Traveling to Whitefish, Montana, in winter is admittedly not for everyone. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it requires an extra level of preparation. But people willing to brave the conditions will be richly rewarded. In fact, after making many trips in all four seasons, I think winter is the very best time to visit Whitefish.
This small mountain town was never built to support the number of visitors that come flooding in during the summer. Everything books up months in advance, and hotel prices rise to astronomical levels. And with increasingly unpredictable weather, summer in Whitefish often brings extreme heat and severe smoke.
But in the winter, there’s none of that. Prices are actually reasonable (and you’ll find even better deals in Kalispell, just 25 minutes away). Apart from lift lines at the ski resort, no place gets too crowded. And charming downtown Whitefish is especially beautiful under a blanket of snow.
That’s why we’re excited to share all the best things to do in Whitefish in the winter, plus tips for staying safe and comfortable. We hope this guide will help you make the most of your trip!
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The Best Whitefish Winter Adventures
It’s the outdoor adventures that make winter in Montana so special (and so epic!), and Whitefish is no exception. No matter what activity you want to do, there’s probably a place to do it in the Whitefish area – and you’ll be treated to incredible mountain scenery all along the way.
Hit the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Many visitors come to Whitefish in the winter for one reason: to ski at its namesake Whitefish Mountain Resort, just 20 minutes from town and easily one of the best ski areas in Montana. It’s a mountain that strikes the balance between destination resort and local favorite.
It has over 100 runs, massive snowfall, plenty of amenities, and even night skiing on weekends – but lift tickets are around $100, making it a steal compared to most big ski resorts. Importantly, Whitefish offers lots of terrain for all levels, so everyone can enjoy a fun day on the slopes, including beginners.
There are dining and accommodation options right on the mountain, including the famed Summit House Restaurant at the very top, and you can stay in a ski-in, ski-out cabin or at a slopeside lodge. If you stay in town, there’s even a free shuttle to the ski resort.
Go cross-country skiing near Whitefish.
If you prefer to remain on flat ground (or just save money), make your ski day a cross-country one instead. Located right in town, the Glacier Nordic Center has mostly easier groomed trails with lessons and rentals available, so it’s a great option for beginners. They have half-day and full-day rental packages, but four hours of cross-country skiing is like ten hours of hiking (according to me), so probably go with the half-day option.
If you’re an experienced cross-country skier, head 15 minutes up to Big Mountain Nordic Trails by the ski resort. It’s a larger system with mostly steeper and more challenging trails, some of which are dog-friendly. It’s free to access, but please leave a donation in the box at the trailhead to support the local non-profit that maintains the trails. If you need rentals, you can still get them at the Glacier Nordic Center in town.
Go snowshoeing or winter hiking.
Snowshoeing is also allowed on Big Mountain Nordic Trails, but my favorite option is The Whitefish Trail, a network of nearly 50 miles of trails in and around town. The Lion Mountain trailhead on the west side of town has a nice three-mile loop, or a 35-minute drive will get you to the Woods Lake trailhead, where the trail connects several small lakes and you can create a hike of any length.
If you’re looking for an extra special activity, join one of the guided snowshoe tours at Clydesdale Outpost, 15 minutes outside of Whitefish. Tours take you out to their secret igloo for s’mores or charcuterie, and there are even moonlight hikes.
Snowshoe rentals are available from Sportsman & Ski Haus on the edge of town. But you never know when there might not actually be enough snow for snowshoeing – in which case, just pull on your YakTrax and make it a winter hike instead.
Try fat-tire biking.
A fat-tire bike is like a regular bike, but with fat tires – which makes them heavier and harder to maneuver, and creates a challenging workout (ask me how I know!). But fat-tire bikes make the magic of winter biking possible, and Whitefish is the best place to try it out.
Just 15 minutes from town is the Whitefish Bike Retreat, where you can pick up a rental bike, get some tips from the staff, and practice using the short trail on their property. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, head straight from the retreat out onto the Whitefish Trail, where over eight miles are groomed for biking.
Spend a day ice fishing on Whitefish Lake.
If you’ve never been ice fishing before, a trip to Whitefish in the winter is the perfect chance to try it. The highly-rated Whitefish Lake Charters offers guided ice fishing trips on Whitefish Lake from December to February.
The company transports you out onto the ice and sets up your heated ice house, so all you have to do is dress warm and get yourself to the lake. Soup, snacks, and beverages are all included, and they’ll even fillet the fish you catch.
Explore the backcountry on a snowmobile.
One last Whitefish winter adventure to consider, and it’s an epic one: a snowmobiling tour. Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like flying over snow-covered trails with the wind in your face, as you glide farther into the backcountry than you could ever get otherwise.
