile long Hell Fire run drops into Hellroaring Basin, and is a must ski for visiting intermediates. The North Side has great cruising as well as some glades that are perfect for learning how to ride off piste and in the powder.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will find some nice terrain on the Frontside, Big Face into Powder Trap is a fun route to check out. North Bowl Face and the whole surrounding area are great to explore as well, with a variety of open riding and trees. Some of the best advanced skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish is in Hellroaring Basin. The Glory Hole, which runs right down the middle of Hellroaring basin is fun, but gets skied out quickly, traversing to either side will yield more fresh turns. Try and avoid the Highway to Heaven run, as it’s a long, slow traverse.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is remote. I-90, the nearest interstate highway, is a two and a half hour drive. However, this means that those willing to make the journey are reward with short or non existent lift lines and deep powder. The mountain is located just outside of the town of Whitefish, and a 40 minute drive from Kalispell. The Glacier Park Airport is located between Whitefish and Kalispell. Major airlines fly direct from several cities. Once in Whitefish, there is a free shuttle from downtown to the mountain.
Travel Resources:
Getting to Whitefish
Free Bus
Whitefish Mountain Resort is remote. I-90, the nearest interstate highway, is a two and a half hour drive. However, this means that those willing to make the journey are reward with short or non existent lift lines and deep powder. The mountain is located just outside of the town of Whitefish, and a 40 minute drive from Kalispell. The Glacier Park Airport is located between Whitefish and Kalispell. Major airlines fly direct from several cities. Once in Whitefish, there is a free shuttle from downtown to the mountain.
Getting to Whitefish
Free Bus
There are plenty of lodging options for skiers and snowboarders riding at Whitefish Mountain Resort. These lodges, condos, and hotels are located both at the mountain and in the town of Whitefish. There is enough lodging available to have a great variety of accommodations for different budgets. The Hibernation House at the base area of the mountain is a great value, has free breakfast, and a hot tub.
Whitefish Lodging Overview
Hibernation House
Hibernation House
Our Snowboards For Whitefish
Local Food Picks
There are a couple on mountain restaurants to keep skiers and snowboarders fueled up during the day. At the base, the Bierstube is a solid spot for an apres drink, a classic ski area dive. A lot of folks who stay at the resort bring their own food to the condos and cook for themselves. Down in town, there are great options for all tastes. Some of the top picks are the Pig & Olive for sandwiches, Tupelo Grille for Cajun and Southern style cuisine, and Mama Blanca’s for Mexican.Whitefish Dining Overview
Pig and Olive
Tupelo Grille
Our Favorite Skis For Whitefish
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Whitefish?
The small town and small mountain feel of Whitefish are definitely reflected in the lift ticket prices. While they are not as cheap as Bridger Bowl, Whitefish lift tickets are cheaper than Big Sky, and far less than many western United States ski and snowboard area of a similar size. Purchasing online at least seven days in advance can help visiting skiers and snowboarders save up to 25% off of the window rate. Seniors, teens, and juniors all are eligible for discount Whitefish lift tickets, too.Whitefish Weather Information
Whitefish sees a solid 300” of average annual snowfall. The elevation of the mountain is fairly low, but the snow is usually still fairly light and high quality. The North Side of the mountain faces away from the sun and has the best quality of snow. Fog can be common, so stick to the trees when visibility is low. Sun is also somewhat common, too.Whitefish Ski Report and Forecast
For great value skiing and snowboarding, with nice lodging options and a cute town, Whitefish is a great destination. The mountain is fun for intermediate and advanced skiers, with plenty to keep everyone happy and riding powder. While it may be a bit out of the way this northwestern Montana ski and snowboard area is a great one.
