Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Fall Group Retreats

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:26:29 GMT

Mountain Wellness Retreats at Kandahar Lodge, Whitefish, Montana

As summer comes to an end and the days begin to shorten, nature calls for a time of slow down and self-reflection. Kandahar Lodge embraces this change in season, known for its cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and fall foliage. This fall, we are honoring wellness by closing our doors to the public and opening exclusively to group wellness retreats.

Wake up with your favorite warm beverage by the fire, and enjoy breakfast on us! Envision strolling through the forest, taking in the crisp Autumn air, immersed in the golden tamarack-tinted forest. Reach the summit for iconic winter-capped views of Glacier National Park.

At Kandahar Lodge, we offer the perfect mix of a true mountain lodge getaway, while being in close proximity to the community of Whitefish, Montana. Our mountain getaway is nestled in the village of Whitefish Mountain Resort, offering unlimited miles of hiking and biking.

During your group retreat, you will have exclusive access to our common areas, including the cozy lobby where you can curl up by the crackling fireplace with a good book or game. Unwind each evening in the large outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, fitness center, or by way of a relaxing massage with Massage on the Mountain. Perfect for retreats of any kind to escape from the hustle of everyday busy lives.

Our Northern Lights room is the perfect space for workshops, yoga classes, meditations, and so much more. Our meeting room can hold groups up to 50, in addition to smaller breakout rooms. Kandahar Lodge is open for fall group bookings in the months of October & November with a minimum of 10 rooms.

Want to experience Glacier National Park this fall? Kandahar Lodge is conveniently situated next to the west entrance of Glacier National Park, a short 45-minute drive.

Contact your group sales manager to learn more.

Tiffany Nitschke

Director of Sales & Marketing

406-862-6098

tiffany@kandaharlodge.com

www.kandaharlodge.com

Ranked #3 for Best Resorts in Ski Magazine

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:21:00 GMT

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 2020 SKI Magazine Reader Resort Survey Rank: 3rd in the West

Attaining success is every resort’s goal. Not letting that success change you is a whole new ball game. Whitefish is handling both with grace these days. With its growing reputation (hello No. 3) comes growing skier visits—and skier demands. But the DNA of the place remains stubbornly consistent: authentic, Montana friendly, fiercely independent. Skiers notice, and the numbers back it up. Ranked No. 2 in Service, Overall Satisfaction, and Value is an ideal—and unusual— holy trinity for a resort. And with arguably the most authentic ski town in sight of lift towers, landing No. 1 in Local Flavor is the resort’s secret sauce to success.

Not to mention, there’s a reason they call it Big Mountain. Namely, 3,000 exhilarating acres. With a legit terrain profile of 50-percent black diamond or double black diamond runs, there’s certainly enough terrain to keep everyone happy. But rest assured: This is a skier’s mountain. (Beeline to Hellroaring Basin or anything off of Chair 5.) But sweet steeps and obligatory jump turns are delivered without the local arrogance found at some of the bigger resorts. “It’s a great mountain that hasn’t lost its identity as a super-friendly locals’ hill,” opines one fan, and it’s a common sentiment. It is a fast-twitch mountain of hidden nooks and surprise fall lines. If you’re a newbie, invest the time in the free mountain tour. Yes, there’s no denying the famous “frequent fog” as one reader grouses. But “that’s what tree skiing is for,” another correctly counters. And when the fog lifts, “what a freaking view!”

Whitefish frequently inspires fans to write in all caps about both the resort and the town, which have “the friendliest people ANYWHERE.” A bit more unheralded, the town’s sophisticated dining and spirits scene pleasantly surprises visitors. But at the end of the day, it’s the area’s enduring small-town warmth that’s the flypaper that keeps visitors stuck on the place. As with any mountain-town resort on the rise, the hot local debate is if success equals progress. “We’re getting too much attention,” a Whitefish regular complains. “Please move us down a few pegs next year.” That, my friend, is up to you guys. — Greg Ditrinco

APRÈS SPOT: Hit Bonsai Brewing Project on the way down for yummy craft beers. In town, head to Spotted Bear Spirits for locally sourced libations. Highly recommended: the Snowghost.
LOCAL TIP: Often overlooked by visitors, Chair 2 (Swift Creek Express) opens a half-hour before Chair 1. Warm up on groomers, or crush an extra half-hour of powder before joining the uneducated heading to Chair 1 and the summit.

There’s something slightly melancholy about Whitefish’s rise up the rankings, and the heartfelt affection it’s receiving from a new generation of fans. The overwhelming message from readers is: “The locals are friendly and helpful. It’s the people who really make it special.” Apparently, the genuine hospitality found here is increasingly rare in the rapidly consolidating resort universe. That’s a shame. More the reason to head to Whitefish, which, not surprisingly, lands No. 1 in Local Flavor.

Oddly enough, what can get overlooked is the serious skiing. A glance at the trail map shows that black is the dominant trail color. Hellroaring Basin is big-time legit, as is almost everything in the East Rim pod when taking advantage of the new Chair 5. One reader does grouse that when the weather report says “chilly,” “we’re talking frostbite.” Relax. That’s just Montana grading on a curve. There’s no grade inflation needed for the “warm and welcoming” town of Whitefish. “I’m hesitant to say too many great things. I would rather it remain a secret,” is a common sentiment.

At every turn, it becomes clear that Whitefish embraces the old school passion that fuels the sport. Kids six and under ski free (the industry standard is 4). And the resort actually keeps a (public!) tracker on its website of vertical feet skied across a gloriously wide range of patrons: super seniors, kids, college students, business partners, even employees, and so on. The fun part is the disclaimer, which advises everyone to please chill out: “Your vertical is approximate and some scans can take several days to show up, or they might not show up at all. Our recommendation is that you enjoy the vertical program but not get too terribly hung-up on the results.” Whitefish gets it. Come crank a few turns here, and you will too. — Greg Ditrinco

LOCAL TIP: In what’s known locally as the “4 o’clock clear,” the mountain’s famous cloud cover tends to break up just about the time the lifts close. Act like a local and grab the last chair to the summit, linger a bit, and soak in the alpenglow and the glorious views on the way down.

MANDATORY RUN: Inspiration. The name says it all. This meandering groomer off the Big Mountain Express drops down the ridgeline with Glacier National Park views to skier’s left and valley views to the right. On an inversion day, the clouds stretch like a fluffy sea across the valley floor.

FAMILY EXPERIENCE: Without being too melodramatic, take an off-day trip with the kids to Glacier National Park for a Ranger-led snowshoe walk to see the eponymous features of the park before they disappear.

Source:
https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/whitefish-mountain-resort-montana

Kandahar Lodge’s Commitment to You

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:20:00 GMT

SAFETY FIRST IS OUR #1 CORE VALUE

Kandahar Lodge’s safety promise is our commitment to the safety and well-being of our guests and staff. Through this program, we will ensure that everyone feels safe when staying with us.

SAFE: Ensure adequate physical Heighten hygiene & distancing
CLEAN: Heighten hygiene & sanitation protocols
INFORMED: Rigorous staff training & communications
PEACE OF MIND: Taking a positive approach

Our team is diligently implementing these distancing and cleaning initiatives in collaboration with local, state, and federal organizations. These initiatives may be adapted based on health recommendations as the global health crisis and recovery evolves.

SAFE: Ensure adequate physical distancing

We have applied Plexiglass barriers, contactless payment and express checkouts wherever possible.
In our public spaces, guests will see our team helping to ensure we all work together and that everyone flows through the spaces appropriately – particularly in open spaces such as the breakfast area and the front desk areas.
Personal protective equipment will be provided to all lodging staff; room cleaning staff will wear face masks and gloves when working in guest rooms and in the common areas of the Lodge.
To limit contact, we will not be providing cleaning for multiple night stays unless requested.
Our great room, lounge, and restaurant areas will have reduced capacities. Seating will be reduced to promote physical distancing.
We will be screening our team members for illness at the beginning of each shift.

