When most people hear of Whitefish Mountain Resort, they think of snowy slopes and chilly winter days spent skiing some of the best powder in the West. But in the summertime, a whole new world unfolds atop our mountain.
This summer I had the opportunity to hike down the mountain several times with various groups of friends and family who visited Whitefish and stayed with us. I have to confess, this was my first year that I explored the mountain in the summertime, but it definitely won’t be the last.
We rode the chairlift to the top of the mountain and hiked the Danny On trail, 6.5 miles right back down to Snow Bear Chalets. From the top, we had amazing views right into Glacier National Park, about 20 miles away and even up into the Canadian Rockies too. It was difficult to leave the peak and start the hike down as I didn’t want to leave the views!
But, as we descended, we had one stunning vista after another for the entire hike. From bird’s eye views of Whitefish Lake, to the lush, green Flathead Valley below, from deep forests to wildflower meadows, from trickling streams to steep rock outcroppings, I was amazed at the sheer beauty that lives in our backyard.
We were passed by aggressive hikers climbing up the mountain to the summit, and decided to do that next summer. In other areas, mountain bikers raced down the hill where our paths converged. We were joined by folks young and old, from all over the country, all here to experience the beauty that we Montanans call home.
We invite you to share it with us next summer. Imagine hiking to the top of the summit and back from your very own slopeside treehouse. My guess is, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for your private hot tub at the end of the day!
