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Your Winter Adventure Headquarters

2021 - 2022 Winter Season Update

Bar W is getting some upgrades! We’re undergoing a few projects to make your stay at the Ranch even better. Sleigh Rides are coming to an end, construction is still underway. We are currently not taking lodging reservations for the winter season. We’re gearing up for a busy 2022 season!

come home to comfort

During the winter months the Bar W offers bed and breakfast stays, sleigh rides, and rents the entire lodge or cabin as a vacation home. Couples, families, solo travelers, and groups will enjoy adventure by day, and relaxing hospitality by night during their Whitefish winter getaway!

Montana’s landscape is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts that beckons to be explored. As a blanket of snow covers the valley, it comes alive with a crisp, clear beauty. The Bar W is in the center of it all, making for an ideal home base to experience winter snow sports right out your door!

Feel at home at the ranch and take advantage of sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, ice fishing, back country skiing, dog sledding and more. At the end of the day take a nice soak in the hot tub, play pool, listen to music, read a book or just sit back relax and let the beauty of Montana surround you. 

Sleigh Ride At the Bar W Guest Ranch

Winter Activities


    Sleigh Rides at the Bar W Guest Ranch

    Sleigh Rides

    When the temperature drops at Bar W, it’s time to bundle up in winter gear and harness our favorite gentle giants- the draft teams! Gliding across Montana’s snow-blanketed landscape while cozied up under a plush blanket with family and friends on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, is a wintertime tradition.

    Ski & Stay Packages

    Whitefish Mountain Ski resort is just 7 miles away and has been named by SKI Magazine readers as the top resort in the west for “Overall Satisfaction” in 2018/19 “Resort of the Year” issue. There is terrain for every level skier. The lift lines are short and the powder is plentiful.

    Cross Country Skiing and Nordic Skiing

    There are 3 cross country ski areas within a few miles of the Ranch with over 200 miles of groomed trails. Or try the Glacier Park System, accessible by Amtrak.

    Winter Fat Biking

    An extensive network of trails from beginner to advanced riders is located in the ranch's backyard! The Whitefish Trail System has ungroomed trails available to the public at no cost. Fat bikes are available to rent through Whitefish Bike Retreat at affordable rates!

    Backcountry Skiing

    The Bar W has partnered with Great Northern Powder Guides to offer backcountry skiing on the Stryker Ridge territory. Run after run, the untracked powder is endless.

    Snowmobiling

    There are miles of trails around the Ranch to choose from. Bring your own sleds or rent from a snowmobile outfitter in the immediate area. Prepare for an exhilarating ride!

    Dog Sledding

    One of the most special things to do – definitely a twice in a lifetime activity to experience. Guests from 8 months to 80 years have loved the experience and the dogs. Dog sledding is conveniently located a few miles from the ranch and is sure to leave your tail-waggin'!

    Ice Fishing

    If the pike in Spencer Lake don’t excite you, there is always one of many lakes to chose from for trout, perch, and more. Bring your own gear and spend an afternoon on the Lake.

    Ice Skating

    Enjoy ice skating at the local ice rink or join in a fun game of hockey at the Stumptown Ice Den. Put on those skates and prepare to have a blast.

    Downtown Whitefish

    Whitefish is a charming mountain town full of great shopping, luxurious day-spas, and top-rated restaurants. The town of Whitefish is rich with art galleries, theatre, craft breweries and distilleries, and a vibrant nightlife. It's not to be missed!

    Snowshoe Tours in Glacier National Park

    Glacier Park's dramatic peaks, streams, and vistas are incredible when blanketed with snow. Take a guided interpretive tour through the ``Crown Jewel of the Continent`` with Glacier Adventure Guides.
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