A snow-lover’s dream can come true in the mountain town of Kalispell, Montana. With hundreds of inches of snow that cover our mountain ranges to the magic that comes from strolling through downtown, winter in Montana has abundant things to do and places to explore.
In winter, downhill skiing and snowboarding tend to get lots of attention, especially with two ski resorts within minutes of Kalispell. An easy drive 22 miles north from Kalispell will have you on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort. A world-class ski area, it has a 360-degree view from the top of the summit, with highlights that include Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. The mountain’s 3,000 acres of terrain has a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, making it ideal for all skill levels. Meanwhile, a scenic drive 28 miles south of Kalispell will take you to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. An upside-down mountain (where you park at the top and ski down), Blacktail’s 1,000 skiable acres have sweeping views of Flathead Lake, as well as various mountain ranges.
Northwest Montana is also popular for cross-country skiing, with destinations that include the Big Mountain Nordic Trails, Bigfork Community Nordic Center, Blacktail Mountain X-Country Ski Trails, Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake Golf Course.
And if you want to experience winter beyond the slopes, Kalispell is the perfect destination. No matter which way you go from Kalispell – or if you choose to stay in town and explore – adventures await.
The Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park, is a winter wonderland and this time of year offers visitors a quieter look at the park, where you can soak in the view of the star-filled sky over Lake McDonald from Apgar Village or snowshoe along Fish Creek. For a hands-on look at winter in the park or the Flathead National Forest, book a guided outing with Glacier Institute or Glacier Treks. Outside the park, incredible views can be found on a snowmobiling tour with an experienced guide. With 2,000 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails that lead sledders along stunning terrain in the Flathead National Forest, you can choose from a two-hour tour to a full-day adventure.
Additional off-the-slope-adventures include fat biking, ice fishing, kayaking the bays of Flathead Lake, dog sledding, horseback trail rides, sleigh rides, ice skating, hockey and sledding.
If you need a day away from the outdoors, visit the Hockaday Museum of Art, sip Montana at our local breweries or cideries, treat yourself at the spa or peruse Kalispell’s walkable downtown where you can shop, eat and drink locally.
No matter your style of winter-loving adventures, Kalispell is the perfect place to end the day, as many hotels have fire pits and fireplaces that are ideal for cozying up and relaxing.