CLEAN: Heighten hygiene and sanitation protocols

Guests can expect extra-stringent room cleaning protocols between each guest stay and high frequency cleaning of all public spaces throughout the day.
We have introduced increased cleaning protocols with CDC approved cleaners. Disinfecting will be frequent and thorough.
We’ve removed all unnecessary touch points within our guest rooms and will rely on single-use amenities whenever possible.
We will disinfect amenities and touchpoints that remain in the rooms, such as TV remotes, refrigerators, AC units, window cranks, light switches and doorknobs.
We have placed hand sanitizing stations throughout all common areas.
In staff spaces, we have improved and enhanced our cleaning protocols. We have implemented staggered lunch schedules and removed chairs to promote social distancing wherever possible.

INFORMED: Rigorous staff training and communications

We know how important teamwork is to keep our staff, guests, and communities safe. All distancing and cleaning measures will be clearly communicated so they can be successfully implemented.
Our staff training is more rigorous than ever. We are always evolving and improving.
Our on-site signage and pre-arrival communications aim to be clear and straight-forward. We aim to ensure both guests and staff will support these measures.
We have new protocols for guests and staff illness reporting and management to help ensure healthy people stay that way.
We are committed to ongoing engagement and collaboration with our industry and governmental partners, ensuring we are aligned in protecting our guests, staff and community.

PEACE OF MIND: Taking a positive approach

We believe travel makes the world a better place. It creates strong connections in unexpected ways, builds communities and strengthens our understanding and empathy. Now more than ever, it’s time we all work together.
As practitioners of exceptional hospitality, we’re committed to inspiring those around us. We value optimism and so we smile and incorporate laughter and joy into our experiences.
We believe this remarkable area (Northwest Montana) has the power to heal and inspire. We are grateful to live and work here. We invite guests to join us in experiencing the power of this iconic destination.

A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

On behalf of Kandahar Lodge, I want to thank you for the trust you place in us. As always, your comfort, well-being, and safety continue to be our highest priorities.

Kandahar Lodge extends our concern to all individuals affected directly or indirectly by coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to providing a comfortable and healthy environment for our guests and team members and are closely monitoring the evolving situation.

In response to current concerns and recommendations, with guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force, we have supplemented our best practices concerning comprehensive health and safety procedures. As we continue to adapt our behavior, I want to advise you of a few of the additional measures we’re taking to help keep our guests and employees safe:

Our teams receive ongoing communication and enhanced operation protocols.
All high-touch areas are treated with additional disinfectant/sanitizer and with increased frequency. These areas include public door handles, handrails, elevator surfaces, shuttle vehicles, lobby areas, restrooms, and more.
Hand sanitizer is available for use throughout hotel common areas.
In-room amenities such as glassware, mugs, have been replaced with pre-packaged, disposable alternatives.
Other in-room amenities such as hair dryers, coffee makers, irons and boards, and plates and bowls have also been removed. These items remain available by contacting the front desk staff on an as-needed basis.
Physical distancing is facilitated by a plexiglass shield separating guests from front desk personnel. Please maintain the proper 6 foot social distancing throughout the Lodge. It is highly recommended that masks be worn while in the common areas of the Lodge, as proper distancing may not be available at all times (such as in staircases).
Reduced restaurant seating and table arrangements provide physical distance between guests that are not together.
Every team member completes a health and wellness screening upon arrival for work each day, and team member health is monitored throughout the day.

We encourage all guests and require all team members to follow recommended preventative measures to protect themselves and others:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home if you are sick.
Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow. After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands or apply an approved hand sanitizer.
Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces with disinfecting cleaner.
Practice physical distancing by maintaining 6 feet between yourself and others with whom you do not reside. Wear a face mask when physical distancing is impractical.

For guests that wish to cancel an upcoming stay, we have added flexibility to our cancellation policy for reservations.

We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and recommendations of the CDC, WHO, State of Montana, and the Flathead County Health Department. If you have questions about your upcoming stay, please contact us at 406.862.6098, toll-free 800.862.6095, or email us at info@kandaharlodge.com, or personally at jim@kandaharlodge.com.

Kandahar Lodge is a privately owned condominium hotel that strives to provide exceptional guest experiences in a fun and friendly environment. When challenges arise, so do opportunities to support one another as we can. Thank you for your support and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you to Whitefish!

Sincerely,

Jim Lockwood
General Manager
Kandahar Lodge

We continue to monitor the advice of government agencies and encourage you to stay informed by referencing reputable sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

World Health Organization

Montana Governor's Coronavirus Task Force https://covid19.mt.gov/

Flathead County Health Department

Safety in Uneasy Times – COVID-19

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 01:18:00 GMT

We take the health and safety of our guests and employees very seriously. That's why we've gone above and beyond to ensure your safety. Immediately following Whitefish Mountain Resort's abrupt closing to the winter season, we began the arduous task of deep cleaning the entire interior of the Lodge, from top to bottom. We will complete our thorough deep cleaning efforts prior to reopening for the summer 2020 season.

To put your mind at ease, we want to advise you of the additional health and safety measures we continually take to help keep our guests and employees safe:

We are cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms on a daily basis.
We've also increased the frequency of disinfecting and sanitizing all “high-touch” areas, such as room keys, door handles, light switches, telephones, etc.
Although single use plastic is not ideal, due to sanitization, we've decided to stock guest rooms with individually sealed plastic cups and flatware.
We have increased the frequency of spa chemistry testing.
Hand sanitizer is available in the common areas for your use.
We are using disposable disinfecting wipes to clean commonly used staff items like keyboards, desks, and countertops.
Management will ensure adequate supplies to support the CDC's cleaning and disinfecting guidelines.
Staff have been trained in preventing the spread of coronavirus, and we will continue to ensure that hygiene remains a main priority for all staff. Our goal is to create a safe and relaxing environment for all of our guests and employees to enjoy.
The entire staff has read and understands the CDC's COVID-19 business guidance report.

Although we had to close early, rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure the lodge is clean, disinfected, and safe for our guests when we re-open for the 2020 summer season. We miss our guests and hope everyone is staying healthy and hunkering down until it's safe to travel again.

We realize that you're dealing with life's uncertainties, so let us help by not imposing any cancellation fee up to 72 hours prior to your arrival. If you have questions, or would like to inquire about a reservation, please feel free to contact us at 406.862.6098 or email info@kandaharlodge.com . To learn more about Kandahar Lodge and to make a reservation, visit us at www.kandaharlodge.com .

We hope to see you at the Lodge soon!

H2O – loving it in northwest Montana!

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 01:14:00 GMT

Summer is at its peak and like many others, we are experiencing some pretty hot days. Thank goodness we are surrounded by water in the Flathead so we have the option to go play on it and in it and cool down. Jeff and I race our sailboat on Flathead Lake every Tuesday night.

Our son, Andrew, guides for Wild River Adventures, and shows raft loads of people the serene beauty and exciting splashes (“Bone Crusher”) on the Flathead River.

Paddlefish Paddleboards sends their patrons out on Whitefish Lake to combining site seeing with a bit of a workout and perhaps a few unexpected water dunkings.

Many people are hiking to the high mountain lakes. Glacier National Park has 250 lakes. Much of the surrounding wilderness and national and state forests have many lakes as well.

Fishermen are everywhere, on float tubes, on the banks of the rivers and on charter fishing boats.

