At the gates of Glacier National Park lies the charming town of Whitefish (about 9,000 inhabitants) in Montana. It retains a festive air throughout the season with its beautiful Christmas decorations that has been somewhat attenuated recently due to the Coronavirus.
The resort of the same name is located 4 miles from the village. It is the 2nd largest in Montana with 11 lifts and 93 runs, the longest being 3.3 miles. The 3,020 acres ski area is spread over 3 valleys, the highest peak being 6,817 feet. The 360-degree views of the Glacier National Park and the valley are spectacular.
Sometimes the clouds are quite low, so it is possible to ski above the clouds. Temperatures are around 14 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit, quickly forgotten by the quality of the snow and the slides.
Whitefish, also known as The Big Mountain, is known as the best backcountry ski resort in the United States.
The village, at the foot of the slopes, is a made up of lovely chalets with all the amenities to stay a few days without needing a car.
There are several ways to get to Whitefish from Seattle:
– The road: 8 and a half hours
– The train: 1 hour
– Airplane: 1 hour and a half, with 4 rotations/day (Alaska Air Lines)
Whitefish is a little-known Montana winter sports resort unlike its more famous sister Big Sky, but it is definitely worth the visit both for the quality of its skiing, the size of the resort and its low attendance.
Whitefish is a little-known Montana winter sports resort unlike its more famous sister Big Sky, but it is definitely worth the visit both for the quality of its skiing, the size of the resort and its low attendance.
Claire Drean
Translated by Sonia
