Winter Sports

The Flathead Forest is home to many types of winter sports. Snowmobiling, back-country skiing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing are some of the ways recreation users enjoy the winter environment.

Snowmobile Trails: 157 miles of designated snowmobile trails and thousands of acres of open play areas. The Forest provides free over the snow maps at each District Office. These maps show the open areas for snowmobiling.

Snowshoeing: The Forest is open to snowshoeing on winter roads closed by snow, nordic ski trails at round meadows, and frozen lakes and snow-covered trails.

Nordic Skiing: There are three areas that offer groomed cross-country ski trails. Round Meadow 12 miles; Blacktail Nordic Ski Trails 22 km; and Izaak Walton ski trails 33 km. For grooming reports and trail maps of other trails in the greater Flathead Valley, visit the Glacier Nordic Club website.

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding: Ski Areas: Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above the community of Lakeside offers 1000 skiable acres. Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain offers 3000 skiable acres.

Mushing & Skijoring: The Forest has miles of trails and snow-covered roads that are available for mushing and skijoring. On State Lands there are permitted companies that offer dog sledding adventures. There are also some local events that attract mushers from throughout the region.

Skiing/Snowboarding

The skiing and snowboarding opportunities on the Forest offers a wide variety of terrain, après-ski facilities, food, and lodging. Two ski areas are located on the Forest; Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Blacktail Mountain is located above the town of Lakeside, Montana. It is a local and regional ski area with 250" of natural snow average, a good mix of terrain, and expansive views of Flathead Lake and the Flathead Valley.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is located above the town of Whitefish. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a regional destination area that draws international visitors from Canada. It averages 300" of snow per year, and has a variety of terrain for every skier level. The Resort's village has many mountain services, bars, restaurants, retail, lodges, and guest services. In an effort to continue access to public lands, maintain a long practiced traditional activity and provide for public safety, the Flathead National Forest has implemented special restrictions supporting the uphill ski traffic policy at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Snowmobiling

157 miles of designated snowmobile trails and thousands of acres of open play areas. The Forest provides free over the snow maps at each District Office. These maps show the open areas for snowmobiling.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

There are three areas that offer groomed cross-country ski trails: Round Meadow 12 miles; Blacktail Nordic Ski Trails 22 km; and Izaak Walton ski trails 33 km.

Round Meadows is located on the Tally Lake District about 15 miles from Whitefish off of Hwy. 93 and the Farm to Market Road then onto the Star Meadow's Road. The trailhead has plenty of parking, a restroom, and informational board with trail. There is a great mix of open meadows, scenic views along Logan Creek, and Mountain views of the Whitefish Ranger. Grooming is done by 1-2 times per week starting in mid December through March. Visit the Round Meadows page for a trail map and brochure.

Blacktail Nordic Ski Trails is located on the road to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area outside of Lakeside, Montana. Trailhead parking areas have limited space. Please do not block roadway. The lower parking area accommodates 5 cars. The lower parking area is mostly used for shuttle vehicle parking. The upper parking area can accommodate approximately 10 cars. The upper parking area provides access to Alpine Loop, Powerline Loop, Z Descent, and Blacktail Glide. Grooming is done by the Northshore Nordic Club members, a group of dedicated volunteers. Season varies on snow but generally early December through March.

Essex Nordic Trails are located at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, Montana. Ski from late November through mid-April on snow favored, wind sheltered 33 km trail system. The Inn, under permit with the Flathead National Forest, grooms daily for skate and classic skiing using a fleet of grooming vehicles, including a pistenbully. The trails wind through gently rolling forested terrain located mostly on National Forest land with views into Glacier National Park. 30% rated easiest, 50% more difficult, and 20% most difficult. The Inn has plenty of parking, hotel, restaurant, and gift shop.

For grooming reports and trail maps of other trails in the greater Flathead Valley, visit the Glacier Nordic Club.