Kayaks, canoes, sport boats, scuba diving, scenic boat tours….there are a lot of choices

Flathead Lake Biological Station recently reported a clean, blue and mussle-free Flathead Lake at their annual open house.As the oldest biological field station in the western hemisphere, the Flathead Biological Station has served as the “Sentinel of the Lake” since 1899, tracking water quality, influencing sweeping change in local environmental practices and gathering a tremendous amount of data. Aiding their detection efforts is groundbreaking research by Cody Youngbull, a physicist and entrepreneur at the bio station. In his work he builds state-of-the-art sensors and robotics used in water environments, called SensorSpace. This cutting-edge research technology can detect invasive species at the DNA level. This is good news for the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and every other body of water that has not been invaded by quagga or zebra mussels.

Clean and dry your watercraft as you move from one body of water to another. “Don’t move a mussel” I hope you have some water to love, too

10 Ways to be a Respectful & Sustainable Hiker

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 01:12:00 GMT

Here are some tips on how to be respectful and sustainable on the trails.

1. STAY ON THE TRAIL

Mountain vegetation is unique and fragile due to the high elevation, short growing season, and extremes in weather. By staying on the designated trails you protect what takes so long to mature. As tempting as it may be, don’t cut the switchbacks and trample the flora that needs to survive.

2. YIELD TO UPHILL HIKER

Uphill hikers have the right away, so as you are headed back down from a hike and come upon heavy breathing uphill traffic, step aside. Horses also have the right of way – move calmly off the trail to prevent spooking the horse and causing an injury.

3. LET FASTER HIKERS PASS

If faster hikers approach, let them pass. They may be hiking a longer distance requiring a faster pace. If you are the speedier one, announce yourself early and do it in a way that doesn’t frighten the hiker ahead.

4. PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN

Never litter. Even those biodegradables are a no-no. Orange peels, apple cores, and pistachio shells stay around for a very long time. Remember: “Leave no trace.”

5. DON’T PICK THE WILDFLOWERS

Leave the wildflowers for others to enjoy. Some are protected by law, others will not reproduce if picked. They look better in nature anyway.

6. WHEN MOTHER NATURE CALLS

Should Mother Nature call on you and you need to step off the trail, be sure to move to a spot 200 feet from a lake or creek. We need to protect the wild water, too.

7. LEASH YOUR DOG

Dogs running free can frighten people, horses, and wildlife. The law requires dogs to be leashed within wilderness areas. Be sure to carry out those doggie poop bags, as well!

8. KEEP THE WILDLIFE WILD

Feeding animals in the wild “people” food can cause them serious health problems. What’s more, it makes wild animals lose their natural fear of people. Feeding can make large, potentially dangerous animals become too comfortable around humans. Once animals learn they can panhandle for food, they can become a nuisance or a safety risk.

9. MAINTAIN A QUIET PRESENCE

You will see more mammals and birds in their natural habitats with lowered voices, whispers, and silence. A hushed voice is just more befitting of the natural environment and enables others to enjoy it, as well.

10. SMILE

Be cordial to your fellow hikers and smile at them as you pass by. After all, mountain exploration is exhilarating and you are sharing this beautiful experience!

(List compiled by Author Susan Linden, Aspen, CO)

Who owns all these great Whitefish restaurants?

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 01:11:00 GMT

Whitefish Restaurants

Plenty of passionate purveyors create a thriving dining scene

Our Whitefish restaurants offer a significant draw for visitors to Whitefish and every one is a story of creativity, innovation and passion.

Café Kandahar

Cafe Kandahar has been a cornerstone of Whitefish dining for the last 28 years. The restaurant is located inside the beautiful Kandahar Lodge, in the heart of the village at Whitefish Mountain Ski and Summer Resort. Our main dining room commemorates the beginning years of Whitefish Mountain with wonderful black and white photographs of the proprietors and skiing legends that helped build (then named) The Big Mountain Ski Resort during the 1950's. Our tradition of fine dining and efforts toward continued culinary excellence characterizes Cafe Kandahar as a premier dining establishment, a distinction recognized by travelers and locals alike.·

Andy Blanton was raised in several different cities, notably New Orleans, Louisiana and Virginia Beach, Virginia. His culinary journey began while working as a dishwasher at the age of 15. After working at a couple of restaurants washing dishes, curiosity began to arise and the allure of cooking became apparent. At eighteen years of age, Andy began to realize his path in the world of food. It was not until a year later, with several line cooking positions under his belt; he chose to catapult his career by enrolling in culinary school.

Attending the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Andy earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. This enabled him to return to his roots in Louisiana to explore the abundance of flavorful cuisine. Learning the techniques and core foundations of all facets of food preparation, while continuing to work in several different restaurants, he became fascinated with the different styles and versatility of food. He began to appreciate the happiness food brings to people, for both the chef who prepares it and the guest who enjoys it. This struck a deep chord within him and he became fully dedicated to creating this enjoyment for both himself and his guests.

The same year he finished school, Chef Blanton took a job at Commanders Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana, recipient of the James Beard Award for “Most Outstanding Restaurant in 1996.” This is where he learned depth within each dish, paying attention to details such as texture, mouth feel, presentation, eye appeal, and flavor, and how these elements combine for each and every plate.

His passion continued to grow as did his excitement with the industry. He began to research and educate himself about current trends, award winning chefs, and the finest examples of culinary cuisine. This led him to Brigtsens, working under Frank Brigtsen, another James Beard Award winning Chef, allowing him to fine tune his experience. While at Brigtsens, Andy was fortunate to also work with award winning chef Susan Spicer of Bayona.

In the fall of 1999, Andy chose to move to Whitefish, Montana for a change of pace and scenery. His talents were quickly recognized and he became Executive Chef of Café Kandahar at Big Mountain Resort in 2000. After six years as Executive Chef, Andy purchased the restaurant in 2006.

Café Kandahar serves creative cuisine with a strong classical foundation. The styles are Modern American with roots ripe in French and Creole influences.

Showcasing locally cultivated products, wild game and the freshest ingredients, Café Kandahar strives to provide guests with a unique and exquisite dining experience. The cafe boasts an extensive wine list garnering numerous accolades such as “The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” (since 1998) and the “Wine Enthusiasts Award of Unique Distinction” (since 2004). Specializing in the art of pairing food and wine, the café delights patrons with nightly features of both.

The Buffalo Café and Nightly Grill

For over 30 years the Buff has been serving breakfast and lunch to the people of Whitefish and those who visit. For the past 5 years we have also been offering a killer dinner option with a unique menu featuring hand pressed burgers you won’t find anywhere else (like the Hot Date Burger with crumbled blue cheese, grilled dates, and Sriracha aioli). And best of all, we have beer and wine available focusing on local craft beers (7 on draft) and well paired red and whites.

HISTORY

The Buffalo Cafe was first established in the early summer of 1979 in Bigfork, Montana by Charlie and Linda Maetzold. After several years in Bigfork, just before the birth of their first son Andy, Charlie and Linda packed their things and moved to the small ski town of Whitefish, Montana where they opened the Buffalo downtown and never looked back. Over the years, the Maetzold family grew to include their second son, Alex.

The Buffalo Cafe has been family owned and operated by the Maetzold Family and for over 30 years, Charlie and Linda have worked hard to create one of the best breakfast and lunch establishments around. The Buff has since been voted “Best Breakfast in Whitefish” 6 of the last 8 years along with awards for “Best Lunch” and “Best Burger”. Now Alex and Andy are working on keeping it that way for the next 30 years

In May of 2008, after graduating from the University of Montana, Andy and Alex found their way back home to Whitefish and took on the challenge of opening the Buffalo Café’s first dinner operation-and the Buffalo’s Nightly Grill was born. Over the last few years, the Buff’s Nightly Grill has been awarded “Best new restaurant” and “Best Dinner on a Budget”. The Grill features a unique dinner menu but keeps to the same philosophy as always–home cooked food, made fresh and served with a smile.

