Whitefish Area

clintonk

Active member
Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
61
Reaction score
41
Location
Calgary,AB
How’s the snowfall been around Whitefish? Heading there in a couple of weeks and hoping to do some sledding.
 

solarguy

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2014
Messages
155
Reaction score
505
Location
Alberta
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

Active member
Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
61
Reaction score
41
Location
Calgary,AB
Is there a staging area north of Whitefish Lake? Never been sledding down there before, and wondering what areas nearby are decent.
 

solarguy

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2014
Messages
155
Reaction score
505
Location
Alberta
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2007
Messages
1,691
Reaction score
5,014
Location
Calgary
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.
 
Last edited:

clintonk

Active member
Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
61
Reaction score
41
Location
Calgary,AB
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2012
Messages
233
Reaction score
187
Location
Edmonton
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
1,175
Reaction score
1,055
Location
Lloydminster
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

Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2016
Messages
13
Reaction score
11
Location
Sask
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2012
Messages
233
Reaction score
187
Location
Edmonton
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2010
Messages
3,317
Reaction score
3,586
Location
medicine hat
Be down after Christmas to new years.. will hope to be sledding most days, family skiing..
 

SaskSummit

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
1,175
Reaction score
1,055
Location
Lloydminster
Hoping to head down in a couple weeks. Looking for recommendations on where to stay. The place we usually stay is booked.
 

snoflake

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2008
Messages
1,469
Reaction score
5,278
Location
Red Deer
Heading to Whitfish area for the weekend. Can any chime in on conditions.
 

Twitch911

New member
Joined
Nov 21, 2019
Messages
4
Reaction score
18
Location
Alberta
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!
 
Top Bottom