Cross country skiing is good for your health, takes you to beautiful, out of the way places and best of all—everyone, no matter your age or skill level, can enjoy it. Cross country skiing in the Flathead Valley can be accessed from the comfort of a cozy little cabins next to Glacier Park or from our two ski areas—Blacktail Mountain and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
With acres of National Forest Service land, the Flathead Valley has endless opportunities for cross-country adventure. For those looking to take a break from downhill skiing—Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain offer groomed trails at the base of the mountain. Wend and wind through the trees at your own pace, then hit the resorts for an après ski beverage.
The height of any cross-country ski experience is next to Glacier National Park. In the shadow of the park, two outfitters provide a blend of cozy cabins, Glacier backcountry opportunities and groomed runs that families, or anyone, can enjoy.
The Izaak Walton Inn and Glacier Outdoor Center specialize in making the outdoors accessible—their trailside cabins make cross-country skiing as easy as stepping out your front door. Both outfitters have charming cabins beside their groomed trails. With lessons and rentals available from either company—they cater to all skill levels. Brush up on your telemarking skills or throw junior in a pull-behind trailer for the afternoon; in West Glacier (where both companies are located) they know how to make a vacation in the great outdoors.
Glacier Outdoor Center offers 12 kilometers of groomed trails (and trailside cabins) for both traditional cross country skiers and skate-skiers. They even allow dogs after twelve. Half day and full day treks take you into Glacier Park via Avalanche Lake or Apgar Lookout. 24-hour notice is required for guided trips in the park, so plan ahead.
Further down the road, the Izaak Walton Inn offers an equally spectacular experience. Choose from cabins or railroad cabooses that have been converted into cabins, for your trailside lodging. This historic inn also offers full and half day guided tours centering on the Continental Divide/Marias Pass area. A ski professional on staff even provides lessons—give some extra attention to your technique or let the kids learn how to ski—from lessons for beginners to advanced skiers, it’s all on site.
Izaak Walton Inn offers 33 km of groomed trail—it’s a gently rolling terrain that can last all day long and challenge the expert skier or as short as a half hour jaunt for beginners.
If you’re staying in town, the Flathead Valley has other access points—in Whitefish, the Glacier Nordic Center is located at the Whitefish Golf Course. This little section is nearby town and offers 12 km of groomed trails for cross-country and skate-skiers. Kids are welcome and rentals are available.
Further north of Whitefish, the Stillwater Nordic Center is convenient to Whitefish, but set back into the woods of Stillwater State Forest. Their 20 km of terrain challenges all levels of skiers and cabin accommodations make for family fun.
Near Whitefish, Round Meadows offers intermittently groomed trails but a beautiful backcountry experience. The interconnecting loops make for hours of adventure, but this area has no services.
Near Glacier, the Polebridge Area offers four loops that parallel Glacier Park. Or venture into Glacier via Upper MacDonald Lake Area, Marias Pass or the Two Medicine area. These trail are not groomed. Be aware since most of the Flathead’s best skiing takes place on Forest Service land, the season closes, per federal regulations, on April 15.
The Flathead Convention & Visitor’s Bureau offers specifics on all local cross country ski opportunities and outfitters. Visit them on the web at www.montanasflatheadvalley.com or check out their cross-country skiing brochure, which can be downloaded at www.fcvb.org/brochures/XCOUNTRY.pdf.
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