Swan Mountain Snowmobiling offers a variety of tours around Whitefish, ranging from two to six or more hours, including twilight rides. On any tour, you can choose whether to drive your own snowmobile or ride as a passenger.
More Outdoor Things to Do in Whitefish in Winter
If you’re not looking for a heart-pounding adventure to test your body’s limits, but you still want to experience all that this season offers, never fear. Check out these more low-key winter activities in Whitefish.
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride is the best way to experience the winter wonderland without wearing yourself out or risking blowing out your knee. And it’s a great activity for kids, too.
The Bar W Guest Ranch just outside of town runs multiple daily sleigh rides with cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate afterward. Or if you’re a group of four, Clydesdale Outpost, 15 minutes from Whitefish, offers private sleigh rides in their small Polish-made sleigh, complete with time to meet their horses and visit the barn.
Hang out in a cozy igloo.
If you want to experience the beauty of winter in Whitefish while staying protected from the elements, you can rent an igloo to hang out with your group. The Firebrand Hotel right in downtown Whitefish has igloos with packages that include cocktails or champagne along with desserts, fondue, or charcuterie.
Fifteen minutes away, the igloo at Clydesdale Outpost is complete with a fireplace, and it comes with their catered s’mores bucket. While you’re there, you can also visit the Clydesdale horses in their barn or take a few runs down the sledding hill.
Visiting Glacier National Park in the Winter
The West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park is just 40 minutes from Whitefish, and in the winter, the park is quiet and pristine, and offers some of the best snowy fun anywhere in Montana. It has none of the crowds or traffic that arrive in the summer, and the park’s stunning scenery is all the more spectacular when it’s covered in snow.
These are the can’t-miss things to do on the west side of Glacier Park in the winter:
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski near Lake McDonald, on your own or with a guide.
- Take a free ranger-led snowshoe walk (weekend afternoons).
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar to the Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Take a guided driving tour of the park.
- Stop in the Apgar Visitor Center (weekends only).
- Eat huckleberry-stuffed everything at The Huckleberry Patch just outside the park.
Indoor Things to Do in Whitefish in Winter
When it’s too cold to be outside or you just finally need to warm up, you’ll still have plenty of fun Whitefish activities to choose from.
Go ice skating.
Unfortunately, there’s outdoor rink in Whitefish (though 30 minutes away is one in Kalispell’s Woodland Park, which usually has open skating on Sunday afternoons). But skating indoors is still a fun activity for wintertime, and you don’t have to worry about whether it’s too cold (or too warm!). The Stumptown Ice Den is right in town and usually has several public skating sessions each week, with free admission for kids under five.
Cozy up in a brewery or coffee shop.
Whether you need a spot to duck inside and wait out inclement weather or you’re just looking for a place to chill out for a little bit, head to one of the many great coffee shops or breweries in Whitefish.
These are our favorite spots:
- Folklore Coffee: Undoubtedly some of the best coffee in Montana, with a big menu of creative seasonal drinks, plus breakfast dishes and baked goods
- Wild Coffee Company: More locally-roasted coffee, plus fruit smoothies and their famous breakfast biscuits – and one percent of sales goes to environmental causes
- Bonsai Brewing Project: Whitefish’s community brewery, with a big tap list, cocktails made with house-made sugar wash, and a rotating food menu (plus fun vibes!)
- Spotted Bear Spirits: Top-notch creative cocktails using the wide range of liquors they distill, served in a fun, laid-back tasting room
Due to the brewery laws in Montana, both Bonsai and Spotted Bear close at 8:00pm, so head to the Great Northern Bar & Grill if you’re looking for a late-night hangout spot.
Check out one of the museums in Whitefish.
Many museums in Montana are closed in the winter, but in Whitefish, it’s the opposite. The Ski Heritage Center, located in a historic cabin right next to the ice rink, is only open in the wintertime. With its exhibits tracing the development of skiing in northwest Montana, it’s a must-see if you’re a skier or a history buff. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the greeter dog!
There’s also the Whitefish Museum, located inside the historic train depot downtown. The museum is small, but it’s worth taking some time to check out the exhibits on the area’s history.
Indulge in a spa treatment.
A treatment like a massage, facial, or pedicure is the perfect way to relax and warm up after all your winter adventures in Whitefish, and there are plenty of spas to choose from in town.
These are some of the most highly-rated options:
- Fifth Ave. Massage: Highly-rated massages, with many specialty modalities
- Highbrow: Variety of aesthetic services, including luxurious facials
- Vibe Wellness Lounge: Organic facials, assisted stretching, and massage services including Thai and Balinese massage
- FAB Salon & Spa: Full slate of spa services, like facials, massage, and pedicures
Browse the shops & galleries in downtown Whitefish.
