Whitefish / Big Mountain Montana Ski Resort, Skiing

Whitefish Mountain Resort, formerly known as Big Mountain Ski Resort, offers good times for everyone. The Big Mountain has no pretensions about what it is as its name says it all. The mountain is one of Montana's largest ski areas and is located off the beaten track for most winter travelers. Whitefish Mountain Resort is in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana, partially within the Flathead National Forest. It is surrounded by wilderness and the lofty peaks of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, located thirty miles to the east.

Big Mountain's size and variety of ski terrain are what set it apart from other ski areas. Distances are vast, the ambiance is pristine, the powder is everywhere, and skiers from elsewhere forget what lift lines used to be be. The resort boast over 3,000 skiable acres with many more in the backcountry, and 2,500 vertical feet to the alpine skier and snowboarder. Annual snowfalls of 335 inches make Whitefish Mountain Resort a great winter destination for all ages to enjoy. This well rounded resort appeals to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Whitefish Mountain Resort also offers snowcat skiing, 16 kilometers of cross country skiing, snow tubing, snowshoe trails, terrain and jib parks, night skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides and dinners, and moonlight gondola rides.

The resort's 3,000 acres of terrain is divided into thirds, the front side of the mountain, the back side of the mountain, and the Hellroaring Basin. Each is distinct, and is clearly indicated on the mountain's trail maps. The beginnner slopes are located on the front side and are positioned so that they are off on their own, not in risk of making a careless turn into unfriendly territory. Intermediate and expert trails are found on the front side and back side of Whitefish Mountain Resort. Trails on the back side offer the best skiing conditions in general because of the north facing slopes. Hellroaring Basin is an area regarded as the "crown jewel" of the resort. This terrain is wide open for first tracks as the area is unspoiled, undeveloped and not heavily used. It offers the perfect terrain for off-trail skiing among open bowls to thick trees.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is renowned for its backcountry and sparse crowds, with pleasant weather and consistent snowfall due to its location, protected by the continental divide from arctic air and warm fluctuations. The allure of this part of the snow-covered Rockies needs little elaboration. From perfectly groomed runs for serious carving to off piste terrain, Whitefish Mountain Resort has a wide variety of terrain for all to enjoy.

In the summer, the Flathead Valley is a mecca for outdoor recreation. The lake is a very large attraction, along with neighboring Glacier National Park, and Whitefish, Montana is ideally located to access both areas with the comforts and hospitality of a small mountain town. Whitefish Mountain Resort, resting 10 miles above the town of Whitefish, is a great summer destination as well. The remarkable terrain is just as exciting for a hiking or mountain biking experience. There are many trails to choose from with difficulties ranging from moderate to extreme. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a resort that is equally satisfying in the summer and winter seasons. If you want loads of unexplored terrain and minimal attention placed on amenities, this is the place!