When it comes to prestige, Glacier National Park flaunts some of the most stunning views and epic adventures in the country. In the summer months, the winding park roads host buses of tourists to the top of the mountain peaks but come winter, most of the park shuts down due to snowfall and inaccessibility. This is a token example of how most things work around Flathead Valley this time of year; popular until proven icy. Yet, those brave enough to bear the chilly temps will reap the desolate beauty.
While access to activities around Glacier National Parkgrows more sparse as the cold rolls in, there's something so serene about visiting this part of Montana in the winter. Flathead Valley is full of adventure, no matter the season. For those who find themselves around Glacier National Park in the wintertime, a snow globe travel experience awaits.
These are the coolest cold-weather things to do around Whitefish, Kalispell, and the Rockies of Montana:
Adventure around Glacier National Park
Snag some homemade goodies from the Huckleberry Pie & Jam Factory
Go on a snowmobile tour for a bird’s eye view of Flathead Valley
Get a boujee brunch at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Shop for an epic western souvenir from the Western Outdoor & Antique Market in Kalispell
Go skiing or snowshoeing at Whitefish Mountain
EXPLORE & ADVENTURE AROUND GLACIER NP
Upon pulling into the park during the winter months, it’ll feel more like an arctic ghost town than one of Montana's top travel destinations. While absolutely bustling in the warmer months, the extreme weather forces most of the park to close, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that leads through the stark glacial valleys and mountain ranges.
What normally requires patience and a shuttle from the Apgar visitor center was a crunchy and quiet open road covered in snow. Depending on your vehicle, you have a few options for things to do around Glacier during the winter:
Go cross-country skiing or snow skiing. Word on the street is that you can rent snowshoes from the Glacier airport, local athletic stores, and potentially up at Lake McDonald Lodge in the park. An easy starting point is at the most southern point of Lake McDonald, which is the closest area to the entrance with the best views. The lake is so huge that you can still usually see the colorful stones sitting at the bottom. Check out the full map of open trails during the winter at Glacier here.
Pop into the gift shop in Apgar Village that is open all year round to warm up from the cold and snag a souvenir.
Make the drive up to Lake McDonald Lodge which is the last plowed point in the park from West Glacier. Cozy up by the fire, soak up the stellar views and head out on a trail to explore.
GRAB SOME HOMEMADE HUCKLEBERRY PIE AT A ROADSIDE STOP
Hungry after taking in the stunning scenery in Glacier? Heading west on route 2 out of the park, you’ll find a deliciously adorable huckleberry gift shop appropriately named Huckleberry Pie & Jam Factory. Grab a slice of pie and the creamed honey (TRUST ME). The sweet little shop is open all year round and gives you the chance to gobble down some Montana huckleberries.
GET A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF GLACIER ON A SNOWMOBILING TOUR
There are plenty of options around Flathead Valley for snowmobiling tours near Glacier depending on how long and intense you're looking to go. I went on a two-hour, group tour with Swan Mountain Snowmobiling at Desert Mountain with views of the entire valley (and an aerial glimpse of Glacier National Park, gasp.)
The tour itself came with an awesome guide and cashed out at $95 per person, which felt like a steal with all of my maniacal helmet laughing and smiles packed into it. Oh, and the best part? The handles of the snowmobile were heated. As a first-time snowmobiler, this was such an epic thing to do near Glacier.
INDULGE IN A COZY, LAVISH BRUNCH AT THE LODGE AT WHITEFISH LAKE
Escape the chilly temps by filling your belly and your heart by brunching one morning at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. This incredible rustic resort is perched right on the lake in town which will likely be iced over in the winter months. The restaurant has panoramic windows overlooking the water, teasing you with views of the hot tub too. Sip some joe, nom on tasty breakfast, and soak up the scenery. While you wait for your food, you can wander out to the deck and sit fireside with your coffee.
Following breakfast, mosey into the lobby and play some chess next to the fireplace in the library. Feeling posh? Looking into the many spa services on-site for a day of pampering.
SHOP AROUND KALISPELL & GRAB A GREAT WESTERN SOUVENIR
There are plenty of shops to bop into around Kalispell to fill an afternoon. The absolute best place to hit while you're in downtown Kalispell is undoubtedly Western Outdoor & Antique Market. This is a superstore of all things outdoorsy and unique to Montana. The main floor is packed with boots, cowboy hats, bolo ties, and other cool western apparel. The real hidden gem is in the basement of the shop. This antique mall is packed with stalls of goodies ranging from vintage postcards to gemstones to ornate costume jewelry. There's no world where you can walk away without finding something totally unique to remember your winter trip in Montana by.
GO SKIING OR SNOWSHOE AT WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN
Last but certainly not least, is one of the most popular things to do in Flathead Valley during the winter months: skiing. Whitefish Mountain is accessible by driving to the mountain top or hitching a ride on the free shuttle up to the peak from the town center. Whitefish Mountain has stunning, snow-covered views of the valley with amazing ski slopes to match. There are a few spots scattered along the resort to grab a beer or a bit during the day to take a break from the cold.
If you’re lucky, you can snag a spot alongside one of the outdoor fire-pits on the patio lining the bottom of the slopes. Not feeling skiing? You can also rent snowshoes or cross country skis from Whitefish Mountain Resort too and venture out on the miles of on-property trails for a change of pace.
Feeling inspired? Get planning so you can go explore all the wondrous winter activities near Glacier National Park and Whitefish, MT.
