If you and your crew are craving a winter trip packed with deep snow, good food, and even better stories, set your sights on Whitefish, Montana. This mountain town checks every box for an epic getaway: world-class skiing, craft beer, great eats, and wide-open backcountry terrain you can actually have to yourself.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full-blown week off the grid, here’s your guide to the best winter activities in and around Whitefish, including why a day (or three) with Great Northern Powder Guides should be at the top of your list.
1. Ski Whitefish Mountain Resort
You can’t talk about winter in Whitefish without mentioning Whitefish Mountain Resort, one of the top premier ski destinations in the West, and a locals’ favorite for good reason. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Big Mountain (as the locals call it) serves up 3,000 acres of terrain, 2,300 vertical feet, and some of the best tree skiing in the Rockies.
On bluebird days, you’ll score incredible views of Glacier National Park, and on storm days, the mountain transforms into a playground of powder-filled glades. Pro tip: start your morning on Hellroaring Basin for steep laps, then hit Flower Point for untouched turns after lunch.
If you’re renting gear, stop by Great Northern Cycle & Ski or Stumptown Snowboards before heading up. Both carry solid demo fleets and local advice that’ll save you time figuring out conditions.
2. Après Done Right: Breweries and Bars
Whitefish might be small, but it punches way above its weight when it comes to nightlife. After a day in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of spots to swap stories, grab a local brew, and relive that “almost stuck it” moment.
The Bierstube: A local favorite Après spot located conveniently at Whitefish Mountain’s Village that’s been around since the ‘50s! “The Stube” as locals call it is known for its cold beer, friendly and hearty eats. The walls are plastered with decades of ski history and the crowd’s always buzzing when it’s snowing. Helpful Hint: The brats are amazing!
Montana Tap House: Apres-ski done right! Over 60 beers on tap, great food, local small ski town vibes – and yes, ski shop included so you can get your skis waxed while you sip. Montana Tap House is where our visitors come for the beer, convenience by return for the community.
Spotted Bear Spirits:Locally owned and operated, this must-stop tasting room distillery delivers the finest handcrafted cocktails in Montana. Try their huckleberry vodka mule or spruce-tip gin cocktail before heading out for dinner downtown.
Blackstar Brewery: Home to one of Montana’s original craft lagers, Blackstar keeps things classic. Stop by for a pint, chat with locals, and enjoy that low-key brewery atmosphere that Whitefish does best.
3. Where to Eat: Top Restaurants in Whitefish
You’ve burned a few thousand calories. Now it’s time to eat like it.
Bulldog Saloon: A local legend and the perfect casual spot after skiing. Expect burgers, wings, and beer that hits the spot, no frills, just good food and character.
Beldi Restaurant: A new addition to Whitefish’s culinary scene, Beldi focuses on a seasonal and localized approach to the dishes of the Mediterranean and has quickly become a stand-out as one of the best and most creative restaurants in town. Not only is the food amazing, but the restaurant is casual and celebrates locals and visitors coming together in a thoughtful manner.
Abruzzo Italian Kitchen: A top pick for hearty après-ski meals. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a solid wine list make it the ideal spot to refuel and recap the day.
Herb & Omni: Modern Montana dining at its finest. Expect seasonal ingredients, creative plating, and a laid-back atmosphere that still feels upscale. Perfect for a refined group dinner before heading out for drinks.
If you’re staying in town for a few days, make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights – these places fill up fast once the lifts stop spinning. Be sure to also check out Explore Whitefish’ dining recommendations for more dining options.
4. Get Caffeinated: Whitefish Coffee Favorites
Fuel up for another day on the mountain at one of these local spots:
Montana Coffee Traders: A Whitefish institution. Roasted locally and served strong, it’s the go-to for both locals and early risers heading to the hill.
Folklore Coffee: A newer addition with great vibes and even better espresso. Grab a latte and one of their pastries before heading north to Great Northern Powder Guides for your cat day.
5. Learn the Ropes: Avalanche Courses and Backcountry Education
If your crew wants to venture beyond the resort or take your backcountry skiing skills to the next level, consider signing up for an avalanche course during your stay.
Organizations like Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Ski Patrol and Glacier Adventure Guides offer AIARE Level 1 and Intro to Avalanche Safety programs throughout the winter. You’ll learn essential snow science, route finding, and rescue techniques, skills that pair perfectly with your cat skiing or touring adventures.
Even if you’re riding with guides at GNPG, it’s a great way to better understand what goes into safe decision-making in the backcountry.
6. Explore Whitefish’s Winter Charm
Not every day needs to be full throttle. Whitefish has a surprisingly vibrant winter scene beyond the slopes.
Stroll through downtown Whitefish – boutique shops, art galleries, and western-inspired stores line Central Avenue. If you time your trip right, you might catch the Whitefish Winter Carnival in February, complete with parades, snow sculptures, and enough local quirk to make for great stories.
And when you’re ready to slow things down, book a snowshoe or scenic driving tour with Whitefish Outfitters, GNPG’s sister company.
7. Level Up Your Adventure with Cat Skiing in Montana
Sure, chairlifts are great, but if you want to ditch the lift lines and chase real powder, head north to Great Northern Powder Guides (GNPG) for the best cat skiing in Montana.
Located just 20 minutes from Whitefish, GNPG operates over 20,000 acres of private backcountry terrain, making it the state’s only full-service powder cat skiing operation. You’ll load into one of their custom snowcats with a small group, cruise deep into the Northern Rockies, and spend your day lapping untracked runs with professional guides who know every ridge, chute, and glade by heart.
Choose from Powder Cat (Advanced) or Steep & Deep (Advanced–Expert) tours depending on your crew’s vibe or go all-in with a multi-day package that includes meals and cozy ranch lodging nearby.
This isn’t your typical resort day. It’s Montana backcountry skiing at its best: untouched snow, good company, and that pure freedom that keeps skiers coming back year after year.
Your Winter Basecamp Awaits
Whether you’re chasing steep lines or cold beers, Whitefish, Montana, delivers the full package for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Spend your days exploring untouched powder, refuel at local restaurants, hit the breweries with your crew, and end the day fireside at a cozy ranch or downtown lodge.
It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and that authentic Montana vibe that’s getting harder to find.
So round up the crew, pack your powder skis, and start planning your next great story in Whitefish, Montana.
