Winter in the Rocky Mountains is all about skiing. But when the holidays roll around, you might look for additional ways to make memories with friends and family. Check out these winter activities in and around Whitefish to make the most of your holiday visit!
1. Check out holiday festivities and go night skiing on the mountain!
Here at Whitefish Mountain Resort, we kick off each winter with a Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Gift Giveaway and our fun-filled Cruise the Blues Mountain Scavenger Hunt, then we ring in the new year with our New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks!
And if you want to spend more time on the slopes, try night skiing on Friday and Saturday evenings. Conditions permitting, you can ski terrain under Chairs 2, 3 and 6, as well as the terrain parks, all illuminated by the stars and stadium lights!
2. Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the Bar W Guest Ranch!
Head to the Bar W Guest Ranch for a scenic ride in a wooden sleigh pulled by gentle draft horses. Cozy under a plush blanket, you'll see Northwest Montana's snow-blanketed landscape as the horses take you through open fields and woodlands at the base of Spencer Mountain. Each sleigh holds up to 10 people, so bring a group of friends and family. Cookies and hot cocoa will help you warm up afterward!
3. Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Glacier National Park!
The park is quiet this time of year, and winter brings a new kind of beauty to its spectacular peaks and forested valleys. Thankfully, miles of trails are still accessible with snowshoes or cross-country skis. You can rent snowshoes from plenty of local shops, but be aware of limited services inside the park and make sure to read the park's safety guidelines!
4. Ride a fat bike!
Equipped with extra-wide tires for increased traction, fat bikes are a great way to extend your cycling season and explore snowy trails and forest roads! Fat bikes are about as easy to ride as regular bikes, and they're available to rent at several outlets around Whitefish. Check out the Whitefish Trail or the Whitefish Bike Retreat and embark on a peaceful pedaling adventure!
5. Go ice skating at the Stumptown Ice Den!
Late December may be too early for Whitefish Lake to freeze over, which is why we're lucky to have our very own ice rink in Whitefish! The Stumptown Ice Den offers public skating sessions, skate rentals and lessons via the Glacier Skate Academy. Check out the Ice Den's website for the public skating calendar, pricing and other details.