Whitefish Area

[clintonk]

How’s the snowfall been around Whitefish? Heading there in a couple of weeks and hoping to do some sledding.

 

[solarguy]

How’s the snowfall been around Whitefish? Heading there in a couple of weeks and hoping to do some sledding.

Low snow still! About 3' up high and very little in the valley. Bring a arms if you plan to serious mountain ride.

 

[clintonk]

Is there a staging area north of Whitefish Lake? Never been sledding down there before, and wondering what areas nearby are decent.

 

[solarguy]

Canyon creek out of Columbia falls is a good area to ride from and only 15 minutes from Whitefish, you can ride to the top of the ski area from there. There is a staging area at the North end of the lake and lots of riding from there but less groomed access. Some of the best riding is from Hungry Horse Dam, advanced rider only, no grooming and you prob need a local to show you how to get in and out of the area. Avi terrain all through this riding area.

 

[retiredpop]

Is there a staging area north of Whitefish Lake? Never been sledding down there before, and wondering what areas nearby are decent.

Staging areas are Canyon Creek, Whitefish lake, and Olney. All staging areas have access to the same trail system which I would classify as family riding. There are a few areas to get off the groomed trail system. The mountains are fully treed so you don't get above tree line anywhere. Canyon Creek is the biggest staging area. The staging at Whitefish Lake is pretty limited and not suited for big enclosed trailers.

Trail system https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VGlclgjfJaegKdIpYX-N4KYQMswg80rq/view

Flathead snowmobile association website http://www.flatheadsnowmobiler.com/index.html

I don't know if they are grooming down there yet this year. Best bet is to give J&L snowmobile rentals a call for conditions.
http://www.jandlsnowmobile.com/

You do need to buy a Montana non-resident snowmobile pass for each sled. It's good until July, covers the whole state and is only $25. They do check you for it sometimes.

 

[clintonk]

That was helpful, thank you. Just curious how the snow conditions are? I know they got some new snow the past couple days but I have heard the base has been thin.

Staging areas are Canyon Creek, Whitefish lake, and Olney. All staging areas have access to the same trail system which I would classify as family riding. There are a few areas to get off the groomed trail system. The mountains are fully treed so you don't get above tree line anywhere. Canyon Creek is the biggest staging area. The staging at Whitefish Lake is pretty limited and not suited for big enclosed trailers.

Trail system https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VGlclgjfJaegKdIpYX-N4KYQMswg80rq/view

Flathead snowmobile association website http://www.flatheadsnowmobiler.com/index.html

I don't know if they are grooming down there yet this year. Best bet is to give J&L snowmobile rentals a call for conditions.
http://www.jandlsnowmobile.com/

You do need to buy a Montana non-resident snowmobile pass for each sled. It's good until July, covers the whole state and is only $25. They do check you for it sometimes.

 

[Popik]

Anyone riding down in the Whitefish area over Christmas break. Ive never been but heading that way with family and was told I can bring a machine.

 

[SaskSummit]

I have made the trip there for a couple years in a row now. Was hoping to make a couple this season. Absolutely the best area I have rode on the Snowbike.

 

[Iceburg]

Same idea, family will be there over Feb break and I'm dragging sled along. Would like to join up or meet with someone else if there also.

 

[Popik]

I have made the trip there for a couple years in a row now. Was hoping to make a couple this season. Absolutely the best area I have rode on the Snowbike.

I just made room to bring a bike now as well haha thanks for the heads up

 

[fredw]

Be down after Christmas to new years.. will hope to be sledding most days, family skiing..

 

[SaskSummit]

Hoping to head down in a couple weeks. Looking for recommendations on where to stay. The place we usually stay is booked.

 

[snoflake]

Heading to Whitfish area for the weekend. Can any chime in on conditions.

 

[SaskSummit]

We are supposed to head down there in a couple weeks. Hows the snow holding up?

 

[Twitch911]

Looking to head down to whitefish area the first weekend in april, anyone been down there this year? never headed south of the border so any input or suggestions woud be great!