Words don't do justice to the majestic mountain ranges, dense pine forests, and crystal-clear glacial lakes awaiting your discovery in Northern Montana. Suffice it to say that the area's striking beauty and vastness are awe-inspiring.
Serving as your gateway to the Glacier National Park is Whitefish, where the spirit of the American West thrives. The town of Whitefish sits at just over 3,000 feet in altitude in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. This is also where Whitefish Mountain Resort is located, offering year-round activities in a breathtaking setting with Flathead Valley below.
Located on Big Mountain peak, at an elevation of 6,817 feet, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers 3,000 acres of ski terrain, 11 chairlifts, and 110 named trails. Winter transforms the area into a snowy playground, offering exceptional downhill skiing and snowboarding. Summer is equally action packed with fun-filled adventures like biking, hiking, or riding the alpine slides and ziplines.
When the snow melts, the entire region transitions into a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, and world-class fly fishing. Glacier National Park, located about half an hour from Whitefish, presents hundreds of miles of scenic trails and remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities during the vibrant summer months. Don’t forget about huckleberry picking, a popular late-summer activity that is sure to sweeten your trip.
While Northern Montana is vast and remote, getting here is relatively easy. Direct flights connect cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver to Glacier Park International Airport just 20 minutes away. Whitefish boasts itself as being the closest direct air service into a mountain ski town. These flights make the journey incredibly convenient for weekenders and extended vacationers alike.
For history enthusiasts, Northern Montana’s past is as captivating as its scenery. Explore the legacies of the Kootenai and Salish Native American tribes that roamed the area. Learn about the Great Northern Railway, which was key in developing local communities in the early 1900s - lending Whitefish the name “Stumptown” as a logging and rail hub. Some historic train depots still stand today, adding to the allure of a visit.
Whether hitting the slopes at Whitefish Mountain, soaking in the history and artsy vibe in the valley, or strolling the covered sidewalks along Central Avenue in Whitefish, this mountain landscape invites endless exploration on a Montana getaway.
