If you are looking for places to venture out on cross country skis in Whitefish, there are plenty of opportunities.
The easiest to access is at the the Glacier Nordic Center located at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club. Glacier Nordic Shop formerly known at the Outback Ski Shack, sits at the entrance to the groomed trails and offers rentals of both skate and cross country skis.
It opens in December and closes sometime in March. During December, they offer free clinics and wax clinics. To access the Nordic Center trails, there is an $8 charge per day or a yearly pass for $45 dollars can be purchased. A family year long pass is $90.
Rental prices for cross country skis run $20 for a full day and $15 for a half day. Skate skis are also offered and rent for a slightly higher rate.
Sleds for infants and toddlers are also available for rental.
There are trail maps throughout the course indicating beginner and intermediate course routes. Be sure to venture under the bridge to ski the trails near Grouse Mountain Lodge. Just watch your head as you ski through the tunnel.
The Nordic Club does an excellent job keeping the trails groomed.
One of the groomers creates a track that makes cross country skiing easy for beginners and children.
And if you don’t have time during your day, the course is well lit at night. A romantic date might include a night ski among the lights and then dinner at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant.
Glacier Nordic Shop (formerly Outback Ski Shack) is located at 1200 Hwy 93 West. Whitefish, MT. 406-862-9498. Hours- Monday- Friday (9-6pm). On Saturday & Sunday (9-5pm). Course is open nightly through the season.
Additional places to explore include-
Round Meadows which is located north on Hwy 93 about 7 miles. Turn west onto Farm to Market Road and go 1.2 miles. Turn onto Star Meadows Rd. ungroomed and no charge.
Stillwater Nordic (862-7004)Go north on Hwy 93 seven miles, turn right on Beaver Lake Rd 1 1/2 miles – Lodging available. Dog-friendly trails. Fee.