Come frolic in the Flathead Valley this winter, where a wonderland of snow and a three-day Glacier Country getaway awaits. If you’re flying in, you can book a round-trip through Kalispell. Or, hit the road for a scenic winter drive to and through this gorgeous valley.

Blacktail Mountain delivers fun slopes and stunning views of Flathead Lake. Photo: Noah Couser

Here’s our version of the perfect 3-day itinerary in Western Montana’s Flathead Valley.

Day 1: Dogsledding/Snowshoeing/Nordic skiing With Base Camp Bigfork

Choose your own adventure with the help of Base Camp Bigfork. Base Camp dog sledding provides a “hands on” approach where you can drive your own team of Inuit sled dogs. Or, rent some Nordic skis or snowshoes and head out to Bigfork’s impressive network of trails.

Channel your inner Jack London and go dog sledding with Base Camp Bigfork. Photo: Base Camp Bigfork

We recommend Pocketstone Café for breakfast, lunch or both! Note, they tout “the best cinnamon rolls of all time.”

After your day in the snow, dine and shop in the storybook village of Bigfork, and overnight at Mountain Lake Lodge, where you’ll find fireplace suites and outdoor hot tubs.

Day Two: Scenic Drive to Lakeside + Downhill Ski Blacktail Mountain

Take a scenic drive to Lakeside and spend the day on the slopes at Blacktail Mountain with light, dry powder and brilliant views of Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park and the Mission Mountains.

Close out an exhilarating day of skiing at Blacktail Mountain’s cozy lodge. Photo: Noah Couser

Dine at Mercantile Steak in downtown Kalispell, where you’ll also find good shopping, and overnight at Sherman Lodge or The Kalispell Grand Hotel.

Day 3: Snowshoe Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell

There are 7.5 miles of trails available for snowshoeing in Lone Pine State Park, and snowshoe rentals are available on-site for $5 per person or $10 per family. Enjoy breathtaking overlooks of Flathead Valley vistas. On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park.

Next, embark on a craft beverage tour—Kalispell is home to numerous breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries. Some of our faves include Sacred Waters Brewing Co., Rough Cut Hard Cider, Glacier Sun Winery and Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits. Also, don’t miss Kalispell’s Brash Winter Rodeo series.

Make sure to catch a rodeo while you’re in town. Photo: Silver Bear Photography/Scott Younggren

3-Day Luxury Getaway Option: Snow Bear Chalets

Hit the slopes in under a minute from the front door of an exclusive treehouse chalet on Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort’s Hope Slope. Snow Bear Chalets are literally on the slopes, for a true ski-in/ski-out experience. Trip Tip: Hope Slope is open for night skiing. Luxury amenities include private hot tubs and elegant fireplaces, stunning architecture with expansive windows, open main levels with overlooking lofts, outdoor decks with gorgeous treetop views and top-floor turret retreat rooms.

At Snow Bear Chalets, you can roll out of bed and onto the slopes. Photo: Snow Bear Chalets

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: practice physical distancing; know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly and build an inclusive outdoors. Travel responsibly by reviewing Western Montana’s COVID-19 information and guidelines at SafetyFirstMT.com.

February 14, 2022

Related: Bigfork, Breweries, Cideries, Dining, Distilleries, Dog Sledding, Downhill Skiing, Flathead Corridor, Kalispell, Lakeside, Montana, Rodeos, Snowshoeing, Stay, Vacation, Whitefish, Wineries, Winter Fun

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