Western Montana boasts world-class skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort—recently ranked No. 3 Top Ski Resort in the West by SKI magazine. The quintessential mountain town of Whitefish, only 8 miles south of the resort, combines small-town charm with fabulous après ski options. With new direct flights, it’s easier than ever to plan a weekend ski trip to Whitefish, and, to help make the most of your time, we’ve rounded up the perfect 48-hour itinerary for you.
DAY 1
Depart your home with ski gear in tow and fly into Glacier Park International, 12 miles south of Whitefish. It’s easy to pick up your baggage and car rental, then walk out the door in no time. From there you’ll take a short drive north and arrive in the vibrant town of Whitefish. Overlooking the city is Big Mountain, the home of Whitefish Mountain Resort—a picturesque sight that hints to the epic adventures ahead.
Check in to your accommodations; from luxury chalets to boutique hotels and everything in between, lodging options in Whitefish are endless. Store luggage, change into ski gear and drive up or catch the free S.N.O.W. bus to the mountain; you’ll arrive within 20 minutes.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is a full-service ski resort with a range of amenities, including dining, shopping and lodging, so you can choose to stay mountainside. Each year the resort receives more than 300 inches of snow on its 3,000+ acres of skiable terrain. To take full advantage of the mountain, connect with a Ski Ambassador who will give you a free tour to orient you to the ski area. Chair 1 takes you up 7,000 feet to the summit, which has breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley, plus ski trails in every direction.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to town with a stop at the Montana Tap House for an après ski brew and pizza. Hit the nightlife in downtown Whitefish at Casey’s or hit the sack early to conserve energy for a full Day 2 of skiing.
DAY 2
Wake up early and grab breakfast at Loula’s Cafe downtown, where you won’t be judged for having a piece of their famous pie for breakfast before heading to the slopes. Once mountainside, meet up with an instructor for a powder ski lesson. No matter your level of expertise, a private or semi-private lesson is the quickest way to improve your skills. After a morning on the mountain, ride up to the summit for a late lunch at the Summit House; the endless views will make this an unforgettable meal. Ski down, or stick around for night skiing under the lights on Chairs 2, 3 and 6. End the day back in town at The Firebrand Hotel’s bar to cap off the night with a Montana-inspired drink, fireside.
DAY 3
Sleep in, then stop in at one of our favorite brunch spots, Swift Creek Cafe. Their signature twists and classic dishes will delight your palate. Try the 7 Iron Breakfast Sandwich or the Swift Creek Corned Beef Hash. For your last day in Glacier Country choose between a final day of skiing or a guided driving tour of Glacier National Park. Whitefish Tours & Shuttles can take you into the Crown of the Continent during its least crowded and most magical time of the year—winter! The driving tour takes around two hours and stops at either Lake McDonald Lodge or Apgar Village, while providing an overview of the history, biology and ecology of Glacier. After enjoying our magical winter wonderland and inevitably spotting some wildlife, head back to Whitefish where you’ll return your car (a surprisingly quick and easy process) and fly out.
Weekend adventures are endless in Western Montana, where seven ski areas with acres of powder play, affordable lift tickets and virtually no lift lines can be found next to small mountain communities throughout the region.
January 27, 2020
Related: Downhill Skiing, Glacier National Park, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Whitefish, Winter Fun
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