Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is a popular resort located in Lakeside, Montana. Here are some of the things you can do on Blacktail Resort:
Skiing and Snowboarding: Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is a great place to hit the slopes, with over 1,000 acres of terrain and a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: If you prefer to explore the winter wonderland on foot, you can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the resort’s trails.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: During the summer months, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area transforms into a hiking and mountain biking destination. The resort offers a variety of trails with stunning views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Disc Golf: Blacktail Mountain Ski Area also has a disc golf course with 18 holes, which is open during the summer months.
Scenic Chairlift Rides: If you want to take in the stunning views without exerting too much energy, you can take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain.
Photography: Blacktail Mountain Ski Area offers plenty of opportunities for photography enthusiasts, with breathtaking views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Blacktail Resort is a great place to visit for outdoor recreation and relaxation, whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or a summer adventurer.
Skiing is Great & The FREE S.N.O.W. Bus Makes It Even Better
The winter FREE S.N.O.W. Bus service began on December 8, 2022, and will continue through April 9, 2023. The S.N.O.W. Bus, a free shuttle service between Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort. The S.N.O.W. Bus has been a staple of our community for over 20 years.
FREE S.N.O.W. Bus Schedule
The FREE S.N.O.W. Bus picks up and drops off from Mountain Mall all the way to the WMR Village & Resort Lodging. The buses begin at 7:10am and run until 11:30pm with the last drop off at Mountain Mall. No pets, e-cigs, vaping or smoking are allowed on the buses. Also, make sure you check the latest rules on face coverings. All stops are located at the bus stop signs and the bus will only stop at designed stops. Click HEREfor the entire schedule.
Big Mountain Commercial Association
The Big Mountain Commercial Association is a non-profit public trade association that raises funds to pay for common services and programs. These include funding for the SNOW bus, Big Mountain Road winter maintenance, the Big Mountain Summer & Spring Brewfest, and the Winter Winefest. If you are interested in becoming a member – click HERE.
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406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Everybody loves fresh powder when skiing. The fresh fallen snow makes you feel like you are floating, and it makes a great landing pad as well. Some of the best skiing temperatures are 20 to 30 degrees F, but for those of us who enjoy skiing, cold weather or snow is just another fun challenge to the slope. Let the skiing begin in Montana……Big Mountain here we come starting December 8, 2022, until April 9, 2023!
Transportation to Big Mountain
Skiing on Big Mountain is great, but you have to get up the mountain first. Many people are just uncomfortable driving up the mountain through the snow or they just don’t want to fight for parking. Don’t worry about it….we’ve got a S.N.O.W bus. The S.N.O.W bus is FREE and they pickup at a variety of locations in Whitefish. Learn more – HERE.
Lift Tickets & Equipment Rental
There are a variety of options when it comes to lift tickets. Adult lift tickets (ages 19-64) are $89 for one day, Super Senior (70+) are $32, Seniors (65-69) are $80, Teens (13-18) are $80, Junior (7-12) are $47 and children under 6 are free. Learn more – HERE. Equipment rental is available for both entry level skiers and aggressive professionals. Standard equipment for individuals 13 and above are $45 per day (but discounts are provided online). Kids 12 and below can rent equipment for $33 per day (but discounts are provided online). Learn more – HERE.
Ski School
Whether you are a beginner or skilled skier, a little ski school can go a long way. Big Mountain has lots of great opportunities for any skillset and age. Children ages 3-6 can participate in Ski/Ride and Play, Juniors ages 7-12 and Adults 13 + can get group lessons. There is also a great program for first times called Learn to Ski or Ride. For only $99 dollars, anyone 7 years old and up can get a wonderful introduction to skiing or snowboarding. “Our Learn to Ski or Ride Program includes two half-day lessons (10am or 1pm), a two-day lower mountain lift ticket, and two days of rentals. You can choose either morning or afternoon lessons on two consecutive days with one of our top-ranked instructors.” Learn more – HERE.
Restaurants
Ed & Mully’s is open! Ed and Mully’s is one of the Go-To fuel stops on the slope-side for tasty bites. Whether you are eating, grabbing a drink or just enjoying a cup of coffee by the fireplace, this is a definite place to stop to refuel from skiing. The food menu has great items like Mountain Nachos, Burgers, Fish n Chips and even a kid’s menu. They also have a great full bar with lots of different beers on top…including local Montana-Made favorites. Ed & Mully’s restaurant is open 11am -4pm and the bar is open 11am until last call at 5:45pm. There is a limited menu for night skiing. Snack and Food prices range from $1.75 to $15.00.
