Visit This Western US City For A Beautiful Winter Holiday Getaway

Some towns are simply built to shine during the holiday season. Whitefish, Montana is definitely one of them. If you want to feel like you've been transplanted into a holiday snow globe, take a trip to this Western mountain town. Located in northwestern Montana, Whitefish sits in the Rocky Mountains just beside Glacier National Park. Situated more than 4,000 feet above sea level, the town receives an ample supply of snowfall every year. And while temperatures drop low enough to keep this snow powdery and piled, Whitefish is considered to have moderate temperatures in comparison to the rest of the notoriously frigid state.

Starting in late November, you can expect to see this quaint resort town laced with white. Frosted windows and powder-white rooftops serve as natural decor for the whole of the city. But, that doesn't stop the Whitefish community from going all out with their holiday decor. Garland, lights, wreaths, bells, and more trim the shops and homes throughout Whitefish. If you're not already feeling the holiday spirit, this is guaranteed to change once you step foot in Whitefish, Montana.

If you're a fan of winter sports, there's no doubt you'll be entertained while staying in this region of Montana. Every year, Whitefish Mountain Resort receives an average snowfall of a whopping 25 feet. If you're looking for powder to shred either on skis or snowboard, you're eyes likely lit up at that. You can keep your expectations high for the conditions at this ski resort. SKI Magazine consistently names Whitefish Mountain one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. With more than 3,000 acres of terrain to plow through and more than 100 marked trails, you'll find plenty of runs to keep you busy.

Whether you have kids yourself or are a kid at heart, you can't miss out on Whitefish's premier sledding. Grab your sledding tube and head to neighboring town Kalispell's Dry Bridge Park, also known as "The Gully," to enjoy a thrilling ride down the locals' favorite sledding hill. For an even more unique sledding experience, we recommend you book a ride with Dog Sled Adventures. This top-rated company will send you mushing through Whitefish's countryside for an exhilarating experience you won't forget.

Whitefish is about as close to a winter wonderland as a town can be. While simply strolling through the neighborhood will feel like a festive activity, the community of Whitefish hosts a handful of holiday-themed events to stoke the town spirit. To kick things off at the start of December, join the Christmas Stroll on Central Ave. for some hot chocolate and old-fashioned caroling with the rest of the community.

On January 1, you can start the new year off with a shocking start. Head to Flathead Lake to see a brief parade and join the brave locals taking a dip in the lake's ice-cold water for the community's Polar Bear Plunge. Into February, the winter celebrations don't end in Whitefish. Toward the end of the holiday season, you can catch the city's annual Winter Carnival. Based on old local folklore, the community gathers the first weekend of February for games, beer, pies, pancakes, and more. There's an abundance of winter holiday fun in Whitefish, Montana and you won't want to miss it.