Related Sponsors

Summer resort escape: The Big Mountain

Home » » Montana: 1-2 Day Itineraries » Summer resort escape: The Big Mountain

Like Big Sky, the Big Mountain is among the best skiing areas in Montana -- and its is also a fantastic summer resort. Big Mountain is is located in the northwest part of the state, eight miles north of the small town of Whitefish. Travelers from the Pacific Northwest arrive by Amtrak; and round-trip air to Kalispell airport averages $300 (there's a free shuttle between this airport and the resort). To arrange lodging at Big Mountain, go to www.bigmtn.com .

So what is there to do at Big Mountain and Whitefish in the summer? To start, there are dozens of miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking trails on Big Mountain. The gondola that can take you to the summit of Big Mountain Summer activities travels 6800 feet, and provides stunning views of the Rockies and the Flathead Valley along the way. There are also gondola rides overlooking Glacier National Park. One experience unique to Big Mountain is the Rocky Mountain "Walk in the Treetops": a guided tour by mountain bike and on foot, which culminates in a walk along an 800-foot boardwalk through the forest canopy. This boardwalk is like a suspended bridge, up to 70 feet above the forest floor. This unique "hiking trail" in the sky allows visitors breathtaking vistas of the Flathead Valley and Salish Mountains. In addition to all the special opportunities provided by the Big Mountain’s natural setting, the summer resort also has more typical resort offerings such as golf and tennis.

Next Page: A weekend in Glacier National Park

Related Montana: 1-2 Day Itineraries Articles