Whitefish Mountain Ski Hill: The Epitome of Ski Views

Published by Audrey Bloomquist on March 14, 2021

Located in the northwest corner of the Big Sky state, adjacent to Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort provides a breathtaking ski experience that sets a new bar for outdoor adventure. Hold on to your poles as I describe the coveted Whitefish ski experience, undoubtedly my favorite in Montana, and inspire you to explore the mountain yourself.

Upon arriving at the Willow parking lot, which is one of eight free lots surrounding the hill, I immediately noticed the robust and wide runs on the hill above, blanketed with fresh snow. As I changed into my ski gear in the parking lot, I encountered friendly fellow skiers, many Montana locals, and a few visiting from across the globe. I purchased my one-day adult lift ticket for just $85, which I found very reasonable in comparison to other Montana hills with similar quality snow, including Big Sky, which charges $192 for a one-day adult pass. With 11 chairlifts, 2 T-bars, and a moving carpet, I had no trouble finding access to the runs. Another attractive feature I came to love about the hill was its 3,000 acres of skiable land, beckoning skiers and snowboarders alike.

Precisely at the 8:30 am opening time, I ascended 6,817 feet to the Summit House via the Big Mountain Express lift. The massive snow-covered trees created a scene I only thought existed in movies. It was peaceful, humbling, and serene as I sat back and took in the panoramic horizon featuring snowcapped peaks pointing toward the bright blue skies. After my first tracks, I took the Big Mountain Express for six more glorious lifts, alternating runs between the intermediate Toni Matt and Big Ravine runs and the black diamond Good Medicine and North Bowl Face runs. While the Toni Matt was the busiest run, it was the most accessible option to reach the base. I found my favorite run to be the Good Medicine run, as it provided enough difficulty to challenge my skiing ability, but also offered a winter wonderland escape through the powder and pine trees.

A delicious house pulled pork sandwich at Ed & Mully’s lodge for only $8.25 was all I needed to propel me into the second half my ski day on the hill’s north side. I jumped on the Big Creek Express lift to access the back side of the Summit House for four runs. On the first run, I took the intermediate Russ’s Street to the beginner Caribou, which offered groomed space for wide turns. For the remaining three runs, I enjoyed more difficult paths in Marmot and Whitetail. My favorite, and last run of the afternoon, was Goat Haunt that included a freestyle terrain park with nice a nice combination of kickers and rails, challenging any style of skier.

Reflecting on my day at the Whitefish ski hill, I realized how much I appreciated the sunny weather and moderate temperatures (ranging from about 30 - 34 degrees Fahrenheit) the mountain offers. The settled summit base measured 97 inches, with the hill’s average summit base being 84 inches. My experience, according to the mountain’s historical statistics, was not out of the ordinary. Coupled with a seasonal snowfall average of 320 inches, Whitefish’s moderate elevation (4,464 ft at the base and 6,817 ft at the summit) offers manageable winter temperatures, with the average high reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low reaching 17 degrees Fahrenheit. These moderate temperatures also allow the resort to host night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights – guaranteed fun with family and friends - from January 1-March 6.

What truly sets Whitefish Mountain apart from other hills is its engaging lift operators, lodge servers and ski patrol. The small Montana town is humble, inviting and boasts the most incredible views I have ever seen, which says a lot coming from a Montana girl. If you are an intermediate skier looking for an affordable and all-encompassing ski experience, I highly recommend the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in Whitefish, Montana as your next destination. Happy skiing!