Whitefish, Montana is a charming small town with big hospitality. A gateway to the world’s most beautiful mountains near Glacier National Park, it is home toWhitefish Mountain Resort, offering world-class skiing and a plethora of winter activities. After exhilarating experiences by day, discover award-winning cuisine in a postcard-perfect downtown, plus enjoy unique shopping and an arts scene as abundant as the landscape.

In the 1930s, locals hiked the steep ridge above Whitefish so they could ski powder snow on the “big mountain” that towers above the lake. From those dreamy first runs, a ski resort was soon born. Times have changed, but the people here are just as passionate about skiing as ever. When the snow falls deep overnight, locals call in favors to spend a few hours whooping it up, making tracks on the ski runs that are framed by the craggy peaks of the continental divide. The ski mountain is the perfect backdrop to a town that celebrates mountain life, adventure and friends.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski areas in the nation. Famous for snow laden trees called snow ghosts, the 3,000 acres of groomers, glades, bowls and steeps are covered in 300-inches of powder annually. The ski resort is consistently ranked one of the top resorts in the nation. Just this winter Whitefish was named number 11 overall by SKI Magazine readers in this year’s annual Resort Guide, the best ranking ever for the Montana ski resort.

Last year the town found itself honored by National Geographic Adventure as one of the "World's 25 Best Ski Towns," and then National Geographic Traveler magazine ranked the town's winter carnival as one of the top ten in the world. Even Vogue Magazine chimed in, naming Whitefish as a "Ski Town Destination of the Month."

That's no surprise to locals who enjoy great value for a mountain this huge and a town this real. This year’s single day lift ticket is $67 and drops to $61 per day for two or more days. Additionally the resort offers a $79 package that includes a night of lodging slope side, lift ticket and hot breakfast for less than the cost of a lift ticket at most major resorts. No matter where you rest your body, you’ll sleep well in one of more than 50 hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts on the mountain or in town.

Whitefish is surprisingly easy to get to as one of the closest mountain towns to a major airport. Once you arrive at Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), you're only 15 minutes from town! Amtrak's Empire Builder arrives twice-daily at the historic Whitefish train depot (WFH) from Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis and points east. Visitors also soon discover the combination of moderate elevation, higher humidity, as well as a milder climate allows for increased stamina and more restful sleep —which translates into more ski time.

The restaurants in town and in the mountain village are known for world-class wine selections, great service and our chefs are now being recognized in national rankings including a nomination from the prestigious "Best Chef" nomination by the James Beard House in New York City.

Genuinely friendly and down-to-earth, the town's laid back atmosphere makes this tight-knit community a happy and warm place to visit. Every winter locals invite visitors to join them in celebrations like the Whitefish Winter Carnival — or the Ski Joring races that unite horse and skier across a snow-covered track.

Beyond world-class skiing, other winter adventures beckon with options of Glacier National Park tours, dog sledding, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Plus, the shops and dining downtown along the covered Central Avenue —complete with theater, art galleries and live music — offer guests surprising sophistication in this genuine mountain town on the edge of vast wilderness.