Casey’s Pub and Grill

Originally opened as the Sprague Saloon in 1905, our historic location at 101 Central Avenue has been home to saloons or billiard halls ever since. In 1967, we were renamed Casey’s and have been a landmark on Central Avenue for as long as most Flathead Valley residents and visitors can remember.

In 2012, we debuted a much needed, and highly anticipated, redesign and rebuild. The new Casey’s blends beautiful architecture and design with exceptional hospitality and entertainment. Multiple levels and bars create a different atmosphere and experience on each floor.

Mike Goguen has good instincts. When he and his Silicon Valley venture capital partners were approached by two techies working on the beginnings of an idea for something called “Google,” their instincts told them to invest. Thanks in part to their startup backing, Google was born. The same went for Yahoo! before then and YouTube later. Sequoia Capital, the venture capital firm where Goguen is a managing partner, has helped give birth to companies that today represent more than 20 percent of the value of the entire NASDAQ stock market, including Apple. In the past couple of years, Goguen has branched out considerably in his community investments. He was the sole investor in Casey’s Bar and Grill, a huge undertaking that reconstructed a prime corner of real estate in downtown Whitefish.

To date, he has spent well over $10 million in personal funds on an expansive state trust land plan that has spawned the popular Whitefish Trail. Millions more of his dollars have poured into an assortment of local philanthropic causes and community investments, particularly in Whitefish. His generosity has earned praise down the line from the governor to the sheriff to the mayor and throughout the valley. If someone starts connecting the dots and doing the math, the scope of his charity is startling –and evidence of how much can get done when a man of means decides to invest in his community. Casey’s Bar and PROOF Research exist because of him. The Wave, North Valley Music School and Dave Olseth Skateboard Park have all received his funds. So have the Whitefish Review, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Alpine Theatre Project. The list is long and constantly growing.

So the inevitable question arises: Why? When your resume includes helping get Google, Yahoo! and YouTube off the ground, why worry about a trail or a restaurant in Whitefish? His answer seems almost too obvious, or maybe just poignantly direct: He wants to make his community a better place and he has the means to do it, through a “combination of community-based philanthropy and community-based investing.”

“I love this place for the same reasons that everybody else does,” Goguen told the Beacon recently. “I find it incredibly satisfying and rewarding when I do something that helps people in a significant way or solves a tough problem.”

Ciao Mambo – a great Italian Restaurant*

With creative twists on classic recipes there is something for everyone in the family from our pasta dishes with rich savory sauces and fresh ingredients to our thin crust pizzas baked to perfection.

The Craggy Range Bar & Grill*

Craggy boasts innovative gastropub fare, an extensive offering of creative libations, flat screens for the big game, pool tables, a full service patio and a live music stage.

Latitude 48 & Red Room*

This duo offers an artful fusion of traditional and contemporary trends both through the cuisine and atmosphere. With a commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible, every dish flaunts uncompromising quality. Downstairs (Red Room) is a plush metro lounge where you can sit back and enjoy a signature martini, small plates, fire-roasted pizza, a glass of wine or craft beer.

MacKenzie River Pizza*

Offering an incredible array of delectable dishes, always flavorful, fresh and served up in heaping portions. Cuisine includes gourmet pizzas, hearty sandwiches, salads and pastas, complemented by local and regional craft brews and fine wines.

* Bill Foley, board chairman of Fidelity National Financial and majority owner of Whitefish Mountain Resort is selling his large Whitefish ranch because he splits most of his time between his Montana cattle ranch near Deer Lodge and his business ventures in Las Vegas. Foley is the lead investor in the NHL’s newest team, the Vegas Golden Knights, which will launch their inaugural season in 2017. The Wall Street Journal reported Foley plans to keep a vacation home and some property in Whitefish.

The billionaire has been a part-time Whitefish resident since 2000. He purchased a large block of Winter Sports Inc. stock in 2004 and since then has become the largest stockholder.

In 2007 Foley formed the Glacier Restaurant Group, a company that acquired MacKenzie River Pizza Co. (25 locations), Mambo Italiano (now Ciao Mambo-3 locations), Craggy Range Bar and Grill and the Cornerhouse Grill (now Latitude 48).

Tupelo Grill

Tupelo is often recommended by major publications and is considered a not-to-be-missed Whitefish dining experience. We specialize in Cajun and Southern cuisine, fresh sea food, steaks and pasta – carefully prepared and presented.

There is no such thing as an easy day in the restaurant business. That is certainly true for Tupelo Grille owner Pat Carloss and his general manager Paul Abu-Taleb, who are not only keeping busy with day-to-day operations at the popular Southern-inspired restaurant in downtown Whitefish but are also launching two new eateries at the same time.

Carloss is opening a yet-to-be-named Italian restaurant in downtown Whitefish in mid-December before turning his attention to a major renovation at Columbia Falls’ Bandit Saloon, which he purchased earlier this year. The upcoming openings come as Tupelo marks 22 years in downtown. In that time, the restaurant has expanded four times and has cemented itself as a local favorite.

Prior to opening Tupelo in 1995, Carloss ran a restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with his wife. They moved to Whitefish in the mid-1990s, banking on the idea that it would be “the next big thing” in the West, a bet that’s proven to be true.

Carloss said once a restaurant has established itself and built a following, it can be nearly impossible to change the menu. While Tupelo has daily specials, regulars expect to be able to enjoy their favorite dishes. So for the last few years, Carloss and his general manager Abu-Taleb have talked about opening a new restaurant to try some different things. Earlier this fall, when Truby’s Restaurant and Bar closed just a block from Tupelo, Carloss saw his opportunity. Carloss and Abu-Taleb looked at the space and Whitefish’s restaurant scene and decided an Italian restaurant would be a great addition to downtown.

Over the next six weeks, Carloss’ team will be updating the old Truby’s space, adding a second bar and installing a large brick oven. The restaurant will serve pizza, homemade pasta and more.

“We want to make the space feel different and really make it our own,” Abu-Taleb said.

After the Italian restaurant opens, Carloss and his team will turn their attention to the old Bandit in Columbia Falls, which he plans on remodeling into a family pub and sports bar in time for a Spring 2018 grand opening. He believes it will be a great addition to downtown Columbia Falls and a popular place to grab a beer or dinner with friends.

“We want to make it a place that people want to hang out at,” he said. “I think folks in Columbia Falls have been asking for more food options.”

Carloss plans on hiring 80 to 100 people in the next six months, bringing the total number of employees at all three restaurants to nearly 150.

Opening two new restaurants at the same time while already running a popular eatery may seem like a daunting task, but Carloss said it’s all possible because of the great team that has been assembled in recent years.

“The time is right for us to expand,” he said.

While some have asked if a new Italian restaurant right down the street from Tupelo would mean increased competition, Abu-Taleb doesn’t see it that way. He said that Whitefish’s growing culinary scene can support many more options and that “all ships rise with the tide.”

“Every great restaurant that opens is a meaningful step for the local food scene,” he said.

Wasabi Sushi Bar & Ginger Grill

Sushi and grilled food with a contemporary flair and accompanied with beer, wine and sake.

Turning 17 years old isn’t typically considered a colossal feat of longevity, but for a sushi restaurant in Montana, that length of time is downright grandfatherly.

The Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill celebrated its 17-year anniversary in January. Paula Greenstein, Wasabi’s owner, said the restaurant has been in the same location on Second Street in downtown Whitefish since the beginning.

