Accommodations

If you plan to stay at Whitefish Mountain [1], you’ll generally pay for the convenience of skiing to and from your door, but there are frequent deals, especially for groups. The lodges at Whitefish Mountain are also open in summer, and rates are generally about 25 percent lower than the high-season winter prices listed here.

Many, but not all, of the accommodations on the mountain are run by the ski area; for this broad selection of rooms and condos, the easiest way to arrange for lodgings is to call Whitefish Mountain’s central reservation number (800/858-4152) and discuss your needs with the reservations clerk, or check the options at their website (www.whitefishmountain.com [2]).

Of the lodgings offered by the ski area, Hibernation House ($95) is the economy choice, especially if you’re traveling or your own or with one other person. This is a bed-and-breakfast hotel; breakfast is included in the rates.

At the Edelweiss Condominiums ($155 and up) all of the studio units have kitchens and fireplaces.

Anapurna Properties ($150 and up) offers a wide range of condos and private homes with indoor pools and hot tubs.

The mountain’s upscale hotel isn’t handled by the ski area’s central reservations. Kandahar Lodge (3824 Big Mountain Rd., 406/862-6098 or 800/862-6094, www.kandaharlodge.com [3], $188 and up) is Whitefish Mountain’s fanciest, with an excellent restaurant and alpine lodge decor; suites with kitchens are available.

About three miles down the hill from the lift area is Ptarmigan Village (3000 Big Mountain Rd., 406/862-3594 or 800/552-3952, www.ptarmiganvillage.com [4], $125 and up), with studio condos, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a sauna. This is a good pick if you don’t fancy being right in the hub of the ski area; it’s in a woodsy setting and is much less bustling than the area up the mountain. It’s operated independently of the ski area.