Whitefish Bike Retreat

Top choice in Montana


Celebrating all things bicycle, this forested compound run by passionate outdoorsperson Cricket Butler is a must-stay for two-wheel enthusiasts. The spacious polished-wood house with bunks, private rooms and a communal living area is a great place to hang when you're not hot-lapping the property trails or exploring the excellent Whitefish Trail that runs nearby. Hard-core cyclists can bike all the way here from town.

Camping with hot showers is available, as is a full DIY bike shop, bike rentals and a shuttle north to Banff.

Things shut down from mid-March to May 1 and from the end of October to mid-December. But the dead of winter is a great time to visit. Be sure to have a 4WD vehicle to make it down the snow-packed drive to the lodge. At this time of year, the vibe turns cozy, there's a makeshift sauna and the trails are groomed for fat-biking, an especially enjoyable way of exploring the winter wonderland out the back door. Cricket rents the bikes and provides useful trail advice.