Whitefish makes world 'Top 25' ski-town list
National Geographic Adventure has included Whitefish in its profile of the 25 Best Ski Towns in the World.
The best of the best are featured on National Geographic’s website in the Adventure section at http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.
Aaron Teasdale, an award-winning writer and photographer from Missoula who specializes in outdoor adventure, put together the compilations.
“Just what makes a classic ski town?” Teasdale asked. “It starts, naturally, with skiing and snowboarding so good they attract people like youth-bestowing fountains. Then add an inviting mountain burg steeped in ski heritage, amenities and culture.”
The profiles include insider tips on “where to stay, play, and party, whether you’re on a budget or indulging.”
Whitefish is noted as best for families and groups with disparate skiing abilities.
“The newly rechristened Whitefish Mountain Resort, the resort formerly known as Big Mountain, looms invitingly above the bars and restaurants of the Western-style downtown, which is anchored by Whitefish’s historic train station,” the website states.
“Whitefish the ski area lives up to its family-friendly billing with good first-timer terrain and an abundance of long, wide-open, roller coaster groomers where skiers and snowboarders of all abilities can get their superhero on.”
The profile mentions the resort’s “snow ghosts” and “ample pockets of steep and deep terrain.”
The Hibernation House on Big Mountain got a nod for being among the most reasonable digs, while The Lodge at Whitefish Lake was listed as the swankiest place to stay.
The Buffalo Cafe in downtown Whitefish got high marks for “Best Eats” along with Tupelo Grille for a great dinner. After-ski party spot honors went to the Bierstube on the mountain.
Bozeman was the only other Montana city to make the list.
Other ski resort towns making the top 25 list include: Girdwood, Alaska; Fernie, British Columbia, Canada; Zermatt, Switzerland; Chamonix, France; Crested Butte, Colo.; Aspen, Colo.; Niseko, Japan; Kitzbuhel, Austria; Bend, Ore.; Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada; Taos, N.M.; Park City, Utah; Truckee, Calif.; Whistler, British Columbia; North Conway, N.H.; Banff, Canada; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Telluride, Colo.; Jackson, Wyo.; Wanaka, New Zealand; Stowe, Vermont; and Ketchum, Idaho.