Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana · Hiking · Accessibility score 1.2/5
Address: 1015 Glades Drive Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: (406) 862-2900
About
Whitefish Mountain Resort sits in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana, just outside Glacier National Park. Known primarily as a ski destination, the resort has become a year-round attraction with hiking trails, scenic gondola rides, and mountain biking that draw visitors from across the country.
The resort's summit sits at nearly 7,000 feet, offering panoramic views of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the surrounding wilderness. During summer months, the gondola carries visitors to the top where they can access trails, enjoy wildflower meadows, and take in views that stretch into Canada on clear days.
What sets Whitefish Mountain apart is its growing commitment to adaptive recreation. DREAM Adaptive Recreation operates on-site, providing adaptive equipment and trained instructors for visitors with disabilities. A new 14,000 square-foot facility, the Lesar Mountain Center, is designed to accommodate up to 10 wheelchair users at a time and includes offices, gathering spaces, and day lockers.
Beyond the resort itself, the town of Whitefish offers excellent trail options. The Whitefish Trail spans 15 miles through town along the Whitefish River and part of Whitefish Lake, maintained year-round. The Great Northern Rail Trail provides 22 miles of paved surface connecting Somers, Kalispell, and Kila, with multiple parking areas so visitors can choose their own starting point.
Nearby Lone Pine State Park overlooks the Flathead Valley and offers a free Action Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair available for use on its primary trail system and ADA-accessible overlook.
Lodging options in the area include ADA-compliant rentals with features like wide doorways, accessible showers, and lower electrical switches. The Pines at Whitefish Mountain Resort includes wheelchair-accessible bathroom options.
Whitefish itself is a charming small town with restaurants, shops, and a welcoming community. The combination of mountain scenery, adaptive programs, and accessible trails makes it a compelling destination for travelers of all abilities.
Accessibility
Whitefish Mountain Resort has one wheelchair-accessible gondola. Guests requiring the accessible gondola should arrive at the chairlift at least 15 minutes early. A paved walkway leads from the Birch parking lot directly to Chair 1.
DREAM Adaptive Recreation operates at the resort, offering adaptive equipment and instruction. The upcoming Lesar Mountain Center is a three-story, 14,000 square-foot facility designed to accommodate up to 10 wheelchair users at a time.
In the surrounding area, the Great Northern Rail Trail offers 22 miles of paved surface between Somers, Kalispell, and Kila with multiple parking access points. Lone Pine State Park provides a free Action Trackchair for use on its primary trail system and ADA-accessible overlook.
Lodging with wheelchair access is available in the Whitefish area, including townhomes with wide doorways, accessible showers, and lowered electrical fixtures. The Pines at Whitefish Mountain Resort includes at least one wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
Contact Whitefish Mountain Resort directly at their guest services for current details on accessible restroom locations, specific trail conditions, sensory accommodations, and any seasonal changes to accessibility features.
More accessible places in Montana
- A Carousel for Missoula (Missoula)
- Yellowstone Art Museum (Billings)
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (Deer Lodge)
- Missoula Art Museum (Missoula)
- Big Hole National Battlefield (Wisdom)
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Fort Smith)