A big mountain in northwest Montana with an unpretentious town at its foot and prices that have not caught up with its size. It is one of the better value large resorts in the United States.

The mountain is known for its snow ghosts, trees frozen into white shapes by fog and rime, and for tree skiing that is among the best in the country. Flat light is common because of the same weather, so pack goggles for it.

Whitefish town is a working railway town three kilometres away, with a proper main street, good places to eat and an Amtrak station on the line from Seattle to Chicago. Arriving by train is a genuine option.

Glacier National Park is half an hour away, and the drive up the west side is worth a day even in winter.