Base Lodge Café & Bar The restaurant is open 11am -4pm with a limited Night Ski Menu until 7pm. The bar is open 11am until last call at 4:45pm and 7:45 pm for Night Ski. If you are looking for a great slice of pizza to help make it through the skiing day, grab a slice of pepperoni with whole milk mozzarella. Mama Mia! If your looking for a great cup of soup or chili, get it with the Bread Bowl. Food prices range from $4.50 to $12.50.
Base Lodge Coffee Bar – It’s coffee Time! The bar is open….at least the coffee bar at the Base Lodge Coffee bar daily from 8:15 until 4pm and on Night Ski at 4:30pm.
Café Kandahar & Snug Bar – Since 1983, Café Kandahar has delighted locals and tourists alike with unique dining experience that can be complemented with carefully curated wine pairings and other beverage recommendations. Owner/Chef Any Blanton comes from New Orleans, famous for delicious food and Mardi Gras, and has created wonderful cuisine highlighting local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is opened Wednesday through Sunday from 6pm-7:30pm. Café Kandahar and Snug Bar offer take-out menu options 7 nights a week, pickup times begin at 5:15pm and continue until 9:15pm. Learn more – HERE.
Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery – From 11am until 5pm come on out and check out this Saloon. The Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery is located in the historic Chalet on Whitefish Mountain Resort. It offers family friendly dining, great views and something for everyone from steak to burgers to salads…plus something for the kiddos too. Learn more – HERE.
Skiing in Montana is a lot of fun. So, get a ride up to Big Mountain, grab your gear or rent some, and hit the slopes. May the powder be ever in your favor!
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
It’s the most wonderful time of year, especially in Montana, when the first flurries of snow start to fall down from the sky. The weather is not too cold and definitely not too hot, but perfect for a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows on top. Now that Thanksgiving has past, for many households it is time to put up the Christmas Tree. Pull out the Christmas Tree stand, find the tree skirt and all of the ornaments and of course purchase some more of the ornament hooks, where they go we’ll never know. So, in Montana, the real question is do you purchase a Christmas Tree or do you go and get your own?
Christmas Tree – Cutting Down Your Own
Before you head out to the parks and find the perfect Christmas Tree, you actually will need to get a permit. You can actually cut down up to three trees from Thursday, October 13, 2022 through Saturday, December 31, 2022, if you get a Flathead National Forest Christmas Tree Permit. You can get your permit online – HERE – but it will cost a service fee of $2.50, but if you go to any National Forest Office, you can get a permit without the service fee. In Kalispell, you can go to the Flathead National Forest Supervisor’s Office located at 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. Click HERE to see all locations.
It is very important to make sure that you go to the right place to select your Christmas Tree. If you are unsure of the Forest boundary, maps showing ownership are available at Flathead National Forest offices – Click HERE. Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations.
Did you know that you can actually help the forest by cutting down your own Christmas Tree? “Christmas trees cut to thin overcrowded stands can be beneficial. As young stands of trees mature, they are constantly competing for more space. By cutting your Christmas tree from dense groups around the more vigorous trees, the remaining trees will grow faster to make our future forest,” according to the Forest Service. Tree species that are prohibited from harvesting for Christmas trees: whitebark pine, white pine, western red cedar.
Your permit allows you to cut Christmas trees on National Forest land in Montana and Northern Idaho.
Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or posted timber sales.
Please cut your Christmas tree from an overcrowded stand of trees in meadows.
Do not cut trees within 100 feet of main roads, streams, or recreation sites.
Selecting Your Tree
Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit’s guidelines.
Tree Height: 12 feet maximum.
Stump height: 6 inches maximum. Remove and scatter all limbs from the portion of the tree you leave behind.
No cutting of 5 needle pines. (i.e. 5 needles in one cluster)
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree.
If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Get your blanket and maybe some lawn chairs and head on over to the Depot Park for free outdoor concerts. This summer, the Kalispell Parks & Recreation Concert Series is hosting Picnic in the Park on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. The free concerts take place in Kalispell’s downtown Depot Park. There will also be lots of great food vendors to complement the great live musical lineup.
Picnic in the Park Music Lineup
The Picnic in the Park has a great musical lineup.
