Ski resorts in the Flathead Valley
Skiing is probably the most important tourist attraction in the state of Montana and the Flathead Valley is no exception. With its two mountain resorts that bring together a hundred marked trails, its snow ghosts (those trees covered with enough snow to be nothing more than white silhouettes on the mountain) surrounded by the tracks of experienced skiers and its mountainsides covered with enough powder to satisfy the hundreds of thousands of skiers each year.
Not only tourists are found on these slopes. Sometimes it is while chatting with our chairlift neighbors that we meet the locals. Often they are happy to share some secrets and hidden paths to take. Everything you need to get the most out of the winter experience at the Flathead Valley ski areas.
Whitefish is a town located in the northern part of the Flathead Valley. It’s just 4 miles from here that you’ll find one of the best ski resorts in the western United States. Known especially for “tree-skiing”, the practice of skiing in the middle of wooded areas. Its 93 marked trails are ideal so you never have to ski the same trail in a day. From the summit, you can go down 3 sides of the mountain to reach one of the 14 lifts.
For the more experienced and motivated, ask about hiking from the summit! Walk for a while, skis on your back, to enjoy the beautiful untouched powder snow away from the busy slopes. That’s not to say you won’t find powder on and near the trails. Whether it’s between the trees, on the side of the trail or simply on the ungroomed trails, you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find white gold!
Visit the resort's website
For all pricing information, opening dates, etc…
Marked trails
Chairlifts
T-bars
Magic carpet
%
Beginner
%
Intermediate
%
Advanced
%
Expert
Video presentation of the resort by Powder Magazine
If you’re looking for half-day skiing at a more affordable price than Whitefish, Blacktail is a good option. The second of the Flathead Valley ski resorts, located 28 miles south of Kalispell, has 26 trails. Blacktail, with two-thirds of its runs for recreational skiers, is the most suitable resort for them.
Visit the resort's website
For all pricing information, opening dates, etc…
Marked trails
Chairlifts
Handle tow
%
Beginner
%
Intermediate
%