20–22 January 2027
Travel & lodging
Whitefish is easy to reach once you know the route. Here’s the practical version: where we’ll meet, where to fly or take the train, how to finish the trip, and places to stay.
The venue
Downtown Whitefish
Second Story
101 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937SkiSides will be held at 101 Central in downtown Whitefish. Herb & Omni is on the first floor, and most conference programming will take place upstairs in Second Story. We’ll share final arrival and room details with attendees closer to the event.
Getting here
Arrive by air or rail
Approximately 15–20 minutes to Whitefish
FCA is the simplest arrival point. From the airport, follow US 2 west to MT 40 west, then take US 93 north into Whitefish. Rental-car counters are in and near the terminal; taxis, shuttles, Uber, and Lyft also serve the airport. Some Whitefish hotels offer airport transportation by advance reservation.
Approximately 2½ hours to Whitefish
From MSO, rent a car and take US 93 north through the Mission Valley, along Flathead Lake, and through Kalispell to Whitefish. Missoula has seven rental-car agencies in baggage claim. Build extra time into the trip when snow or limited daylight may affect the drive.
Arrives in downtown Whitefish
Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves Whitefish directly from Chicago to the east and Seattle or Portland to the west, along with communities across the route. For attendees traveling from those cities or elsewhere along the railway, it can be a practical alternative to flying into Montana and arranging a car. The Whitefish station is close to downtown hotels and 101 Central. Confirm current schedules with Amtrak and leave flexibility around long-distance connections.
Where to stay
Recommended lodging
These properties are convenient options for SkiSides attendees. This is not a room block: availability and rates are set by each hotel, and attendees book directly.
South of downtown Whitefish, with straightforward access from US 93.
On the Whitefish River, a short distance from downtown and the Whitefish train depot.
A lodge-style property beside Whitefish Lake Golf Course with local transportation options.
An all-suite property with kitchens and advance-reservation shuttle service to FCA and downtown.
A boutique hotel in the center of downtown Whitefish, close to restaurants and shops.
A design-forward boutique hotel in Whitefish’s historic Railway District, within easy walking distance of downtown.
A full-service lakefront resort just north of downtown Whitefish.
Beyond SkiSides
Bring the family
SkiSides can be one part of the trip. Ski or ride at Whitefish Mountain Resort, explore winter in Glacier National Park, or plan a quieter day with the people who came with you. Many activities are seasonal, require advance booking, and depend on snow, ice, and road conditions.
Glacier National Park has cross-country ski and snowshoe routes for different experience levels. Winter services are limited, so check current conditions and route guidance before leaving Whitefish.
Plan with the National Park ServiceReserve a private Clydesdale-pulled sleigh ride and barn visit nearby. Experiences are by appointment and operate when weather and ice conditions allow.
Explore Clydesdale experiencesSmall local operators sometimes offer winter dog-sled tours outside Whitefish. Capacity, participant requirements, and the operating season vary, so confirm details directly before building it into the trip.
Review the local listingLocal guides offer seasonal ice-fishing outings on area lakes when conditions permit. Ask about the meeting point, equipment, group size, and age requirements before reserving.
Find winter activity leadsTraveling with children or a non-skiing partner? The official Whitefish family guide is a useful place to start. Explore the family guide
Plan ahead
101 Central is in downtown Whitefish. Reserve air or rail travel, ground transportation, and lodging early; we’ll share final arrival details with attendees closer to the event.
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