Last Updated on 20th June 2023 by Steve
Kalispell may be more famous as the gateway to the Glacier National Park but it also has some impressive skiing within easy reach. The historic town in the Flathead valley can boast one of the largest ski areas in the USA a short drive to the north, while a pleasant family ski area with views over Flathead Lake is around the same distance to the south-west.
Those interested in discovering more about the skiing in the rest of the state should visit the Montana ski resorts page…
Whitefish Mountain Resort
The skiing at Whitefish is on Big Mountain, which was the original name of the ski area. The first rope tow was installed back in 1939, but now the skiing can boast an impressive total of over 100 trails on 3000 acres of terrain. The vertical drop on Big Mountain is 2,353 feet and is served by 11 chairlifts, two T-bars and a magic carpet.
Distance from Kalispell: 23 miles
Website: skiwhitefish.com
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
Blacktail Mountain ski area is the other skiing which is near at hand to Kalispell. Blacktail Mountain has more of a family and locals atmosphere and is located to the south-west of the town. There is a vertical drop of 1440 feet which is served by three chairlifts and a rope tow. There are just under 30 trails with the vast majority being easy or intermediate standard.
Distance from Kalispell: 28 miles
Website: blacktailmountain.com
Great Northern Powder Guides
Great Northern Powder Guides operates back country sno-cat skiing from their base to the north of Whitefish near the town of Olney. The sno-cat operation has a permit for the Stillwater State Forest and offers up to 14,000 vertical feet of back country skiing in a day for their private ‘Steep and Deep’ package. Visitors should be confident all-mountain skiers with experience in powder. A yurt deep in the back country is available for overnight stays.
Distance from Kalispell: 36 miles
Website: greatnorthernpowderguides.com
Turner Mountain Ski Area
Turner Mountain ski area started in 1960 and is run by a community volunteer foundation. The skiing, which is open Friday to Sunday, is located in the Kootenai Valley in the north-western corner of Montana 20 miles north of Libby. There is a single chairlift which serves a vertical drop of 2100 feet and offers access to a total of 20 trails.
Distance from Kalispell: 111 miles
Website: www.skiturner.com
Montana Snowbowl
The Montana Snowbowl is the local area for Missoula, which means it has a college vibe as well as the usual ski resort atmosphere. Although the ski resort is relatively small, the 2600 feet vertical and high number of tough runs make it a popular one with the University of Montana students and staff, which in turn leads to a good reputation for apres-ski. There are three chairlifts, a T-bar and a rope tow.
Distance from Kalispell: 123 miles
Website: www.montanasnowbowl.com
Check accommodation availability in Kalispell
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