Ultimate Winter Guide for Kalispell, Montana

Nestled in the stunning Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Montana, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and endless outdoor adventures. 

We just had the most amazing trip to Kalispell in January, and it’s the perfect winter destination for people who love stunning snowy landscapes, winter activities, and cozy mountain-town vibes. It is seriously such an underrated destination that needs to be on your bucket list!

How to get there

1. By Plane: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, Montana. This airport is about 15 minutes by car from downtown Kalispell.
2. By Car: Drive into Kalispell from nearby cities like Missoula, MT (~2 hours and 120 miles away), Spokane, WA (~4 hours and 220 miles away), and Calgary, AB (~5 hours and 300 miles away). Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with good tires and check road conditions, especially in mountainous areas, before your drive to ensure your safety
3. By Train: Ride the Amtrak’s Empire Builder train route that passes through Whitefish, MT about 15 miles from Kalispell. Then get a rental car or take a taxi or rideshare into Kalispell.

Getting around

Definitely rent a car at FCA to get around as public transportation is limited. Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National/Alamo are rental car companies located in the terminal adjacent to the baggage claim area. Dollar, Enterprise, Toyota, and Thrifty are available outside of the airport and reachable by shuttle. Don’t forget to check road conditions before you drive each day, drive slowly and safely, maintain extra following distance, and carry an emergency winter kit on snow-packed roads.

When to go

December: Best time for winter vibes, holiday magic, and festive lights and decorations throughout downtown. Participate in Christmas events like the tree lighting, holiday tours of the Conrad Mansion, and Christmas Lights Trolley Tours. 

January: One of the snowiest months for Kalispell and ideal for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There are also fewer crowds since the holidays are over so there will be shorter lift lines at ski resorts and quieter trails.

February: This month benefits by having warmer and longer days as the season approaches spring. There are also holidays and celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Frosty the Brewfest, touring concerts at the Wachholz College Center, and even a skijoring event! 

What to do

1. Skiing/Snowboarding – Kalispell is close to amazing skiing and snowboarding spots like at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. We had a great time snowboarding at Blacktail since there were hardly any lines for the ski lifts, plenty of open space, and there was even light snow falling through most of our runs! Ski season can be such a busy season (with ski lift lines going for hours!), so I really appreciated not having to wait in lift lines at Blacktail.
2. Snowmobiling – A fun activity we did was snowmobiling with Swan Mountain Snowmobiling. We had a great guide who taught us how to drive, took us to several scenic spots, and helped us take all our photos!
3. Glacier National Park – If you’re exploring Montana’s crown jewel, Glacier National Park, Kalispell is the ideal spot to stay since it’s only a short drive away and has great restaurants and breweries to enjoy after. You can visit on your own or book a guided tour with Sea Me Paddle or the Glacier Institute. 
4. Lone Pine State Park – One of the most stunning views of the Flathead Valley is at the top of Lone Pine State Park. There are several trails to hike, many picture-worthy spots, and the park is a great place for a quiet escape. 
5. Herron Park – Another park near Lone Pine State Park filled with great trails that make you feel like you are in a snowy wonderland during the winter. The snow-covered trees, trails, and mountains are a dramatic and stunning backdrop for photographers.
6. Downtown Kalispell – Head into downtown Kalispell for the afternoon to check out local shops like Western Outdoor, Honey Home, Sage & Cedar, and the Toggery! The best way to end your shopping downtown is by enjoying a huckleberry milkshake at Norm’s Soda Fountain.

Where to eat

Kalispell, Montana, may be known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but its food scene is equally worth exploring. From hearty Montana classics to farm-to-table dishes and unique local flavors, Kalispell has a food scene that is worth exploring.