Whitefish has one of the best downtown areas of any town in Montana, and it’s all the more charming in the snow. So dedicate some time to just wandering around to check out all the cute shops and galleries. You’ll find all sorts of home décor, gifts, local art, antiques, jewelry, books, and much more. Use our custom map of Whitefish to make sure you hit all the best spots.
Try some indoor recreation.
No doubt the most epic Whitefish adventures are outdoor ones, but there are tons of indoor places to recreate, too – and these are all great things to do in Whitefish with kids.
If you’re looking for a fun activity without any worry about the weather, give one of these spots a try:
- Rockfish Climbing & Fitness: Indoor bouldering gym, with climbing shoes available
- Hank’s Hatchets Axe Throwing: A higher-stakes version of darts (don’t worry, it starts with a safety briefing)
- Montana’s Great Indoors: Huge indoor playground with climbing towers designed after Montana’s fire lookouts
- The Wave Aquatic Center: Indoor pools and water slide, plus hot tubs, sauna, and steam room
- Stumptown Art Studio: Open art studio to paint your own pottery or try your hand at glass-fusing
See a concert or another performance.
Seeing a show will be a welcome chance to sit down after all those winter adventures, and it makes for a fun afternoon or evening activity. With both the Alpine Theatre Project and the Whitefish Theatre Company in town, there’s a good chance there will be a play or something else running during your visit. Check the Whitefish Chamber’s events calendar for loads of other events, including concerts, trivia, and much more.
Places to Stay in Whitefish, MT
There are tons of great places to stay in Whitefish, including lots of cozy lodging that’s perfect for a winter trip. But if budget is a concern, check the accommodations down the road in Columbia Falls or Kalispell, which tend to be much cheaper.
Whitefish Hotels
So many hotels in Whitefish have amenities that are specific to winter – yet another sign the town is a great winter destination. These are some of the best places to stay when it’s cold out:
Apres Whitefish: A new boutique hotel where every detail has been carefully curated, with an outdoor wood fire sauna, ski storage, and their famous Liege waffles served in the lobby
The Firebrand: A modern hotel in downtown Whitefish, with a rooftop hot tub, snowshoes for guest use, ski valet and storage, and igloos available for rent
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake: A traditional lodge right on the lake, with a lakefront hot tub and sauna, ice skates and snowshoes for guest use, and fireside s’mores and hot cocoa
Good Medicine Lodge: A B&B with an outdoor hot tub, gourmet breakfast every morning, and in-room amenities like fireplaces and jetted tubs
Whitefish Airbnb & VRBO Rentals
If you want more privacy and the chance to stay somewhere truly unique, you’re in luck, because many of the best Montana Airbnbs for winter are located in the Whitefish area. And here are a few more Airbnb and VRBO options in town:
- Historic Condo in Downtown Whitefish
- Rustic Cabin in the Valley
- Tiny Home on Five Acres
- Cozy Railway District Condo
What to Know about Winter in Whitefish
Visiting Whitefish in winter is a beautiful and unique experience – and an adventurous one – but for your safety and comfort, make sure you’re truly prepared for what the season will bring.
Winter Weather in Whitefish
If you come to Whitefish in December, January, or February, be prepared for temperatures to be below freezing the entire time and below zero part of the time. Snow is pretty much a given, and once the snow has started falling, it doesn’t usually melt until spring.
Of course, the weather can vary wildly by year and even from day to day, so make sure you have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. One thing that doesn’t vary, though, is the short daylight hours in winter, with sunrises between 7:30-8:30am and sunsets between 4:45-6:00pm.
Winter Roads in Whitefish
No surprise given the level of cold and snow, winter roads around Whitefish can be treacherous. Once you’re outside the downtown area, the smaller local roads may not be plowed, and the highways leading out of town can be icy.
Snow tires or chains are recommended, and a 4WD is a good idea if you’re planning to head into more remote areas. Make a point to go slow and be extra alert whenever you’re driving, and minimize travel after dark as much as possible. If you’re not comfortable driving on ice, book your accommodations right in downtown Whitefish and, if you’re going to the ski resort, take the free shuttle instead of driving.
What to Pack for Whitefish in Winter
The best way to enjoy a winter trip to Whitefish is to make sure you’re prepared – and that means packing for the weather. Bring your warmest gear, but since the weather is so unpredictable, pack some lighter clothes you can layer, too.
Montana Winter Packing Essentials
Map of Whitefish, Montana
Our Whitefish custom map shows all the best shopping, restaurants, hotels, and attractions for winter. Whitefish is a small town (as you can see), with most of the places you’ll likely visit are located near the intersection of Central Avenue and Hwy. 93.
Click here for an interactive version of the map!
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