Free Fun
Summer fun doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. In fact, it doesn't need to cost anything at all! Here at Whitefish Mountain Resort, we offer a variety of ways to play, learn and explore the mountain for free. It's part of our commitment to deliver valuable and memorable experiences for all our guests. And if you choose to purchase some bigger activities — like a high-flying Zip Line Tour or a session in the Aerial Adventure Park — these are great ways to have fun in between.
Play patio games!
Check out our selection of free games on the Base Lodge patio and lawn! Toss bags in a game of cornhole, take turns pulling blocks from a giant tumbling tower, or challenge an opponent to connect four in a row on a giant standing checkerboard! Food, drinks and picnic tables are steps away so kids can play while parents relax.
Hunt for yetis!
Our Yeti Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to keep kids engaged while they explore Big Mountain! Pick up a free bingo-style card from Base Lodge Tickets & Information, find seven or more yeti stickers hidden around the mountain, and redeem the card to win a free sticker!
Take a hike!
Travel the mountain on foot to experience its natural beauty up close! Serious hikers can go all the way to the summit via the Danny On Memorial Trail while taking in spectacular views of the Flathead Valley, the Northern Rockies and Glacier National Park. For a leisurely stroll with the kids, check out the Bob Cedar Trail, which starts near the Base Lodge, passes a small pond and connects to the Whitefish Trail system.
Go huckleberry picking!
Foraging for huckleberries is a favorite pastime in Northwest Montana, and berry bushes are plentiful all over Big Mountain! Huckleberries are delicious on their own, baked into pies, blended into milkshakes or simmered into jams, syrups and sauces. The picking season can fluctuate, but the ripest berries are usually found between late July and mid-September. Learn how to identify and pick these sweet-tart treasures.
Learn about wildlife!
Bears! Mountain lions! Whitebark pines! Northwest Montana is home to many incredible plants and animals, and you can learn all about them at the U.S. Forest Service's Summit Nature Center. Open during the summer, the Summit Nature Center is filled with hands-on wildlife exhibits that will fascinate visitors of all ages. It's free to visit, though you'll need to hike up to the summit or purchase a Scenic Lift Ride.