Despite being a relative stranger in a strange land, Wasabi is a consistently popular dining destination, attracting a diverse ensemble of out-of-towners looking to satisfy their exotic taste buds and locals who just want some good food. Reservations are recommended, for good reason.

Greenstein attributes the restaurant’s endurance to three main factors: the creative foresight and ingenuity of previous owners Scott and Kerry Nagel, who understood that an innovative – instead of traditional – approach to sushi was necessary for survival; a strong local customer base; and an excellent staff. And Greenstein has certainly done her part too.

When Greenstein purchased the restaurant nine years ago, she said much of the current foundation was already in place, but she tweaked, added and cut down where appropriate. Scott Nagel was the head chef, but Phil Vilar had worked under him for years, Greenstein said. So when Nagel left, she had Vilar step into the head role.

Vilar is inventive with his menu, offering daily specials and sushi rolls that incorporate various types of fish, tempura, veggies and diet-specific foods such as quinoa and gluten-free products. Greenstein is often the inspiration for menu experimentations.

While she doesn’t claim to be a chef, Greenstein has been around the restaurant business her whole life, with her dining repertoire stretching from Los Angeles to New York. She recalls being the only white person, other than her friend, eating at Japanese restaurants in west Los Angeles in the 1980s. Food has always been important to her, and sushi is vital.

“I know what works and I know what I like,” Greenstein said.

In 2004, Greenstein ate at Wasabi while visiting the Whitefish area. Accustomed to having quality Asian restaurants right outside her door in California, Wasabi was a welcome surprise. Then after she bought the Haymoon Ranch Resort in Happy Valley in 2007, she heard from a friend that Wasabi was up for sale and inquired about purchasing it.

Wasabi has been featured in publications such as Food & Wine and Budget Travel magazines. The restaurant’s atmosphere is lively, a mood that is accentuated by the colorful walls and energetic wait staff. Greenstein said: “I don’t want fine dining that’s so proper and prim.”

Greenstein takes great pride in her waiters, waitresses and hostesses. She said if someone stops by without a reservation and can’t get in, her hostesses try to accommodate. They’ll shuffle and add tables if possible without cramming, or if a wait is necessary, they’ll take a cell phone number, recommend a good bar to get a drink and give a call when a table opens up.

“They’ll do everything imaginable to get you a seat,” Greenstein said. “They’re amazing.”

Wasabi is expanding its “Community Nights,” which raise money for a different local organization by promoting the organization in advertisements and donating 10 percent of all revenue earned on selected nights. In addition to helping out local organizations, “Community Nights” also introduce new customers to Wasabi. People who would never think to step foot in a sushi restaurant find themselves perusing the menu in support of a good cause.

These first-time customers discover something that brings many of them back: There’s an entire grill portion of the menu, with steak, duck, lamb, noodle dishes, chicken, salmon, salads, soups and more. Greenstein said the menu offers a compromise for those people who say: “I like sushi, but my husband doesn’t.” And sometimes Greenstein finds a few sushi converts.

Seventeen years ago when the Nagels opened up Wasabi, it surely turned some heads. Today, the restaurant is still turning heads.

“People thought they were crazy,” Greenstein said. “Now look at it.”

3 Amazing Guided Winter Tours In Whitefish

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 01:08:00 GMT

1. Ambassador Tours at Whitefish Mountain Resort – Complimentary tours each day at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Call 406-862-1702 for more information.

Yes, Whitefish Mountain Resort is BIG. We ski and board on all 4 sides of the mountain and our mountain offers huge amounts of terrain for every level of skier or boarder. At Whitefish Mountain Resort, our Ambassadors’ primary goal is to orient you to our Mountain. You will find your dream terrain and have the time of your life!

We’re also here to help with any other needs you may have. Looking for a restaurant recommendation? Want to know where to get your skis tuned? Need to find the child care center? We’re here to help so please don’t hesitate to approach an ambassador any time you need assistance.

Ambassador Tours

2. Snowshoe Tour in Glacier National Park -Glacier Adventure Guides – Our most popular winter adventure– snowshoeing Glacier National Park.

A favorite for families, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Snowshoeing Glacier National Park in winter is magical; snow hanging in the cedars, frozen lakes, waterfalls and desolate peaks create a landscape unlike any other. Snowshoe tours are available on either the west or east side of the Park, giving you the option to tour old-growth forest or travel over windswept alpine meadows.

What an amazing day!!! I was fortunate to have the owner Greg Fortin as my guide. With Greg’s help, I saw the Lake McDonald area this morning, went to view the Continental Divide, had lunch on a gravel bar in the middle of the Flathead River, and spent the entire afternoon hiking and snowshoeing in Glacier National Park, just about 20 miles from the Continental Divide. Perfect! –Mary, via tripadvisor.com

Glacier Park Snowshoe Tours

3. Cat Skiing

Great Northern Powder Guides is a Cat Skiing and Cat Snowboarding operation in Whitefish Montana, USA. Great Northern Powder Guides create extraordinary Backcountry Skiing and Backcountry Snowboarding experiences by combining: unique terrain, experienced guides and Backcountry Powder. With these elements in play they guarantee an unforgettable cat skiing adventure in Whitefish Montana, just minutes south of the Canadian border.

Cat Skiing Tours

Fall behind

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 01:07:00 GMT

One float trip on the river (on the day of the solstice), a few hikes along moving water, a summer of sailing and a road trip along the Clark Fork River have left me with moving water on my mind. As we focus on negotiating the shoals in the river of life we flow past so much beauty and meaning and often are too busy avoiding a grounding to appreciate what we are passing by. During the fall is the perfect time to pull over and let the flow go without you for a bit, to contemplate how gorgeous this place where you are is and perhaps how wonderful the person is that shares it with you. There is something about the variety and intensity of the fall colors that give everything more depth, more detail and more meaning. Before we head into the winter, it is nice to take stock of the harvest, physical or metaphysical, put away the toys and tools of the previous warm weather season, carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern and eat a caramel apple. It is a good time to practice mindfulness. That reminds me that it is a good time to get to the studio to practice yoga and start attending Ski Prep classes. As another year winds down to the end, we have an opportunity to start new activities and learn something new to carry us more mindfully into the new year. Fall sports help to slow us down too, if we are the spectator, anyway. A game is a great excuse to accomplish nothing for awhile. That is restful and allows your psyche to process the past and prepare for the future. In the fall, many of us get away on a holiday, to hunt or to escape the coming winter and with that travel our outlook shifts a bit and we focus on what lies ahead. Looking through the trees I see the white ski slopes and know that soon we will be challenging ourselves to negotiate some new shoals. Perhaps we will see the trees and not just the forest as we fly by.

Norman Maclean quote “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

Wild Fire Fighting Heroes

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 01:05:00 GMT

The article below says that over 4,000 fire fighters are battling Montana’s wild fires this year. They are amazing workers and we are so thankful for their efforts. I think about the attitude of a wild fire. It doesn’t think “Ok, they stopped me on this side, I’ll just go to the other side and try harder”. Nope, the wild fire is going to burn the same on all sides, depending on wind direction and fuel, and will not let up unless all fuel is removed from an area and it can’t jump to another area. It makes for a very difficult, incredibly exhausting and discouraging battle that the fire fighters are waging. In such dry conditions and with low humidity and wind the situation is so dangerous for them. Two brave souls have lost their life so far this season. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. To the rest of you, we say, THANK YOU and BE SAFE. The weather forecast is for rain to move into the area so hopefully that will bring the beginning of the end of this fire season and these valiant fire warriors can go home.

