Whitefish Mountain Resort Summer 2026: Hours, Prices, Activities & Tips
Seven summer activities at Whitefish Mountain Resort, ranked by thrill, family fit, and value — from Montana's longest zip lines to free hiking with Glacier views.
Whitefish Mountain Resort covers every summer energy level — zip line tours reach 300 feet above the forest, lift-accessed mountain biking spans three zones, and all hiking trails are free. Open late May through mid-September, the resort sits 30 minutes from Glacier National Park and fills a half-day or full day depending on your appetite for thrills.
- May 23–Sept 14 Summer 2026 season
- 7 main activities ranked by category
- ~30 min drive to Glacier West entrance
- 100% free hiking (no lift ticket needed)
Zip Line Tours
Best Overall Thrill
Montana's longest lift-served zip line reaches 300 feet above the forest floor — the most memorable summer experience at the resort.
- Two tour tiers: 7-Zip Tour ($79 adult regular season, $63 early/late) and 5-Zip Tour ($69 adult regular season, $55 early/late)
- Two guides lead every group; short hiking component connects launch platforms
- Panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park
- Wear closed-toe shoes; sandals not allowed per skiwhitefish.com
Book early/late season rate (before June 13 or after mid-August) for $10–$16 savings per person. Weekend tours sell out — reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
Lift-Accessed Mountain Biking
Best for Active RidersOver 20 lift-served downhill trails across three zones make Whitefish Mountain one of the best summer mountain biking destinations in Montana.
- Day pass ($25) covers unlimited chairlift rides — best value for 3+ runs; single ride is $8
- Bike rentals (hardtail or full-suspension) run $35–$80 at the resort base; helmets required
- Bad Rock zone features 'flowy' beginner trails; B-side for intermediate riders; Summit zone has technical rock gardens and drops
- Per Whitefish Mountain Resort: start in Bad Rock for your first run to dial in bike setup
Alpine Slide
Best Family ActivityThe most accessible thrill at the resort — no gear, no training, no fitness level required; you control your own speed with a hand brake.
- Ride a wheeled sled down a banked concrete track; control descent with a hand-lever brake
- Chair 6 carries you back to the top for another run
- Children under 48 inches must ride with an adult
- The 4-ride pack ($39) saves $13 over individual tickets — best value for most families per AllWhitefish.com
Avoid peak afternoon (noon–2pm) when queues are longest. Go at 10am when the resort opens, or after 4pm for near-empty lines.
Aerial Adventure Park
Best for Groups & TeensFive obstacle courses with 60+ challenges in the tree canopy — from ground-level beginner platforms to high-wire advanced elements.
- Five obstacle courses with escalating difficulty: beginners complete lower courses while advanced participants tackle trapeze swings and cable bridges
- Every session starts with a safety orientation; one carabiner remains locked at all times — no way to accidentally unclip
- Per skiwhitefish.com, the park re-opens for summer 2026 — check for current pricing (park was temporarily closed in 2025)
- Time-slot capacity is limited — book in advance
Scenic Chairlift & Gondola Rides
Best for ViewsA 360-degree view spanning Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley, and the peaks of Glacier National Park — with zero physical effort.
- Choose an enclosed gondola (warmer, better for young kids) or open chairlift (airier, wider views)
- At the summit, the Summit House restaurant serves food and drinks until 3pm — one of the highest-elevation dining spots in the Flathead
- Free Summit Nature Center covers local forests, flora, and wildlife
- Check skiwhitefish.com for current scenic ride pricing
Take the lift up, then hike down the Danny On Trail (3.8 miles, free). You get the summit panorama without paying twice and earn a relaxed descent through huckleberry meadows.
Hiking Trails (Free)
Best Free ActivityFour distinct trails from 1 to 5.4 miles are completely free to walk; huckleberry patches along Danny On and Flower Point trails peak in late July and August.
- Trail options per Whitefish Mountain Resort: Danny On Memorial Trail (3.8 miles), Flower Point Loop (3.6 miles), East Rim Loop (1 mile), Bob Cedar Trail (1 mile), and the combined Danny On/Flower Point route (5.4 miles)
- All trails offer sweeping views of Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley
- Huckleberry picking peaks in late July and August along Danny On and Flower Point trails
- This is active bear country — carry bear spray and hike in groups of three or more; grizzly and black bears are active all summer
Combine a $8 single chairlift ride to the summit with a hike down the Danny On Trail. You get the panoramic summit views and a scenic descent — for less than the cost of most paid activities.
Spider Monkey Mountain & Strider Bike Park
Best for Young FamiliesTwo dedicated base-area activities for kids ages 4–6 — keeping younger kids busy while older siblings tackle the bigger thrills.
- Spider Monkey Mountain is a two-story inflatable climbing structure with cargo nets, platforms, and a slide descent — designed for children ages 4–6
- Strider Bike Park offers balance bikes and helmets for young kids to practice riding on a dedicated beginner track at the base
- Both activities conveniently located at resort base without requiring a chairlift ride
- Check skiwhitefish.com for current session pricing
Families with kids spanning ages 4–12 can split the group: younger kids hit Spider Monkey Mountain at the base while older kids ride the Alpine Slide or tackle the Aerial Adventure Park with a parent.
Common Questions
When does Whitefish Mountain Resort open for summer 2026?
Summer 2026 begins May 23 for weekend-only operations. Daily operations start June 13 and run through approximately September 14. Hours are 10am–5:30pm. Verify specific dates at skiwhitefish.com before you go.
How much does the zip line cost at Whitefish Mountain Resort?
The 7-Zip Tour costs $79/adult during regular season ($63 early/late season). The 5-Zip Tour is $69/adult ($55 early/late season). Tours last about 2.5 hours and are fully guided. Book in advance at shop.skiwhitefish.com — weekend slots fill fast.
Is hiking at Whitefish Mountain Resort free?
Yes — all hiking trails are free to access with no lift ticket required. Options include the Danny On Memorial Trail (3.8 miles), Flower Point Loop (3.6 miles), East Rim Loop (1 mile), and Bob Cedar Trail (1 mile). Bear spray is strongly recommended as this is active grizzly country.
What is the best activity for families with mixed ages?
The Alpine Slide ($13/ride, 4 for $39) works for nearly all ages — kids under 48 inches ride tandem with an adult. Add the Scenic Chairlift for a summit lunch and panoramic views. Families with children under 7 can add Spider Monkey Mountain at the base while older kids do the Alpine Slide or Aerial Adventure Park with a parent.
Sources & Further Reading
- Whitefish Mountain Resort official website — Whitefish Mountain Resort
- National Park Service — Glacier National Park — NPS
- NPS — Glacier National Park laws & policies — NPS