1. Desoto Grill – This southern BBQ restaurant has smokers firing that you can smell from a block away.
   1. Our favorite was the smoked beef brisket platter which was so tender we didn’t need a knife. The beef brisket came with some of the best cornbread with honey butter we have ever had, and we chose a smoky bacon mac and pork belly collard greens for our two sides (which were amazing by the way!). The sides were hearty and rounded out a great meal at Desoto. 
   2. We also got a BBQ chopped salad with salmon that had crisp greens and was well-seasoned to complement the rich and savory barbecue.
2. Sykes Diner & Market – A great place to start your day is at Kalispell’s oldest restaurant, Sykes Diner, which is popular for its delicious and hearty meals that will keep you fueled through the day. If you go from 7-9 AM you can even get 10-cent coffee (coffee for only $0.10)!
   1. We started our breakfast with the Prospector’s Breakfast which came with a huge chicken fried steak smothered in creamy sausage gravy. It was so big we needed another plate for the sides it came with (hashbrowns, eggs, and biscuits).
   2. For our second main, we got a delicious Smoke House Benedict which has beef brisket, pulled pork, green chilies, and topped with plenty of hollandaise sauce.
   3. The award-winning huckleberry bread pudding with ice cream at Sykes is an amazing way to end your breakfast!
3. Freestone Restaurant – For our last dinner, we ate Montana-style dishes at a restaurant decorated like a cozy lodge called Freestone.
   1. We ordered the sarsaparilla-braised bison short ribs, and it came with brown-butter sage Yukon mashed potatoes. The short ribs were so tender, and the sweet and savory sarsaparilla sauce it was braised in was delicious! 
   2. We also enjoyed our other entree, the seafood arrabbiata, which is fettuccine with shrimp, calamari, mussels, and andouille sausage in a roasted tomato sauce with a nice spicy kick.
   3. If crème brûlée is on the menu, I have to get it, and we loved the huckleberry brûlée made with locally harvested huckleberries mixed in the smooth and decadent custard.
4. Tamarack Brewing Company – This brewery is a great spot to enjoy craft beers and delicious food.
   1. We ordered the ribeye that was cooked and seasoned well with a great chimichurri sauce over the top. We were pleasantly surprised to get a steak this good outside of a steakhouse!
   2. We also got the brew kettle ribs that were smoked well and covered in a tasty stout BBQ sauce. The ribs literally fell off the bone and melted in our mouths. 

Where to stay

I recommend staying near downtown Kalispell! We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell downtown and loved our stay. The rooms were clean, modern, and spacious, and we enjoyed the gym, pool, casino, and laundry at the hotel. There is also a delicious restaurant on-site that we love called Freestone Restaurant (detailed in the Where to Eat section).

What to pack

Packing for a winter trip in Kalispell means preparing for cold temperatures, snowy conditions, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re visiting for skiing, exploring Glacier National Park, or enjoying cozy downtown activities, you should pack warm and comfortable clothes including the following:

1. Base Layers: Thermal shirts and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials for moisture-wicking and warmth. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture and can make you cold.
2. Mid-Layers: Pack a cozy sweater, fleece jacket or pullover, or insulated vest for extra insulation and added warmth.
3. Outwear: Make sure to get a well-insulated and waterproof winter jacket with down or synthetic materials to protect against the snow and cold! A windproof shell is also helpful for activities like skiing or snowboarding.
4. Pants: Bring insulated snow pants for skiing or snowboarding and waterproof or fleece-lined pants for casual outings or hiking.
5. Gloves or Mittens: Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens are important to keep your hands warm and dry.
6. Hat: A knit hat or beanie is helpful to keep your head and ears warm.
7. Scarf: Get a scarf to keep your face and neck warm from the wind and cold and to style with your outfit!
8. Thermal socks: Bring plenty of thick-moisture-wicking socks (like wool socks) for warmth and comfort. Pack extra in case they get wet from the snow.
9. Footwear: Bring waterproof, insulated snow boots with good traction for walking on icy or snowy paths. Consider bringing a pair of comfortable casual shoes for indoor activities or exploring downtown or getting ice cleats or attachable spikes for your boots for added traction on slippery surfaces.
10. Outdoor Activities: If you plan on doing outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, bring ski pants, a waterproof jacket, and goggles to protect your eyes from snow and glare since you’ll be surrounded by snow. Also, pack disposable hand and toe warmers if you expect to be outside for extended times.
11. Travel Accessories: Bring a backpack to carry your items, a water bottle or thermos to stay hydrated and keep warm beverages, and a power bank since the cold weather can drain batteries faster.

Hope this helps you have a fun trip to Kalispell! Check out more info on Kalispell here!