Flathead Beacon September 12 Scorching Summer

Local Flathead Valley fire departments including Evergreen, Bad Rock, West Valley, and Coram-West Glacier are assisting in structural protection at Lake McDonald Lodge. Many of these fire departments are staffed by volunteer firemen.

Great Northwest Octoberfest – Whitefish, Montana

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:03:00 GMT

September 28 – 30

October 5 – 7

Thursday from 5-11pm
Friday from 5-11pm
Saturday from 12n-11pm

What a fabulous way to end the summer. This local community event is so much fun!

Kandahar Lodge is open through September 30th so get your lederhosen on and head on over to celebrate all things German (and a few that are just Whitefish). You can come on your own but it is really more fun with friends so bring them, too. The second weekend, bring 20 people or more and we will open Kandahar Lodge just for your group. Yes! That is right – 10 rooms rented will open the doors. The room rates couldn’t be better, starting at $129/room/night including breakfast. If you opt to come in October and have Kandahar all to yourselves, the room rates are $99/night. Tax to be added and no charge for the FUN.

Here is a link to the event Great Northwest Octoberfest and here is the schedule of events:

Great Northwest Oktoberfest TENTATIVE Schedule of Events*
[We will be updating the 2017 schedule as the event gets closer.]

(* Note: subject to change – do not pin your hopes & dreams, bet the farm, and/or plan your vacation around that fact that the scheduled events will take place at the exact times as stated. It is, at best, a rough estimate.)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Weekend #1
Thursday, September 28, 2017
5 p.m.            Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
  Local’s Night – Flathead residents FREE with ID!
5:30                Back by popular design The Europa Band
6 p.m.            Keg-Tapping Ceremonies & the arrival of the Oktoberfest Hop Queen
6:30                Ladies’ Stein-Holding contest
                          Men’s Log-Sawing contest
7 p.m.           Polka, Oom-pah & more The Europa Band
7:45                Ladies’ Log-Sawing
Men’s Stein-Holding
8:15                Great dance music by Europa
9 p.m.            Men’s & Ladies’ Stein-Holding
9:30 More music by The Europa Band
10:30                Last Call!

Friday, September 29, 2017
5 p.m.            Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
5:30                Great Oktoberfest music by The Europa Band
6:30                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
Ladies’ Log-Sawing contest
7 p.m.            Music by The Europa Band
7:45                Brat-eating contest: The ‘Wurst’ Minute of Your Life!
Men’s Log-Sawing
8:15                Polka, oom-pah & more by The Europa Band
9 p.m. Men’s Stein-Holding
Ladies’ Stein-Holding
9:30                Music by Europa
10:30                Last Call!
11 p.m.            Oktoberfest Tent closes

Saturday, September 30, 2017
12 noon          Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
  Kids’ Day activities begin
12:30                Great German music by The Bavarian Echoes
1:30                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
Ladies Stein-Holding
2 p.m.            Polka, waltzes & more by The Bavarian Echoes
2:45                Kids’ Day Chicken Dance Championships
3:15                Oom-pah by The Bavarian Echoes
4 p.m.             Mens’ Mountain Climbing Races
     Ladies’ Stein-Holding
4:30 Music by The Bavarian Echoes
5:15                Ladies’ Mountain Climbing Races
                           Men’s Stein-Holding
5:45                Get your polka on with The Europa Band
6 p.m.             Rocky Mountain Keg-Hurling Championships
6:30                Ladies’ Stein-Holding contest
                           Mens’ Log-Sawing
7 p.m.             Music by The Europa Band
7:45                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
                           Ladies’ Log-Sawing
8:15                Chicken dance & polka with The Europa Band
9 p.m.            Ladies’ Stein-Holding contest
Mens’ Stein-Holding
9:30                Great dance music by Europa!
10:30                Last Call!

Weekend #2
Thursday, October 5, 2017
5 p.m.          Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
                        Bavarian Business Night – Free admission from 5-7 pm with your Flathead Valley business card!
5:30                Back by popular demand – The Western Senators
6 p.m.             Keg-Tapping Ceremonies & the arrival of the Oktoberfest Hop Queen
6:30                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
Ladies’ Log-Sawing
7 p.m.            Great dance music by The Western Senators
7:45                2016 Hop Queen Pageant & Stein-Holding
Men’s Log-Sawing
8:15 Rollicking Oktoberfest music with The Western Senators!
9 p.m.              7th Annual Whitefish Waitress Races
Crowning of the Hop Queen
9:30                Great dance music by The Western Senators
10:30                Last Call!
11 p.m.             Oktoberfest Tent closes

Friday, October 6, 2017
5 p.m.             Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
5:30                Dance to the sounds of The Western Senators!
6:30                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
                        Ladies’ Log-Sawing contest
7 p.m.            Dance to the Oktoberfest sounds of The Western Senators
7:45                Ladies’ Stein-Holding
                        Men’s Log-Sawing
8:15                Polka, western swing & more by The Western Senators
9 p.m.             Men’s Stein-Holding Contest
                        Ladies’ Stein-Holding
9:30                Great Oktoberfest music by The Western Senators
10:30              Last Call!
11 p.m.           Oktoberfest Tent closes

Saturday, October 7, 2017
11 a.m.           Montessori School Pumpkin Patch opens … pumpkins, kids’ activities and more!
12 noon          Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!
  Seniors’ Day @ Oktoberfest – 60 & over admitted FREE until 5 p.m.
12:30              Great German music by The Bavarian Echoes
1:30                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
                           Ladies Stein-Holding
2 p.m.             Polka, waltzes & more by The Bavarian Echoes
2:45                Kids’ Day Chicken Dance Championships
3:15                Oom-pah by The Bavarian Echoes
4 p.m.             Mens’ Mountain Climbing Races
  Ladies’ Stein-Holding
4:30                Music by The Bavarian Echoes
5:15                Ladies’ Mountain Climbing Races
                        Men’s Stein-Holding
5:45                Great German music by The Western Senators
6 p.m.             World Keg-Hurling Championships
6:30                Ladies’ Stein-Holding contest
                        Mens’ Log-Sawing
7 p.m.             Dance to music by The Western Senators
7:45                Mens’ Stein-Holding contest
                        Ladies’ Log-Sawing
8:15                Polka, western swing & more by The Western Senators
9 p.m.             Hofbrau Brewery’s National Stein-Holding Championships …
9:30                One last spin on the dance floor with The Western Senators!
10:30                Last Call!
11 p.m.             Oktoberfest closes … see you next year!

Grizzly bears and me

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 00:59:00 GMT

A lot of press has gone out recently on the 50 year anniversary of the Night of the Grizzlies (two human deaths). I appreciate the perspective provided in this article by Chris Peterson.

http://www.hungryhorsenews.com/article/20170809/ARTICLE/170809969

I am a native of Montana just as the grizzly bears are native. When a visitor says “I want to see a bear”, my mind adds a selection of caveats for them “if I am far enough away, if I don’t threaten her, if he is not acclimated to human food, if she doesn’t have a cub with her, if I’m not holding a full bucket of huckleberries”. I am pleased that grizzly bear populations are growing because it means the habitat is healthy enough to support them. Grizzly bears need a very large home range (50 to 300 square miles for females; 200 to 500 square miles for males). I’m hopeful that grizzly bears and humans can continue to enjoy the majestic landscapes of Montana together. It appears bear spray may support that wish. Since camping as a child along Montana’s rivers while dad wielded his fly rod for the elusive trout to the hiking and camping we enjoyed with our boys and now heading to the mountains with friends, I have not met a bear face to face. That is really alright with me. It is enough to know that they are there somewhere (not too close!) and my bear spray is at hand just in case the time has come.

