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
Kim Van De Riet,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Whitefish, MT sell after 143 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Whitefish, MT over the last 12 months is $956,105, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the Alcoves—a bold new community redefining modern living in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. It is thoughtfully designed for those who thrive in an active, contemporary Montana lifestyle and offers a smart and functional layout. The “Ultimate Garage” (Or Office-Gear Area-Home Gym-Bar-Man Cave-She shed, you name it!) spans an impressive 1,338 square feet, showcasing 15.5’ ceilings, a
Welcome to the Alcoves—a bold new community redefining modern living in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. It is thoughtfully designed for those who thrive in an active, contemporary Montana lifestyle and offers a smart and functional layout. The “Ultimate Garage” (Or Office-Gear Area-Home Gym-Bar-Man Cave-She shed, you name it!) spans an impressive 1,338 square feet, showcasing 15.5’ ceilings, a
TAKING RESERVATIONS! 1031 ELIGIBILITY, inquire for details. Ski-In/Ski-Out Powder Peak Chalets! Located just off Chair 2, the Powder Peak Chalets offer an exceptional blend of location, design, and unique features in one property. This middle unit with 3-bedroom +flex room, 3.5-bathroom, and 2524 SF offers direct ski lift access, an expansive outdoor deck with private hot tub, private entry, and
Welcome to the Alcoves—a bold new community redefining modern living in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. It is thoughtfully designed for those who thrive in an active, contemporary Montana lifestyle and offers a smart and functional layout. The “Ultimate Garage” (Or Office-Gear Area-Home Gym-Bar-Man Cave-She shed, you name it!) spans an impressive 1,338 square feet, showcasing 15.5’ ceilings, a
Adventure awaits just steps from your door in this top-floor Edelweiss condo, located in the heart of the upper village at Whitefish Mountain Resort—right next to Chair 1 and Chair 2 high-speed lifts. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder in winter or hiking and biking epic trails all summer, this is your launchpad for year-round adventure. Fully furnished and turnkey, this remodeled 699 sq. ft.
Brand new luxury home on 9+ park-like acres in the exclusive gated Whitefish Ridge community. Designed for refined Montana living, this 2025 reconstructed masterpiece is just 8 minutes from downtown Whitefish. The main residence features a soaring great room flooded with natural light, gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, and a signature two-level post and beam covered patio. The primary suite is
This property at 901 Kalispell Ave Unit A features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 1,461 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is complemented by ceiling fans for comfort. The kitchen includes a dining area and is equipped with essential amenities such as a dishwasher, gas oven and stove and refrigerator. Washer and dryer are included in the unit. The
Brand New Apt available on Baker Ave!! 2 bed / 1 bath with views and island.Whitefish, Montana — Wildcat Crossing is here!Applications are NOW open for Building 4, Come take a peek inside and check out one of our brand new units! They will be gone soon!This brand new space features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with sleek finishes, high ceilings, and smart layouts designed for
New Construction available for immediate move in, Come check out one of our finished interior units! This brand-new space features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom has sleek finishes, high ceilings, and smart layouts designed for both comfort and functionality. Located just steps from downtown Whitefish, you’ll be surrounded by charming boutiques, incredible dining, vibrant nightlife, and
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