Whitefish Mountain Resort Summer Guide: Hiking, Biking & Zip Lines
Whitefish Mountain Resort transforms into a summer adventure hub from June through mid-September, offering lift-served hiking, 30+ miles of downhill mountain biking trails, zip line tours spanning up to 1,900 feet, an alpine slide, and aerial treetop courses. The resort sits 26 miles from Glacier National Park’s west entrance, making it a natural day-trip complement to your park visit.
This guide walks you through every summer activity at the resort, step by step. You will find current pricing, scheduling tips, gear recommendations, and the insider details that separate a good day from a great one. Plan on spending a full day to experience the highlights.
- Summer season runs daily from approximately June 7 through September 14, with weekends-only before June 7
- Budget $55 for a bike park day pass, $79-$89 for zip line tours, and scenic lift rides available separately
- The Danny On National Recreation Trail (3.8 miles, 2,066 ft elevation gain) is free to hike and offers a one-way chairlift option
- Book zip line tours and Walk in the Treetops sessions at least 48 hours ahead for online discounts
- Allow a full day (6-8 hours) to experience hiking, biking, and one aerial activity
Step 1: Plan Your Visit and Buy Tickets
What to do: Visit skiwhitefish.com and purchase your activity tickets online before arriving. Choose between individual activity tickets or a combo package that bundles scenic lift rides with alpine slide runs.
Why this matters: Online purchases made 48 hours in advance save 10% on single-day passes. The resort occasionally sells out zip line tour time slots on peak summer weekends, particularly during the July 4th holiday and the first two weeks of August. Showing up without a reservation risks missing the zip lines entirely.
Common mistake: Arriving after 2:00 PM and expecting to do everything. The last zip line tours depart by mid-afternoon, and the bike park closes at 5:30 PM. Arrive by 10:00 AM to maximize your day.
| Activity | Approximate Price (2025) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic Lift Ride (round trip) | $20-$25 adult | 15 min each way |
| Bike Park Day Pass | $55 adult | Full day |
| 7-Zip Line Tour | $79-$89 adult | 2-2.5 hours |
| 5-Zip Line Tour | $55-$69 adult | 1.5 hours |
| Alpine Slide (per ride) | $8-$12 | 5 min |
| Walk in the Treetops | $49-$59 adult | 1.5-2 hours |
Pricing note: Rates vary between early season (June), peak season (July-August), and late season (September). Kids under 6 ride the scenic lift free. Check skiwhitefish.com for current posted rates, as prices change annually.
Step 2: Ride the Scenic Lift to the Summit
What to do: Start your day with a scenic lift ride to the 6,817-foot summit of Big Mountain. Choose between the enclosed gondola (ideal for families with small children or windy days) or the open-air chairlift (better views and photo opportunities). The ride takes roughly 15 minutes each way.
Why this matters: The summit delivers panoramic views of the Flathead Valley, Whitefish Lake, Glacier National Park, the Canadian Rockies, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. On clear days, visibility extends over 100 miles. The U.S. Forest Service Summit Nature Center at the top offers free interpretive exhibits about local ecology and fire history.
Common mistake: Skipping the summit because you plan to hike up later. Even if you hike the Danny On Trail, the lift ride shows you the terrain from a different angle and helps orient your day. Hikers can also ride the lift one way and hike the other direction for free trail access.
Step 3: Hike the Danny On Trail and Summit Trails
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What to do: Hike the Danny On National Recreation Trail, the resort’s signature summer trail. The full route covers 3.8 miles one way from the base lodge to the summit, gaining 2,066 feet of elevation. You can also hike shorter loops from the summit: the 1-mile East Rim Loop, the 3.6-mile Flower Point Loop, or the 1-mile Bob Cedar Trail per Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Why this matters: The Danny On Trail is one of the few National Recreation Trails in the country accessible by chairlift. You can ride up and hike down (the most popular option), hike up and ride down, or do the full round trip on foot. The trail passes through Douglas fir, western larch, spruce forests, and wildflower-filled ski clearings that peak in mid-July.