Whitefish Bear Grass Bloom is Amazing this Year

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:58:00 GMT

Bear Grass – 7 Interesting Facts About this Plant

Bear Grass looks like a grass, but really belongs to the lily family. It is about 4.5 feet tall. Its olive-colored, grass-like leaves grow from the base of the plant and are tough and wiry. The outside leaves clasp around the stem. The leaves have toothed margins, and grow about 35 inches long, getting shorter as they near the flowers, looking very much like a fan.
The flowers of bear grass grow on a stalk that can be 6 feet tall with many small flowers. Each flower is creamy white, and saucer shaped, and has a sweet aroma. The lowest flowers bloom first, creating a tight knot of buds at the top. The entire flower looks a little like fluffy, upside down ice cream cone. After the fruit sets, the plant dies. It reproduces by seed, and by sending out offshoots from its rhizomes.These plants only bloom every 5 – 7 years, and when they bloom there can be very few of them or almost every single plant will burst into flower. Bear Grass blooms from June until September when the young mountain bluebirds are preparing to take flight.
Bear Grass is found in open forests and meadows at sub alpine and low alpine elevations in the western United States. It is commonly found under alpine larch (Larix lyallii) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) stands on cold, rocky sites at upper timberlines.
Bear Grass is a fire-resistant species that is the first plant to grow after a fire. Bear Grass, and many other native plants, need periodic burns to produce strong, new growth. After a fire Bear Grass sprouts from its rhizomes which lie just under the surface. Light fires of short duration are best. Intense fires which linger in the same place for a long time will kill the rhizomes under the ground, and prevent the Bear Grass from growing back.
Native Americans in Oregon, Washington state, and British Columbia have traditionally made beautiful baskets with the stems and roots of Bear Grass. When the leaves are dried in the sun in preparation for making baskets, they turn a creamy white. Combined with other materials of different colors, beautiful designs were woven into the baskets. Hats and other practical objects were also made of beargrass. Indians of the mountain regions, laden with neatly packed bundles of bear grass, went to the coast to trade with the coastal Indians for wappatoo roots and for the blue beads obtained from the small trading ships that were beginning to find their way up the coast. Using a combination with cedar bark, the Indians of the coast were able to to weave a basket so close that they were watertight. This was without using any gum or resin. The smaller end of a conic shape, or a segment of cone was the bottom of the basket.
Bear grass, also called turkey beard, one of two species of North American plants constituting the genus Xerophyllum of the family Melanthiaceae. The western species, X. tenax (the dry leaf that holds fast), also is known as elk grass, and fire lily.
The roots are fibrous but can be eaten either boiled or roasted.

The Big Ski Chair Affair

Thu, 04 May 2017 00:51:00 GMT

This is a local fund-raising effort underway to support summer operation of the Glacier Park Express and the S.N.O.W. bus. The summer service provides four trips per day from Whitefish to Glacier National Park and three trips per day to Whitefish Mountain Resort between July 1st and Labor Day. A rider fee is charged for the GNP route. It is free to WMR. These shuttles and the winter operation of the S.N.O.W. bus are funded by the non-profit Big Mountain Commercial Association (BMCA).

Ten triple chairlift chairs have been donated to the BMCA by Whitefish Mountain Resort. Oly Bircher, retired “Supervisor of Lift Maintenance” removed the top pieces and added legs to make them into benches. Now various local artists are turning them into masterpieces to be auctioned off in September. Local businesses sponsoring the chairs to cover the cost of making them into benches and for the artists’ materials will have the Chairs on display through the summer. Look for them after June 1st. Pick up a map from any chair you see or the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and check them all out. Then come to the Craggy Range on Thursday, September 21st at 7pm to bid on your favorite Big Ski Chair

Whitefish residents and visitors have supported such art based fundraisers well in the past. Here is an article about the Moose on the Loose fundraiser in 2000 that generated $150,000 for three non-profits.

http://missoulian.com/three-charities-to-benefit-from-moose-on-loose/article

Here are photos of the Great Bears created in 2002 and auctioned for a total of $112,400

Great Bear Affair photos

Whitefish is going to have some fun, whimsical and downright arty benches to offer a sit and rest to those enjoying Whitefish this summer. And then some lucky folks will take them home in September to benefit this eco-friendly public transportation effort.

Global Gallop’s Whitefish Guide

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:46:00 GMT

Watch out, Whistler. Take note, Tahoe. Step aside, Telluride. There is a rising star on the mountain scene: Whitefish, Montana.

Whitefish, Montana is an alpine getaway that truly has it all: unsurpassed scenic splendor, authentic Old West character, and an abundance of year-round recreational options. With lakes for boating and fishing, rivers for rafting, and a profusion of trails for hiking, biking and skiing, Whitefish ramps up the mountain experience to a whole new level, but never loses sight of its frontier soul.

Make the most of your visit to Montana’s high country paradise with Global Gallop’s Whitefish Guide:

Whitefish Guide:

Eat, Drink, Play:

Central Whitefish is largely the domain of locally-owned dining and drinking establishments. Subway is banished to the outskirts of town. You will be rubbing elbows with friendly, straight-forward locals wherever you wander in the diminutive downtown.

Start the day with a home-style breakfast at Loula’s, veggie-friendly provisions at the Swift Creek Café, or comfort food concoctions at the Buffalo Cafe. For lunch, swing by the Stumptown Marketplace for fresh, healthy fare at Zucca Marketplace Bistro or Pig and Olive, and then reward yourself with a scoop of hand-crafted goodness at Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. In the evening, try Tupelo Grille for a creative menu with a Cajun/Southern twist or follow the scent of garlic to Ciao Mambo for generous servings of Italian staples.

There is a reason there are over two dozen craft breweries within a 200 mile radius of Whitefish. Great beer starts with great water. For brews with a mountain view, go to The Great Northern Brewing Company. If you prefer sports with your suds, the Craggy Range Bar and Grill has plenty of big screens and 16 craft beers on tap.

Whitefish is a little town with big talent. You will find live music at one venue or another just about every night of the week. You can also check out what’s playing at the Whitefish Theatre Company, which hosts music, dance and theatrical performances.

Shop:

Local artisans and collectors are the backbone of the Whitefish shopping scene. For a mix of classic cowboy kitsch and contemporary curios, check out Big Sky Antiques. For curated, cutting edge fashion, Harlow has you covered. Whitefish Pottery is the go-to-place for colorful, one-of-a-kind functional art.

Do:

Whitefish is awash with recreational options, year-round. Whitefish Mountain Resort, a fifteen-minute drive from town, boasts 3,000 acres of skiable terrain for all experience levels. You won’t have a powder problem with over 300 inches of snowfall a year, but when warm weather arrives, the resort offers mountain biking, an alpine slide, zip line tours and an aerial adventure park.

Closer to town, the community of Whitefish has created a system of 36 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, all readily accessed from central Whitefish. Whitefish Lake, just over a mile from downtown, offers fly fishing, boating, jet skiing and water skiing on an unspoiled, 7-mile strip of water. If you prefer to go with the flow, Great Northern Whitewater Raft and Resort will put you afloat in the rushing currents of the nearby Flathead River.

Perhaps the most spectacular draw to Whitefish is its proximity to the west entrance of the Glacier National Park, only a half-hour drive away. Glacier National Park boasts 700 miles of hiking trails, 762 lakes, and the legendary, 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Insiders also recommend an excursion along the western perimeter of the park to the tiny community of Polebridge, for a cup of coffee and a huckleberry bear claw at the historic Polebridge Mercantile.

Wherever you venture, keep a look out for the area’s abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, mountain lions, mountain sheep and the largest remaining grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states.

