Whitefish, MontanaTown 3,028 ftSummit 6,817 ft

Whitefish Basecamp

So Mike's ski propaganda has brought you this far.

Hopefully you'll come out and stay with us for some skiing in Montana. We're 12 minutes from the lifts, the hot tub is warm, and the snow ghosts are waiting. Pick your dates below and we'll save you a bed.

When can you come?

Tap the day you arrive, then the day you leave. Fill in your details on the right and send the request. We'll email you back. One weekend per visit, please, and up to 3 people.

Open Booked Your dates

Where you'll stay

We live in The Quarry, a small private neighborhood of modern homes just south of downtown Whitefish. It's quiet and tucked away, but close to everything.

The amenity center

  • Heated outdoor pool and a big hot tub. Steaming in the hot tub after a ski day while it snows is the best part of a winter visit.
  • Steam room for sore legs.
  • Workout room with a full set of equipment.
  • Clubhouse with room to spread out.
  • It's for residents and their guests, so it's never crowded like a hotel pool. Bring a swimsuit.

Getting around

12 minto the lifts
~5 minto Central Ave
~5 minto City Beach
  • We sit between downtown and the road up to the mountain, so mornings at the lifts are easy.
  • Central Avenue's restaurants and bars are a short walk or a quick ride away.
  • Whitefish Lake and City Beach are a few minutes from the house.

Snow forecast

The resort's latest snow report, then the National Weather Service forecast for the top of Whitefish Mountain.

Next five days

Loading the mountain forecast…

Getting here

Fly into Glacier Park International in Kalispell if you can. It's 15 minutes from us, and we'll pick you up. The other airports save money but cost you a long winter drive.

OptionDrive to usGood to know
Glacier Park InternationalFCAFly here~15 minKalispell. Nonstops on Delta (Salt Lake City, Minneapolis), United (Denver, plus extra ski-season routes), Alaska (Seattle, Portland) and Allegiant (Las Vegas, Phoenix–Mesa). Fares jump on holiday weeks, so book early.
Amtrak Empire BuilderWFH~15 minThe train stops right in downtown Whitefish once a day each way, on the Chicago ↔ Seattle/Portland line. Slow, scenic, and no winter driving. Often runs late in winter.
MissoulaMSO~2.5 hr135 mi up US-93 along Flathead Lake. Sometimes cheaper, with more nonstops. Two-lane highway, so plan for snow.
Great FallsGTF~3.5 hrEast side, over Marias Pass on US-2. Beautiful but exposed to wind and snow. Only if the fare is a lot cheaper.
SpokaneGEG~4.5 hr270 mi on US-2 through Libby. Lots of flights and often the cheapest fares. A full day of driving in winter.
BozemanBZN~5 hrPlenty of winter nonstops, but it's a long haul. Better as a two-stop trip with Big Sky.
CalgaryYYC~5 hrCrosses the border at Roosville, so bring a passport. Worth it if you're coming from Canada.

Whitefish Mountain

Our home hill, still called "Big Mountain" by locals. Huge terrain, few lines, and views of Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake from the summit when the clouds lift.

3,000skiable acres
2,353 ftvertical drop
6,817 ftsummit elevation
110+named runs
14lifts

What makes it special

  • Snow ghosts. Rime ice coats the summit trees into strange white figures. Ride to the top just to see them.
  • The north side. Quieter runs and tree skiing off the back. Hellroaring Basin is a local favorite on powder days.
  • Inversions. The base can be socked in by fog while the top sits in full sun. Ride up before you decide it's a gray day.
  • Après. The Bierstube ("the Stube") and the Hellroaring Saloon at the base are the classics.

Practical stuff

  • Buy lift tickets online ahead of time. Window prices are higher. Check skiwhitefish.com for current prices.
  • We're 12 minutes from the base, so we'll drive. The free SNOW Bus also runs between town and the mountain.
  • Rent gear in town the night before to skip the morning rental line.
  • Weekdays are close to empty. Saturdays and holiday weeks get busy by Montana standards, which still isn't very busy.
  • Pack layers: it can be 0°F at the summit and drizzling at the base on the same day.

Snowmobiling in Olney

Olney is a tiny town about 30 minutes north of us on US-93, at the edge of the Stillwater State Forest. It has miles of groomed sled trails and big open bowls, and you can rent sleds without bringing anything but warm layers.

Rentals and guided tours

  • Northwest Montana Adventures (Winter Wonderland Sports), 1071 Upper Whitefish Rd. Rentals and guided tours daily, roughly Dec 1 to Apr 1. Suits, boots and gloves for rent, and helmets are included. 406-881-2525
  • Action Rentals, 1027 Martin Creek Rd. Sled rentals. 406-881-3510
  • First time on a sled? Book a guided tour. Guides know where the snow is good and where the avalanche terrain is.

Before you go

  • Book ahead on weekends and holidays. Sleds rent out.
  • Riding on state land needs a permit. Ask the outfitter what's covered with a rental.
  • Trails are groomed by the Flathead Snowmobile Association. See the Stillwater winter trail map (PDF).
  • Bring a driver's license, goggles, and a neck gaiter. It's colder at speed than on the chairlift.
  • Leaving the groomed trails? Check the avalanche forecast first.

Hours and prices change. Call the outfitter to confirm before you go.

Hiking season

Summer and fall bring Glacier National Park, about 35 minutes from us, plus trails right out of town. We'll post hiking dates here once they're set.