Whitefish in Winter: Beyond the Ski Resort

Glacier Nordic Center grooms trails daily for both classic and skate skiing across the Whitefish 36-hole golf course, per Glacier Nordic Club. The lit evening loop makes it the only option in the valley for après-dark Nordic skiing. Lessons and gear rentals are available at the Glacier Nordic Shop (406.862.9498).

Trails wind through the western flank of Glacier National Park territory in Stillwater State Forest. Tours run approximately 1.5 hours and guests can take the reins or ride as passengers wrapped in blankets, per Dog Sled Adventures Montana. Advance booking is essential — this sells out weeks ahead in January and February.

Glacier Tourbase runs 5-hour private excursions on Whitefish Lake, providing all gear and a heated ice house with warm beverages and soup, per Glacier Tourbase. Whitefish Outfitters and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake also offer guided options. Ice typically holds from late December through early March. Montana fishing license required for ages 12+.

Stumptown Ice Den is a year-round Olympic-style rink hosting public skating, figure skating, hockey leagues, curling, and tournaments, per Stumptown Ice Den. Public sessions run most days — check the online schedule for open skate windows, which vary around league and tournament blocks. Call 406-863-2477 to confirm before arriving.

Whitefish Outfitters and Glacier Adventure Guides lead guided snowshoe tours into Glacier, with transportation from Whitefish included in many packages, per Visit Western Montana. Self-guided snowshoers can access trails near Apgar Village and along Lake McDonald. Going-to-the-Sun Road is seasonally closed to vehicles but open to foot and snowshoe travel, per NPS.gov.

Guided snowmobile tours depart from operators just outside Whitefish, running through Flathead National Forest terrain, per Explore Whitefish. Half-day and full-day options are available. Experienced riders can rent and ride independently on the maintained trail network. Contact operators directly for current-season pricing as rates vary by tour length and group size.

Fat bikes handle packed snow and groomed paths effectively, making Whitefish’s forested trail network rideable year-round, per Visit Western Montana. The Whitefish Bike Retreat offers rentals and trail access guidance for both beginners and experienced riders. Ask rental staff to preset tire pressure at 5–8 PSI for optimal snow float.

Clydesdale Outpost runs winter horse-drawn sleigh rides and two signature snowshoe tours: Snowshoe & S’mores and the Moonlight Snowshoe Tour ending at a hidden igloo, per Clydesdale Outpost. The ranch sits just 15 minutes from Whitefish, making it an easy half-day excursion. Book well in advance — moonlight slots sell out quickly during peak winter weekends.

Bonsai Brewing Project anchors the scene with live music nearly every night, while Great Northern Brewing Company’s three-story space has panoramic mountain views from the second floor, per Stay Montana. Spotted Bear Spirits offers craft distillery tastings. For dinner, Tupelo Grille serves elk meatloaf and Montana trout in a warm downtown setting.

Whitefish Outfitters runs guided winter driving tours of West Glacier and the Hungry Horse Reservoir with natural history interpretation. Self-drivers can access Lake McDonald Lodge Road and the Apgar area year-round, per Visit Western Montana. Going-to-the-Sun Road is seasonally closed to vehicles through spring 2026, per NPS.gov. See our full guide to Glacier when GTSR is closed for more options.