Top Things to Do During a Winter Vacation in Montana
Winter vacations in Montana are truly something special, blending snowy mountain scenery, small-town charm, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. From skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort to cozy nights downtown, this guide covers the best ways to experience Montana in winter.
Hit the Slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is the heart of winter recreation in the area. With terrain for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced riders, it’s welcoming for first-timers and exciting for seasoned pros. Nothing beats first turns on Whitefish’s freshly groomed corduroy, slicing clean lines under big Montana skies. Some of the top perks are listed below!
- You will find over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain with 110 named trails… talk about a skiing or snowboarding paradise!
- In addition to the groomed runs, Whitefish Mountain Resort has four terrain parks, a skier/boardercross course and vast expanses of bowls and glades that make for world-renowned tree skiing.
- On a clear day the stunning views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley are endless.
- Want to learn how to ski or snowboard? Whitefish Mountain Resorts has excellent ski school programs for kids and beginners. These are both offered in group or private settings. Book early!
Snowshoeing, Winter Hiking, & Back Country Skiiing
Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is also a great way to enjoy a nice winter day. You can explore more of Glacier National Park this way or lots of local golf courses groom trails for people to recreate on throughout the winter. If you need rentals you could look at Sportsman Ski Haus in Whitefish or Kalispell. They will get you all geared up and ready to hit the trails!
Looking for a day of steep and deep skiing?!? Great Northern Powder Guides is a great way to deliver you a full day of backcountry cat skiing for you and your friends to enjoy lap after lap of deep powder skiing!
Dog Sledding or Snowmobiling Adventures
EmBARK on a unique Montana adventure and book a dog sledding adventure. This is a fun and thrilling way to explore Montana’s backcountry in style. Glide through snowy trails with a professional guide and a team of energetic dogs—it’s an experience you won’t forget. Our friends at Dog Sled Adventures Montana will show you a doggone good time!
Dog sledding not your style? Try snowmobiling! Swan Mountain Snowmobiling will take you on an excursion of a lifetime. Book a guided tour and explore Montana beyond the ski runs. These trips combine adrenaline and fresh mountain air – a great way to spend a winter day!
Explore Downtown Whitefish
After you hit the slopes, a great way to Après-ski is in downtown Whitefish. Enjoy yourself along Central Ave in one of the many restaurants or a local watering hole. That is, of course, if you are over the age of 2,1 you can enjoy a nice beverage.
Along Central Av,e you will also find great shops and galleries to peruse. A few must-stop shops for me are Toggery, Meriweather, Sage & Cedar, and the Montana Scene. Great places to snag something new for yourself or a great souvenir for anyone you need to bring back a bit of MT for.
Lots of great dining options here as well. Most are in a bar setting, but kids are allowed in until 9 pm. The Great Northern Bar & Grill has a great variety on their food menu, great local beers on draft, and you can always catch the game. The Bulldog Saloon is known for its huckleberry hot wings. Blackstar is also a great place! Most of the restaurants post their menus outside so you can peek as you walk by and see what sounds good to you and your crew. You won’t go hungry around here! This is a great option for a lazy afternoon or a rest day if your legs need a break from the hill.
Spa Days, Hot Tubs, and Relaxation
One of the best parts of winter vacations in Montana is slowing down. Many lodging options near Whitefish feature hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views—perfect for unwinding after a day in the snow. Nothing beats the cold crisp mountain air….well, except enjoying it from a hot tub! Looking to really unwind and relax? The spa at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake can fill all your needs. Their spa menu is top tier. Don’t just take my word for it. Check it out for yourself!
Best Places to Stay Near Whitefish, Montana
Stay with us while you are here! We have great West Glacier lodging options here in Coram. Our lodging offers the best of both worlds—rustic Montana style with all the modern comforts you want. Each place features custom details, full kitchens, and all the amenities you need to feel right at home. Cozy up with top-quality linens, and some of our properties even have private hot tubs to really un-wind after a long day of winter fun. You’re just a short drive from Whitefish, but far enough away to truly unplug and enjoy the peace, quiet, and natural beauty of Montana. We offer a variety of options year-round, whether you are traveling with your whole family or just looking for a quaint couples getaway.
Montana is also full of unique places to stay while you visit. VRBO and Airbnb are great ways to find a variety of lodging options. There is no shortage of great hotels with full amenities as well if that fits your needs better.
There are perks to staying in Whitefish and perks to staying near Whitefish. Staying in Whitefish will let you enjoy the perks of downtown better and less commuting during your stay. On the flip side of that coin, sometimes it is nice to commute into Whitefish and stay outside of all the hustle and bustle. Quieter nights, a bit more nature to enjoy. You may also save a few dollars in your pocket by not booking right in Whitefish. I would say if you really want to escape to stay outside of Whitefish.