On Tuesdays from 6-8pm, the following bands and musicians will play:
June 28 – The Olson Bro
July 5 – Dan Harmon and Cascade Country
July 12 – Archertown
July 19 – The Groove Riders
July 26 – Miller Campbell
August 2 – Tommy Edwards Band
August 9 – Winnie Brave
August 16 – Hannah King & Friends
August 23 – Kenny James Miller Band
On Wednesday afternoons from 11:30 until 1:30pm, the following musicians will play:
July 13 – New Relm
July 20 – John Dunnigan
July 27 – Larry Myer
August 3 – Eric Alan
Kalispell Parks and Recreation maintain over 445 acres of parkland and natural open space that range from large urban and community parks to mini parks. Whether your recreation tastes trend towards a park with playgrounds and sports amenities, flower gardens, a free concert, walking trails or a quiet undeveloped place to enjoy trees and birds, Kalispell has something to offer everyone. Parks are opened from 6am until 11pm. Learn more about the parks – HERE.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check our calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Did you know that National Get Outdoors Day is coming up? Will you celebrate…come celebrate with friends on a Nature Hike at Lone Pine State Park. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this great weather and see the beautiful sites throughout Montana.
“Take the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty that is the flora and fauna up here at Lone Pine State Park! On this hike we will get to appreciate nature and answer any questions you might have regarding the plants and animals that call Lone Pine home. Please bring water, snack, good walking shoes, and please dress for the weather.”
National Get Outdoors Day: Nature Hike
Date & Time: Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 2pm to 3pm
Click HERE for details about National Get Outdoors Day!
**Call the visitor center at (406) 755-2706 Ext. 0 to register for National Get Outdoors Day , as space is limited.
**Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles)
Just minutes from Kalispell, Lone Pine boasts dramatic views of the Flathead Valley and an extensive trail system. The park is open from 8:00 am to sunset.
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don’t include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Have you ever wondered how something so delicate as snowflakes can cause an avalanche? If this is something you would be interested in learning more about, then come on out to the free Snow Science and Safety with Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Whitefish Trail.
Join us on the snowy trail to learn the basics about snow science and safety with the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center. We will look at how snow forms, how snow packs change, why avalanches occur, and how to use some of the basic safety equipment. You will never look at snow the same way again! ~ Whitefish Legacy Partners
Snow Science and Safety Details
The group will meet at the Big Mountain Trailhead at 10am ready to mike for about 1 to 2 miles both on and off trail. Please register for the FREE event – HERE.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. Snowshoes are required. Sportsman Ski Haus will be providing free rentals for those registered who need them. Please contact education@whitefishlegacy.org if you would like to reserve some for the program.
This event is free and suitable for all ages however attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. Please reserve a ticket for each member of your party. Please check your email prior to the event in case of inclement weather/cancellation.
For more information about this or other scheduled outings call 406-862-3880 or email education@whitefishlegacy.org.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
With the snow still on the ground, it may seem a little too soon to be thinking about the Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation. Vehicle reservations go online on March 2, 2022 for Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation. Vehicle Registration can be obtained through https://www.recreation.gov/.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation Details
A Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the Going-to-the-Sun Road from May 27 through September 11, 2022, from 6 am to 4 pm. Going-to-the-Sun Road include all points between the West Glacier, Camas, and St. Mary entrances.
Valid for 3 days
Cost: $2
Vehicle access beyond these points require a Going-to-the-Sun Vehicle Reservation, in addition to a park pass:
West Entrance Station
Camas Entrance Station
Rising Sun area (5 miles west of St. Mary Entrance Station)
Visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial reservations within the GTSR corridor can use their service reservation receipt for entry in lieu of the vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov. This included reservation applies only to the date of your service reservation.
A vehicle reservation will not be required at the St. Mary Entrance prior to the Going-to-the-Sun Road being fully open, typically around June. Once snow removal and road preparations are complete, vehicle reservations will be required at the Rising Sun area.
Parking passes are available at the entrance station or by visiting https://www.recreation.gov/.
When can I get my vehicle reservation?
Vehicle reservations go online March 2.
Primary Booking Window: Roughly half of the vehicle reservations are available 120 days in advance on March 2nd at 8:00 am MST.
Secondary Booking Window: The remaining vehicle reservations will be available the day before the effective day.
How do I reserve my vehicle reservation?
The reservation system will require visitors to set up an account on www.Recreation.gov and obtain a vehicle reservation ($2 nonrefundable fee). Recreation.gov is not operated by Glacier National Park. Visitors may also make a reservation through Recreation.gov’s call center. Contacting the call center does not give you an advantage towards securing a reservation but provides help for those who don’t have access to internet or are not as familiar with technology. Call centers are open every day from 8:00 am MDT to 10:00 pm MDT and the reservation fee remains $2.
or by using the recreation.gov mobile app (iOS/Android).
