Whitefish is a humble ski resort town in Northwest Montana with just over 9,000 full-time residents. This small city lies within Flathead County, which has experienced the most population growth in Montana since 2020. Whitefish has warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters; it’s known for its deep blue Whitefish Lake, coniferous forests and mountain location, which provide a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The city protects the forests surrounding the lake to ensure a clean, naturally filtered water supply instead of constructing filtration plants.
Whitefish ski and snowboard opportunities are found at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Relax at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake after shredding the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
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Winter skiing and summer hiking in the Rocky Mountains
Whitefish Mountain Resort is an independent ski resort with over 100 trails. It has options for all skill levels, and lift tickets are free for children ages six and younger. The resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders in the winter, while its summer activities include mountain biking, hiking and huckleberry picking. “There aren’t resort discounts solely for being a local,” says Stephanie Skinner, an agent at Glacier Sotheby’s Whitefish/Big Mountain and full-time Whitefish resident since the mid-90s. Discounts belong to season pass holders, which include some perks for dining downtown: “Blackstar Brewpub gives $1 off for pass holders.”
For a day of picnicking or paddleboarding, City Beach offers a sandy lake shore and views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Whitefish Lake State Park has a beach for dogs, and parkgoers may spot deer while out fishing or kayaking. Locals can go shore fishing on Whitefish River or golfing at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. Whitefish is about 26 miles from Glacier National Park Headquarters, where cyclists, hikers and nature lovers can see the glaciers before they melt, which is projected to occur by 2030.
Enjoy majestic views from Whitefish City Beach over the ice in Winter or while sunbathing on the sandy shore in Summer.
Downtown dining options in Whitefish include Blackstar Brewpub which offers several levels of enjoyment and discounts for skiers.
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Living by Whitefish Lake, on the mountain slope or downtown
Most homes are primary residences, with some vacation properties mixed in. The median single-family home price is $1.2 million, significantly higher than the national median, and spacious, contemporary homes with lots of windows cost around $1 million; some have wooden exteriors, creating a log cabin feel. Mountain chalets on the lake sell for eight figures, while thousand-square-foot new constructions closer to downtown sell for as low as $390,000. Townhouses, condos and acreage are also on the market.
Whitefish residents enjoy contemporary homes with lots of windows to enjoy the views.
Mountain chalets in Whitefish offer more privacy when nestled into the forests and lake shores.
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Walking down Central Avenue
Downtown streets have sidewalks and street parking. Central Avenue has local shops, restaurants and the après ski scene. It is lined with Old Western-themed bars, grills and saloons, and stores selling specialty goods like snowboard gear. Some restaurants can be found along Wisconsin Avenue, which connects downtown to the ski resort. U.S. 93 has more shopping, including retailers for outdoor recreation supplies and gear.
Downtown Whitefish shops and eateries are found along Central Avenue.
Whitefish is known for old Western-themed bars, grills and saloons.
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Whitefish Winter Carnival and other community events
The city’s festivals and events celebrate the visual, performing and culinary arts. As for the biggest annual event, “It’s the Whitefish Winter Carnival, hands down,” Skinner says. “It lasts over a month and culminates in a big parade.” The carnival includes the Slopeside Selfie Scavenger Hunt, where participants can win free skis or a snowboard. Whitefish also hosts athletic events like the Glacier Challenge, which kicks off at City Beach and combines running, paddling and biking. Whitefish Trail Blazer is an annual weekend of running challenges ranging from 5k to 50k.
Taking the free seasonal bus around Whitefish
In the winter and summer, the S.N.O.W. bus offers a free daily service connecting downtown to the ski resort base. U.S. 93 starts at the center of town and extends 12 miles south toward Glacier Park International Airport, which offers daily flights to cities like Seattle and Denver. Amtrak trains go through Whitefish Depot. Emergency care at Logan Health—Whitefish and North Valley Hospital are located in Whitefish.
Whitefish skiers hop the Shuttle Network of Whitefish S.N.O.W. bus to and from town.
Whitefish visitors catch their flights nearby in Kalispell at Glacier Park International Airport.
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Top-rated public schools
Whitefish School District is rated A-minus on Niche. Whitefish High School, rated A-minus, has several state-championship-winning sports teams, including the girls’ cross-country team. Whitefish Performing Arts Center is located within Whitefish Middle School. It seats about 450 and offers a state-of-the-art venue for students and other performing groups like the Alpine Theatre Project.
City, county and state crime levels
Whitefish has a low overall crime score. According to the state of Montana, Flathead County’s violent crime counts increased from 2020 to 2022, then decreased from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, property crime counts fluctuated over the same period.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jen Clement,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Whitefish, MT sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Whitefish, MT over the last 12 months is $970,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 286 Antler Ridge Road, a lodge-style retreat in the gated Elkhorn community—just 7 minutes from downtown Whitefish. This Montana escape blends rustic charm with modern comfort. The lofted layout features a main-floor primary suite, soaring ceilings, and an open floor plan ideal for entertaining or quiet nights in. Expansive windows frame stunning natural views, seamlessly connecting
Enjoy low-maintenance luxury in this spacious 1 bed, 1.5 bath, 990 sq ft condo with attached 15x23 garage equipped with an electric vehicle charger, in the highly desirable Monterra community in Whitefish. This well-appointed unit features an open floor plan, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, air conditioning, and a private balcony. The large primary suite includes a full bath,
Unlock unparalleled potential with this exclusive lot just behind the gates of The Homestead; this is where opportunity meets limitless freedom. With NO zoning restrictions OR covenants; this is the ONLY lot within The Homestead gates boasting these features. Imagine the possibilities: luxury estates, innovative commercial ventures, or unique recreational spaces, all tailored to your ambition.
Experience the ultimate mountain lifestyle in this 3,836 sq. ft. townhome at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Perfectly positioned just steps from the Home Again ski run, enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, panoramic views of the valley and Great Northern Mountain, and great rental potential. With 4 bedrooms, bunk room, 3 living areas, 2 fully equipped kitchens including a lockout basement suite, this home is
Just 11 miles from downtown Whitefish, yet a world away in peace, space, and possibility. This unique property offers an exceptional blend of rustic charm & modern comfort with it's stunning vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, a cozy rocket mass heater stove. Natural light pours in through the large windows to create a warm & inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding beauty.
One of the last true charming vacation rentals in Whitefish. Situated one block off of downtown and refinished from the ground up, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom property has a successful history as a vacation rental and future development potential with its WB3 Zoning. Sit on the front porch and relax in the summer evenings or warm up in the hot tub after a day of skiing on the slopes of
Property Id: 1471916This single level home features large covered porch and deck. Large fenced back yard with storage building. Remodeled kitchen with massive island. Master bedroom with walk in closet and attached full bath. 2 Car garage with room for storage shelves. Circular drive. House has been fully updated.Walking distance to City Beach and downtown
Property Id: 600150Views of Whitefish Mountain Resort from the patio of this beautifully furnished brand new 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. This unit includes an attached 2 car garage. Enjoy the hot tub and club house amenities.Booked: May through September 2025Terms: Monthly Rent: October through May - 2300.00 per month
Property Id: 15054Walk to downtown from this 2nd story 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo. This bright and spacious unit features a patio off the living room. This building is secured. Features stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave and washer/dryer in large laundry/storage room. One designated parking space in carport. Additional guest parking on site.Available: July 18, 2025Terms:
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