Hotels in Whitefish

Whitefish might just have the best range of accommodations in all of Montana, with everything from mom-and-pop motels to graceful inns to slope-side condos. There's a Super 8, 800 Spokane Ave. (tel. 800/800-8000 or 406/862-8255), with double rates of about $100 nightly in peak season. The Pine Lodge, 920 Spokane Ave. (tel. 800/305-7463 or 406/862-7600; www.thepinelodge.com), is a good independent option, with doubles and suites for $145 to $230 in summer, less during other times of year.

At Whitefish Mountain resort -- Whitefish Mountain Resort is a full-service ski area, attracting local skiers, Canadian and American vacationers, and families. It provides a wide variety of accommodations to fit almost every pocketbook. Be sure to ask about discounted lift and lodging packages. If you're looking for a house or condo instead of a hotel, inquire at Whitefish Mountain Resort Lodging (tel. 800/858-4152; www.skiwhitefish.com/lodging). Most are available for rent on a nightly basis, although some require longer stays. You can get a low-end condo or house for as little as $150 a night, or a glorious ski home during the holiday season for as much as $1,250. A video-lending library is available, as is a heated indoor pool for certain condos.

Camping --Whitefish Lake State Park is tucked on the outskirts of town in a nicely wooded area on Whitefish Lake. A campsite runs $13 nightly. Call the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (tel. 406/752-5501; www.fwp.mt.gov) for additional information. The Whitefish KOA Kampground (tel. 800/562-8734 or 406/862-4242; www.glacierparkkoa.com) is a comprehensive RV park about 2 miles south of town on U.S. 93 and has RV and tent sites (about $20-$60 each) and cabins ($50-$150).