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 Izaac 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 Izaac 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.