Kandahar Lodge gives thanks

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:43:00 GMT

As we take a breath between the peacefulness of fall and the excitement of winter, Kandahar Lodge has compiled a top 10 things to be thankful for.

Great Fish Challenge

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 21:55:00 GMT

This endeavor is so much more than the sum of its parts. The parts are:

1. A small close knit community
2. Community members that have brought philanthropy and their checkbooks to their “second home” town
3. Many hard-working and generous people that donate their time and their money to these non-profits.
4. Whitefish Community Foundation “The mission of the Whitefish Community Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the Whitefish area by fostering philanthropy, building endowments, and helping donors and nonprofits benefit our community.”
5. 40 non-profits that are doing good work in these areas:

ANIMALS & WILDLIFE – Animal Rescue
ARTS & CULTURE – Arts; Facilities; Programs
COMMUNITY BUILDING – Community Foundations; Recreation; Economic Development
CONSERVATION/ENVIRONMENT – Preservation; Recreation; Education
HEALTH – Health & Mental Illness; Disabilities
HUMAN SERVICES – Elderly; Low Income; Food Assistance
RECREATION – Facilities; Conservation; Education
YOUTH & EDUCATION – Education; Youth; Workforce Development; Child Abuse & Neglect

6. And finally the Great Fish Community Challenge that takes place from July 12 – September 16 and works like this:
*Download the official donor brochure and mail a check to the Community Foundation.
*Make an online donation to one of the participating nonprofits by clicking on the link – http://greatfishchallenge.org/2016-participating-nonprofits/
*Official donor forms can be picked up at local downtown businesses or at Whitefish Community Foundation office or online any time after July 12.
*Look for us every Tuesday at the Whitefish Farmers Market. We will be supporting the participating nonprofits and accepting donations each week on their behalf.
*Register to walk or run in the Great Fish 5K/10K Color Run on September 10
*Volunteer at the Community Fair on September 10.

Today the donations have reached $643,233.00 not including matching donations from the Whitefish Community Foundation that will be determined at the end of the Challenge.

It is enough to make you feel pretty warm and fuzzy about your hometown. Want to be a part of it? It’s not too late to donate to something you care about.

Glacier Express

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 21:53:00 GMT

This is the time of year to head to the mountains that are calling. Certainly our backyard – Glacier National Park – sends the call as loud as any. Here you can stand on the Crown of the Continent and contemplate all that lies below you. The clear skies, fresh air, bubbling brooks and crashing waterfalls put you in a zen-like euphoria. What is not zen-like or at all euphoric is the struggle you might have parking your car at Logan Pass or other stops along the Going to the Sun Road.

July 15 to August 15 is prime time in Glacier and the parking is not quite up to the task. So, here are two approaches you can take to get to your mountain in Glacier. One approach is to visit the Park before 11:00am or after 3:00pm. It is always open and the hours of daylight are plenty. The other approach is to ride the shuttles and/or take a bus tour. There is a shuttle from the Mountain Mall in Whitefish four times daily. A $10 ticket is required and can be purchased on-line at glacierparkexpress.org or at local businesses. This shuttle connects with the Glacier shuttles at the Apgar Visitor Center.

The Glacier shuttles are free and run every 15 minutes on the west side and every 30-40 minutes on the east side of the Park. From the Apgar Visitor Center you can take a Red Bus Tour or a Glacier Sun Tour (advance reservations required). Or you can take a boat tour on Lake McDonald (yes; make reservations) or a hike in the Lake McDonald area. You can take the shuttle to Logan Pass and take a hike to Hidden Lake or along the Highline Trail. Don’t let the lack of a parking spot (What? Are we in the city?) get in the way of enjoying this spectacular national park.

Winter White

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:51:00 GMT

Winter has arrived! Thanksgiving brought us turkey and pie, cold temperatures and a bit of snow. We settle into the season. Whitefish Mountain Resort turns into a beehive of activity starting this coming Saturday, December 5th. The lift carousels spin, the ski patrol stakes out the terrain, the Bierstube taps the kegs. Look to the Mountain where fun is waiting!

December events are all around us – plays at the theatre, choral performances, high school concerts. Perhaps the best event is the Whitefish Christmas Stroll taking place on Friday, December 11th. All the shops on Central Avenue will have specials and refreshments. The street will be closed off for carolers, chestnut roasting, Chamber raffle and more. Many pubs will feature live music. Visit explorewhitefish.com for a comprehensive list of events to celebrate the season.

Fairy Enchantment exists at Kandahar Lodge. Come experience our fabulously renovated rooms. Stay for two nights and we will pay for the third night. See promotions for more details. All 50 rooms have been deliciously freshened this fall. Please check it out

A Perfect Fall Day

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 21:46:00 GMT

When you stay at Kandahar Lodge you have a choice of 360 degree outings – you can head in any direction from the Lodge and have a grand memory to take home with you. For instance, on a beautiful fall day you can go to Bowman Lake via the North Fork. The best way to drive there is to go through West Glacier and turn west past Apgar on the Camas Creek Road. This avoids several miles of gravel washboard road. You can stop at the Polebridge Mercantile for a huckleberry bear claw.

Then drive 8 miles on a gravel road to gorgeous Bowman Lake. Even though you could just spend the day sitting right here you probably need to earn that bliss so pick a trail and head off on a hike. One hike that leaves from this spot at the Blanchard Lake campground is the Quartz Lakes hike.

It is a long stroll through the forest and up over a ridge. Here you can look at your destination. You might decide this four and a half miles is enough exercise and head back to Bowman.

Relax by the lake, have a picnic and contemplate how easy it is to find yourself in such a remote pristine place. Listen to the gurgle of Bowman Creek. Take a nap. Vow to do this more often.

Hello World

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:40:00 GMT

Kandahar Lodge wrote her first Blog post today introducing herself to the world. She intends to have a voice about Seasons, Events and Life Commentary from the perspective of a lovely lodge in a spectacular place.

I am a beautiful unique lodge located in Northwest Montana. My voice comes from a person who has worked within me for nearly fifteen years. This blog is an opportunity for me to tell you about the magic you may experience when you stay with me and about what I (and my speaker) see is going on in this part of the world.

“Be Enchanted Be Our Guest” is the tag line that expresses how we want you to feel when you are here. To begin with, I am very cozy with 50 rooms that are warm or cool as the season warrants with a huge river rock wood burning fireplace that will be crackling most times of the year. The fully licensed Snug Bar and the elegant Cafe Kandahar under my roof are owned and operated by Chef Andy Blanton. Chef Andy has been honored by multiple nominations by the James Beard Foundation for “Best Chef of the Northwest”. He has many other accolades that indicate the level of chef-dom he has reached. His cuisine is thoughtfully constructed, inspired by classic and modern influences and much of it is “farm to table” with local fruits, vegetables and meats. The cuisine is complemented by an ever-changing award-winning wine list, much of which is available by the glass. Other amenities I have include a large outdoor hot tub, steam room, exercise room and small meeting space.

I am surrounded by the beautiful alpine environment of Big Mountain that is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Steps away from my front door is Whitefish Mountain Resort that offers exciting activities like zip lines, mountain biking, mountain aerial adventures, chairlift rides to a view of Glacier National Park, downhill skiing, snowmobiling and much more.

What is most important is that I am fortunate to be located only 32 miles (50 minutes) from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. Oh my, is that a doozy of a national park! if you have not visited the “Crown of the Continent” that Robin Williams said “If Glacier Park is not heaven, then it is definitely its backyard” than you better put it number one on your bucket list.

I believe that if you come to stay with me and whether you sleep soundly on my comfortable bed, sip a glass of wine from Cafe Kandahar, wander a trail on Big Mountain or visit that amazing Park, the enchantment will seep into your soul and stay there forever.