Downhill skiing and snowboarding are the Flathead’s biggest snowy pastime with good reason, our two resort—Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Whitefish Mountain Resort—offer two truly unique ski experiences. But there is an avalanche of alternative activities to add to your winter vacation. From sleigh rides to snowmobiling to dog sledding—the Flathead Valley has plenty of alternatives when it comes to accessing our winter wonderland.
Nobody celebrates winter better than ski resorts. Between the “back-in-time” feel of Blacktail Mountain and the “create-your-own” brand of fun flavor of Whitefish Resort, nobody has more variety than the Flathead. Blacktail Mountain kicks it off at the end of January with their annual Winterfest. This jam packed combines the best of mountain sports—a snowmobile poker run, family ski and snowboard races, free sleigh rides and an end of day pig roast.
Across the valley at Whitefish Mountain Resort—they specialize in finding their own brand of fun. Torchlight parades mark the beginning of Whitefish’s wild and crazy Winter Carnival and between the telemark races, the snow Boarder Cross and the weekly ski races there is always action at Big Mountain. They also know how to make a good time for everyone—their “Cruise the Blues” family event features on mountain music and a competition to see who can ski the most “blue” runs. Whitefish Resort is also known for getting goofy and their Annual Dummy Derby and end of season pond skimming contest are part of that resort spirit.
For those who want to truly access breathtaking backcountry, nothing beats a motor and a sled—snowmobiling—as a way to mark the miles. Whitefish Resort offers snowmobiling from their summit. No one knows the over 200 miles of Flathead trails better than the experts at Winter Wonderland Sports, with their guidance you can access 360 degree views of Canada, Glacier and the Flathead. Montana State Parks also add to the trail opportunity.
Sleigh rides through the Bar W Ranch in Whitefish are offered throughout the wintertime—it’s a way to go over the river and through the woods. While sleigh rides leave morning, afternoon and night, it’s the dinner sleigh rides that offer the charm of tiki torches along the trail and lights on the sleigh, complete with a fireside dinner at the lodge.
If man-powered motion is more your style, the Flathead National Forest offers acres of cross-country skiing. There are groomed runs in Whitefish at the Glacier Nordic Center or the Stillwater Nordic Center, near Glacier National Park at the Glacier Outdoor Center or down the road near Glacier Park the Izaak Walton Inn offers a blend of cottage and groomed trails for any guest.
If you need some downtime after all that winter fun—the Belton Chalet in Glacier National Park provides a serene winter scene as the backdrop to their lounge. The relaxation starts at 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and the live music get going at 6 p.m.
The Flathead Convention & Visitor Bureau offers specifics on all the winter opportunities and outfitters. Visit them on the web at www.montanasflatheadvalley.com or call or call 1-800-543-3105. Order your FREE Vacation Travel Guide from the website or the 800 number to help you get the most fun out of your Flathead experience.
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