Common mistake: Underestimating the Danny On Trail difficulty. The 2,066-foot elevation gain is rated strenuous by AllTrails, where it averages 4.5 hours for the round trip. Bring at least 2 liters of water and start before noon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Step 4: Hit the Bike Park
What to do: Purchase a bike park day pass ($55 adult) and ride the lift-accessed trail network. The park spans 30+ miles of mapped trails across three zones: Bad Rock Zone (beginner-friendly flow trails), B-Side Zone (intermediate berms and jumps), and Summit Zone (advanced technical terrain with rock gardens and drops) per Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Why this matters: Whitefish Mountain’s bike park is one of the premier lift-served downhill destinations in the Northern Rockies. Beginners get dedicated flow trails with modest features, while expert riders access steep, technical terrain with jumps and berms. Bike rentals are available on-site if you did not bring your own.
Common mistake: Wearing regular sneakers and shorts on the downhill trails. Mountain biking at a lift-served park is significantly more technical than flat trail riding. Wear closed-toe shoes, long socks, and consider padded bike shorts. Crashes happen, especially on wet roots after afternoon rain.
Step 5: Fly the Zip Line Course
What to do: Book a guided zip line tour in advance. The resort offers two options: a 7-line course (approximately $79-$89 adult, 2-2.5 hours) and a shorter 5-line course (approximately $55-$69 adult, 1.5 hours). The flagship line spans 1,900 feet, over a third of a mile, reaching heights of 300 feet above the forest floor per Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Why this matters: The zip line tours include light hiking between platforms, and the guides provide natural history commentary about the Flathead Valley and surrounding wilderness. This is one of Montana’s longest lift-served zip line courses. The 1,900-foot span delivers an adrenaline rush that most visitors rank as their trip highlight.
Common mistake: Wearing loose sandals or flip-flops. The tour requires closed-toe shoes and involves moderate hiking between platforms on uneven forest terrain. You will be turned away at check-in without proper footwear, with no refund.
Step 6: Try the Alpine Slide and Treetop Course
What to do: Ride the chairlift to the alpine slide start point and control your speed down a one-third-mile luge-style track through forest and wildflowers. For a different challenge, gear up for the Walk in the Treetops aerial adventure course: a full-body harness experience with rope ladders, cable bridges, and 50+ obstacles suspended in the forest canopy.
Why this matters: The alpine slide is the most family-friendly activity on the mountain. Kids and adults control their own speed via a hand brake, and the ride takes about 5 minutes per run. The Walk in the Treetops is more physically demanding, requiring upper body strength and comfort at height, but rewards you with a unique perspective on the pine forest ecosystem.
Common mistake: Letting small children ride the alpine slide solo before they can reliably operate the hand brake. Kids under a certain height must ride with an adult. Check the posted requirements at the slide entrance before queuing.
Step 7: Refuel at the Summit House
What to do: After your activities, take the lift to the summit and eat at the Summit House Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant serves lunch, snacks, and drinks until 4:00 PM. Grab a table on the outdoor deck for valley views while you eat.
Why this matters: There are limited food options on the mountain. The Summit House is the primary dining spot at elevation, and the base area has additional options. Eating at the summit lets you combine a meal with one final scenic lift ride and sunset views on clear evenings.
Common mistake: Arriving at the Summit House after 3:30 PM and finding the kitchen closing. The restaurant stops serving food at 4:00 PM, even though lifts run until 5:30 PM. Plan your meal before your final activity, not after.
FAQ
How far is Whitefish Mountain Resort from Glacier National Park?
What age can kids ride the zip line at Whitefish Mountain Resort?
Do I need to bring my own mountain bike to ride the bike park?
When does the summer season start and end at Whitefish Mountain Resort?
Is the Danny On Trail free to hike?
How We Researched This Guide
- Whitefish Mountain Resort official website (skiwhitefish.com) for current pricing, hours, and activity details
- AllTrails trail data for Danny On National Recreation Trail distance, elevation, and difficulty ratings
- Trailforks mountain biking trail maps and zone breakdowns
- Flathead Beacon reporting on seasonal openings and activity schedules
- Explore Whitefish (explorewhitefish.com) visitor information and activity listings
- American Trails Danny On National Recreation Trail designation records
Prices quoted reflect available 2025 season data and may change for 2026. The Aerial Adventure Park was closed for summer 2025; reopening status for 2026 is unconfirmed. Always verify current pricing and availability directly with the resort at 406-862-2900 or skiwhitefish.com.
