Great for Groups
On a recent trip to Whitefish Mountain Resort, I was skiing around with Mountain Ambassador Bob Kimball when several skiers caught up with us and called out to Bob. These skiers were on a mountain tour Bob had given the day before and asked if they could join us.
The notion is the more the merrier, and introductions were made all around. As it turned out the four guys were all with the New York State Finger Lakes Ski Club and one actually lived only a short 25 miles from me. A small world on a Big Mountain!
The ski club members had come in a group of about twenty and had booked into the ski-in/shuttle out, Sherpa Condos with full kitchens, outdoor grilling, a heated indoor pool, and close to the general store.
There are many condominium properties available for rent at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Condos are available with various slope access such as shuttle or walk in/out, ski-in/walk-out, ski-out/walk-in, and of course, the closest to the slopes, ski-in/ski-out. Whichever lodging you choose you are never far from the lifts.
The Whitefish Mountain Village
If you stay at one of the many properties on the mountain everything you need is pretty much close at hand. Ski and boot rentals, a small grocery and snack store are right there and across the street is the famous Bierstube.
The Bierstube is an apres ski bar and restaurant. In fact, it fits better to call it, just a cool, casual, after sking place to mix it up, talk skiing and grab a quick supper. Also, just up toward the lifts and easy walking distance is another cozy and friendly dining spot - the Hellroaring Saloon and Eatery, located in The Big Mountain Chalet which is the original ski lodge building.
The restaurant here is a little quieter than the Bierstube, but you can tell it's ready and able to carry a night of fun as it has for many years before.
The Kandahar Lodge
During my visit to Whitefish Mountain Resort, I stayed a few nights on the mountain and a few nights nearer the town of Whitefish, on Whitefish Lake.
On the mountain I stayed in the Kandahar Lodge, a ski-in alpine lodge on the main road to Whitefish Mountain Resort village. To ski out, I just walked across the access road clicked in and skied down to the lower base village and lift.
The main entrance opens right to the reception desk and immediately turns to a cozy step down sitting and fireplace area with a wood burning fireplace that is attended to throughout the day. To me, after a day skiing a real wood fireplace, with the smells and sounds of hearty seasoned wood makes for a casually elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
To slide down into one of the Kandahar's leather armchairs and become mesmerized watching the embers dance up the chimney feels so comfortable I wanted to doze off right there.
The fireplace, a masterpiece of river rock craftsmanship, rises from floor to ceiling and facing the fireplace on the landing level is the Snug Bar. As the name implies, it is an intimate full service bar with historical and local ski photos lining the wall. Ski buff that I am, I spent a good hour just checking out who autographed them.
A Room for Everyone
The Kandahar offers 50 rooms in 6 floor plans so there is a fit for singles to extended families. My studio room had a queen bed, sofa, kitchen, and eating area and I would have been quite comfortable staying for even two more weeks.
The other floor plans graduate up to the executive suite offering over 1800 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a full kitchen.
Cafe Kandahar
Whether your time at Whitefish Mountain Resort includes staying at the Kandahar Lodge or elsewhere, your vacation would not be complete without dining at the Cafe Kandahar. In fact, I never asked someone where to eat and not hear them mention the Cafe Kandahar.
Chef Andy Blanton and his innovative cuisine have made the Cafe a dstination restaurant not to be missed. Andy prepared a Buffalo Tenderloin with presentation and trimmings that was as delicious as any beef I've had. He also prepared an Elk appetizer that was another first tasting for me and, although I'm not a big fan of game meat, it was very good.
It is a remarkable dining experience, that you don't usually associate with a ski resort, but Chef Andy is a skier and quite content offering an exquisitely prepared and presented menu every evening while spending his days skiing on a world class mountain.
Off the Mountain
My host from the Whitefish Visitor's Bureau had a good idea when he wanted me to stay a couple of nights off the mountain and nearer the town of Whitefish.
The town of Whitefish is energetic and lively year round, with the spectacular Glacier National Park a short ride and water activities on nearby Whitefish and Flathead Lakes.
Truth be told the summer experiences appeal to traveling vacationers as much as the great winter skiing available.
Central Avenue
Downtown Whitefish centers on, what else - Central Avenue. O'Shaughnessy Center hosts live theater and events and the Stumphouse museum is right in the train depot.
Central Avenue itself is the hot spot for dining, legendary bars, live music, cafes, galleries, souvenir and boutique shopping and, yes, this is the American west, poker games.
Just off Central, is the WAVE and Athletic Center with a waterslide, three pools, racquet/handball and basketball courts, and workout facilities.
