Earlier this month, I was able to spend some time with two of my favorite girls in one of my favorite mountain towns: Whitefish, Montana.

The view of Big Mountain from Central Avenue.
The downtown view of Big Mountain.

Hands down, Whitefish is one of the cutest and most charming towns in Western Montana. It sits on the edge of Whitefish Lake and at the base of Big Mountain, home of Whitefish Mountain Resort. (You can read more about taking the train to Whitefish here and get a glimpse of Whitefish during the summer here, courtesy of my friend Kristin’s blog). 

The main focus of this trip was winter adventure. Basically, we wanted to pack in as much fun as possible in a two-day time period. Our adventure list included: Glacier National Park, snowmobiling, snowboarding/skiing and exploring downtown.

And adventure we did. Take a look below…

Capturing the view of Glacier's snow-covered peaks from Lake McDonald.
Capturing the view of Glacier’s snow-covered peaks from Lake McDonald.
Jumping for joy after riding up to Kimerly Basin.
Jumping for joy after snowmobiling up to Kimmerly Basin with Swan Mountain Outfitters.
A perfect view.
A perfect view.
Looking out over the valley from the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Looking out over the valley from the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Debbie making turns down the backside.
Debbie making turns down the backside.
Um, that is not true. Just FYI.
Um, that is not true. Just FYI.
Perusing the shops at Stumptown Marketplace.
Perusing the shops at Stumptown Marketplace.
Locally made jewelry on display at Stumptown Marketplace.
Locally made jewelry on display at Stumptown Marketplace.
Love.
Love.
If you're in Whitefish, you NEED to eat here.
If you’re in Whitefish, make a reservation at Tupelo Grille.
Cuddling up under a bison throw at Bar W Guest Ranch.
Cuddling up under a bison throw at Bar W Guest Ranch.

And if you need more convincing, I’ve rounded up some information to help you plan your winter adventure to Whitefish…

Why I love Whitefish in winter: It’s a fantastic base camp for a variety of winter adventures, like snowboarding or skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, snowmobiling with Swan Mountain Outfitters near Columbia Falls (only a 15-minute drive from Whitefish) and heading into Glacier National Park for a scenic drive or to snowshoe along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Where to stay: For a quiet stay just minutes from town, consider The Bar W Guest Ranch. During the winter, it operates as a giant, cozy bed-and-breakfast.

Where to eat: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Whitefish has some of the best dining in Montana. Sidenote: You can read more about their food scene from writer Leslie Kelly here. 

Of note: Tupelo Grille (try the creme brulee with a huckleberry sauce), Ciao Mambo (order the nachos – they are delicious!), Stumptown Marketplace (pick up pastries from the Polebridge Mercantile or try an onion ring corn dog from Pig & Olive) and Montana Coffee Traders (great coffee and yummy breakfast).

And if you need a tour guide? Call me (or tweet me at @MontanaTia).

xo,
TT

March 18, 2015

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Comments

Haig Ermoian
Is Stumptown now know as "Whitefish"? We are coming up next month for a stay. Can you give us a tour of winter activity for adults and children?
Jessica
So fun! We are going to Whitefish in February for our anniversary and this sounds fun! We weren't sure if we should come in Feb but it sounds like it's still fun in the winter!

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