Booking Lodging Early is Important
Winter lodging near Whitefish fills up quickly, especially near holidays- book early to make sure you have the best spot to hang your hat while you visit.
Book the Best Lodging Near Whitefish, Montana
Staying right in all the hub bub is nice. Easy to get on the snow bus to head up to the mountain, and easier to go out for dinner. Wanna catch live music at night? It’s 5 minutes down the road. Whitefish really has all the buzz of what’s happening during the Winter.
Some people want to stay in the mix, but sometimes truly come to escape their reality. Coram is a great place to do so, not too far out of the way to commute to the mountain and all the other winter fun, but also a quiet and secluded atmosphere that we have to offer. Truly rest & relax here in our Coram winter wonderland.
Summer is a hot spot around here but winter around here is also catching on like wildfire and drawing in a good amount of crowds as well. It is smart to plan early and book your place early so you can really lock in the best spot for you. It is also smart to book early for mountain activities like ski lessons and such, so you will have every opportunity to be able to do everything on your list.
Winter Itinerary Near Whitefish for 2-3 days
Day 1: Skiing at Whitefish + Dinner in Town
- Can’t ski all day if you don’t start in the morning! Enjoy a day on the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, and have a bite for lunch at Ed and Mully’s, located in the Village. Take a few more runs and work up an appetite for dinner. If you are looking for something more upscale, Abruzzo’s is a great spot (reservations encouraged,) or if you are looking for something casual Blackstar is a good option!
Day 2: Snowshoe Tour + Relax at Your Lodging
- Explore Montana a bit differently today, rent some snowshoes or cross-country skis from Sportsman Ski Haus, and head on up to Glacier National Park. Park at Lake McDonald and explore away! Polebridge is a fun area to adventure around in as well! Spend the evening back at your home base- grill a nice MT steak or order to pick up a pizza from Jersey Boys if you’re staying in Whitefish or North Fork Pizza if you are staying in Columbia Falls or Coram.
Day 3: Snowmobiling + Explore Downtown
- Give your legs a rest and head out for some throttle therapy. Take a guided excursion with your friends at Swan Mountain Outfitters on one of their great snowmobiling tours! Choose from a few different trips that explore some different areas in the valley. After your adventure, you could spend the afternoon perusing some of the shops downtown, Whitefish on Central Ave. Enjoy the storefronts of multiple businesses, and along the way, maybe stop for a quick bite.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Winter Vacation in Montana
What to pack for winter in Montana
We get this question a lot, and I feel like my answer is always layers, but it is always layers. Bring good base layers, plenty of warm layers that won’t get cold and soaked with moisture. I would also say wool socks, warm insulated boots, gloves, hats, and a nice warm jacket.
Weather Considerations
The weather can change fast around here so you always have to be prepared for everything. The sunniest days bring the coldest temps so this time of year don’t let the sun fool you, it’s chilly. Always be prepared, and even if your coat may not match your outfit or if you’re just going to dinner or something, make sure you at least have it in your car, just in case.
Transportation Tips
Rent a car with 4WD or AWD so you are well equipped for any conditions MT winter may throw at you. There isn’t a ton of public transportation, BUT the SNOW bus is GREAT for getting up and down from Whitefish Mtn Resort. It has multiple stops all day and night to pick you up in Whitefish and has multiple stops up the mtn. This will help take the stress out of driving up there, but also, you don’t have to find parking this way either! Check out the bus schedule online and also posted multiple places downtown and around up on the hill.
Best Time of Winter to Visit
Ooh, that’s a tough one since they all seem very similar…I would say depends what you’re looking for? I would say visiting after the holidays in January or February as the crowds have died down a bit, but snow sports are still in full swing! But there is something special about visiting in December when all the hustle and bustle of the holidays is going. Either way you can’t go wrong. And you really can’t. Time and space with the people you love is good anytime!
FAQs: Winter Vacations & Lodging Near Whitefish, Montana
What is winter like in Whitefish, Montana?
- You’ll be walkin’ in a winter wonderland here in Whitefish. Snowy, beautiful and lively, with excellent skiing, winter activities, and a cozy town atmosphere.
Where are the best places to stay near Whitefish, Montana?
- There are endless options for lodging here! Lots of great hotels in Whitefish. VRBO and AirBNBs too! If you really wanna unplug after the day I would stay right here with us in Coram! A few extra minutes to the ski hill each day but worth it soaking up a star filled evening in one of our rentals with a hot tub!
What are the top winter activities in Whitefish?
- Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and downtown dining and shopping.
Is Whitefish a good destination for a winter family vacation?
- YES!! Fun for all!
How far is lodging near Whitefish from Glacier National Park?
- Glacier is about 35 minutes away from Whitefish depending on the roads conditions but a pretty drive to and from!