Visitors are encouraged to set up their account in advance. Once you set up an account, you will select the day you plan to visit the park, add it to your cart, and process payment. Visit the article on the Recreation.gov Help Center for detailed information on purchasing a vehicle reservation. After payment, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with an attached vehicle reservation. Visitors should save the vehicle reservation (e.g., print, download, screenshot). Vehicle Reservations are non-transferable, and resale or auction of reservations is prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to secure vehicle reservations prior to arriving at the park. Vehicle Reservations must be purchased from Recreation.gov and are not available at park entrance stations or park offices. Limited cell service is available in West Glacier and St. Mary. Wi-Fi may be available in surrounding communities. Many public libraries and area hotels provide free access.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
What are you going to do with your old Christmas Tree? Have you ever considered recycling it instead of just throwing it away?
Kalispell Parks & Recreation is asking everyone to place their Christmas Trees on the Boulevard for recycling on January 8, 15, or 22, 2022. All of the trees must have the ornaments, tinsel, garland and other decoration removed before placing them outside for pickup. For more information, pleases call 406-758-7849. Learn more – HERE.
What are the benefits of Christmas Trees Recycling?
One of the most important benefits of recycling the trees is that the trees are not just going straight to the landfill and be mixed up with trash. Instead the trees can be repurposed to benefit the environment.
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks uses recycled trees for fish habitat projects across the state of Montana. Submerged Christmas trees in a pond or lake are great for providing habitats for fish that help to protect small or juvenile fish from predators. The trees also provide places where algae and insects can thrive providing a great food source for fish.
Many of the trees are turned into compost and used to help tree growth and other gardening projects across the city. Did you know that the city of Kalispell puts some of the trees through a chipper and offers free mulch to the community? The mulch and wood chips are great for feeding trees, suppressing weeds and as they decompose, they add nutrients to the soil.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
The city of Libby in Montana is known as the “City of Eagles,” and was settled in the 1880’s, Libby has about 2,750 residents and is located on Kootenai River shadowed by the Cabinet Mountains.
The city has a long history of mining and timber industry, but has transitioned over the years to tourism. As a city known as the City of Eagles, several eagle sculptures can be found around town including three 60 foot eagles.
From hiking and fishing to great food, skiing, camping and shopping, Libby is a great place to explore. Stop by the Libby Heritage Museum and check out an original locomotive, view the beautiful waterfalls at Kootenai Falls, and then see if you have what it takes to cross the Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge.
Explore Libby, Montana
Do you like hiking? Libby has over 200 trails where you can explore and see nature peacefully. You can walk through ancient cedar groves that are lined with giant ferns or you can explore The Kootenai. Kootenai Falls and the Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge are both a site to behold. If that is not enticing enough, the wildlife is amazing offering great opportunities to catch a glimpse of Bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, elk , black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, osprey and of course bald eagles.
Do you enjoy fishing, boating and hunting? The Kootenai River flows year round because of the Libby Dam which means there are great opportunities for the fishing enthusiast. Lake Koocanusa likes half way between the US and Canada. It has over 200 miles of accessible shoreline which is perfect for boating. Hunting is a way of life in Montana and the hunting in the Kootenai is great with over 6,000 acres to explore. There are also hundreds of campgrounds to choose from in the area. If you like golf, check out the 18 hole course at the foot of the Cabinet Wilderness.
How about skiing and snowmobiling? Libby is not crowed which means you can choose your own adventure as you cross-country ski through groomed trails with spectacular views of Yaak and Kootenai. Grab a helmet and explore the area on a snowmobile. Each ride is unique offering an experience that will be remembered. Turner Mountain has over 300 inches of snowfall per year. It is a volunteer run located 23 miles north of Libby with one double chairlift and about 300 acres. The mountain is open Friday through Sunday only so plan ahead.
Is shopping and eating more of your style? If you like antiquing, there are some great deals in Libby. Stop by Left Hand Antiques and Curios, Red Barn Antiques and even the thrift stores. You may find a treasure that you must add to your collection. There are lots of great gift shops filled with local hand-made items from quilts to huckleberry jam. You will not go hungry in Libby with great local restaurants like Henry’s Restaurant, The Last Straw Café, and the Burger Express….just to mention a few. Ask the locals, they will tell you a great place to stop in for a bite. Don’t forget to stop into the Heritage Museum, it is a wonderful place to explore and learn about the history of Libby, Montana.
Libby is a great place to check out in Montana, but don’t read about, visit Libby, Montana. There are lots of great resources to learn more about Libby, Montana. Check out LibbyMT.com, City of Libby Website, or the Libby Chamber Website.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
