There are plenty of reasons for guys to plan a getaway: a bachelor party, a fraternity reunion, an annual brothers’ trip, or maybe it’s just a bunch of dudes looking for a break from regular life. No matter the reason, the perfect guys getaway is ready and waiting for you. Make an escape to the great outdoors of Whitefish, MT.
Glacier National Park
The infamous Going-to-the-Sun Road extends the entire length of the park, offering stunning scenery at every turn and ample opportunity to stumble upon the 700 miles of trails within the park’s bounds. Pack a lunch and hike to one of the gorgeous glacier lakes, keeping your eyes out for grizzly bears and other wildlife along the way. If you’re visiting after the summer season, the main road through the park will be closed but there’s still plenty to do. Explore the charming Apgar Village or pick up the pace in an extreme way by strapping on some skis or snowshoes. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can even attempt ice climbing.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Located just 4 miles from town, the Whitefish Mountain Resort is a favorite destination year-round. In the winter, you and the guys will love hitting the powdery slopes.
In the summer, the resort transforms into an outdoor amusement park. Home to Montana’s longest zip line tour, you’ll be soaring high above the ski slopes and over trees in no time. Slow your pace a little with the scenic gondola ride, then kick it up again on the alpine slides and summer tubing obstacles. Finally, for the die-hards seeking a true adrenaline spike, try your luck on the cable bridges and rope ladders found within the Aerial Adventure Park. Now the only question remains: which of you are brave enough to swing from the trapeze from atop The Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT?
Dogsledding Adventure
If you’re in Whitefish during the breathtakingly beautiful winter months, treat you and your boys to an adventure they won’t be able to do back home—dogsledding! There are several sledding outfitters in and around Whitefish from which to choose. Dog Sled Adventures has been in Whitefish since 1979 and now has over 130 huskies in their pack. Dog Sled Adventures is about 20 miles north of Whitefish in Olney, and their preferred trail runs through the foothills of the Whitefish Range and they can accommodate larger groups. Also in Whitefish, Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours is perfect if just two of you want to take a trip through the snow. With this small outfit’s tour, you’ll be taking an active part in driving the sled – be ready for a workout as you are pulled through the snow! Base Camp Dogsledding, at Base Camp Bigfork, is another dogsledding outfit where you have the opportunity to drive your own team of Inuit sled dogs. Base Camp offers several different sledding packages, including an overnight winter camping trip.
Fat Tire Bike Rides
If you love mountain biking along the trails here in Whitefish (or anywhere for that matter) and thought once the snow came your mountain biking days are over, think again! Fat tire bikes have extra wide tires that make them perfect for riding along snowy trails. It’s like you’re floating on the snow! Bring your own bike or rent one from Whitefish Bike Retreat or one of the other local bike shops. Beaver Lake Recreation Area, Whitefish Bike Retreat, The Whitefish Trail and Round Meadow are just a few spots for trying out this new, popular winter sport.
Brewery & Distillery Tours
Time for a little indoor activity – craft beer tasting! Whitefish area has a growing craft beer and distillery industry, and most have tasting rooms and tours of their facilities. Two local distilleries to try are Spotted Bear Spirits for house-made vodka, gin, and a coffee liqueur, and Whistling Andy where you can taste their whiskeys, gins, the Spirit of Sperry (a huckleberry flavored vodka) and more.
Enjoy planning your tour at the local breweries on your own, so you and your boys can move at your own pace. A few area breweries for your list include Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse, Bias Brewing, Sacred Waters Brewing Company, Kalispell Brewing Company, Sunrift Beer Company, Blackslope Brewing, Bonsai Brewing Project, koocanusa brewery, and H.A. Brewing. Or book a guided brewery tour and let someone else do the driving and the planning. Spend four hours learning about craft breweries and tasting some of the local breweries wares when you take the Big Sky Brews Cruise. Or hop on the Montana Brew Bus for a tour one of their brewery tours, distillery tours or winery tours.
A Guys’ Getaway – Whitefish Lake
Nearly 6 miles long, Whitefish Lake is a picturesque alpine lake complete with wooded pines, crystal clear water, and sandy beaches. If you’re hoping to stay landlocked, head to City Beach for a sandy coast perfect for lounging in the sun and wading in when the heat gets too intense. For a true lake experience, head to the Marina at Whitefish Lake and inquire about a pontoon boat or kayak rental. Fishing, tubing, skiing, and listening to tunes with the guys during your guys’ getaway just may be the highlight of your trip.