A Montana Winter Getaway on Flathead Lake
For a Montana winter getaway, The Evergreen in Somers gives your group a warm base: a private hot tub, a barrel sauna, two fireplaces, a speakeasy and a game room, in a six-bedroom home that sleeps 14+. Ski Blacktail or Whitefish, take a winter walk in Glacier National Park, or stay in by the fire. Check winter access and road conditions with official sources before each outing.
Why winter in Montana is worth the trip
Winter in Montana's Flathead Valley is quieter than summer. The crowds thin out, the mountains turn white, and the evenings are long enough for real conversation. It is a season for skiing, snowshoeing, slow mornings and big dinners. For a group, a warm house with plenty of space makes all the difference.
The Evergreen was set up for winter evenings. After a cold day, the covered hot tub and barrel sauna are steps from the back door, and the stone fire pit is there for anyone who wants to stay outside a little longer. Indoors, two fireplaces, a puzzle lounge, a speakeasy and a big game room keep everyone busy.
Glacier National Park in winter
Glacier in winter is a very different park from Glacier in July. Much of the Going-to-the-Sun Road closes to vehicles, and the park offers routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing instead. The west entrance is about 50 minutes from the house in normal conditions.
The National Park Service publishes winter guidance, safety information and current road status. Conditions change with the weather, so check the park's current conditions page the morning you go, and pack for real winter.
Ski days at Blacktail and Whitefish
Two ski areas are within reach of Somers. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside is about 40 minutes away, and the town of Whitefish, with Whitefish Mountain Resort above it, is about 30 minutes. Each sets its own season, so check the official sites for opening dates, tickets and conditions.
Our Blacktail Mountain ski lodging page covers ski trips in more detail, including how groups split time between the two mountains.
Holiday gatherings in the Flathead Valley
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year are popular times for families to gather here. The kitchen has island seating and a long dining table, so a holiday meal for the whole group is easy. Between meals there are games, puzzles, the hot tub and the sauna.
Our Plan page has holiday planning panels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, with ideas for meals, packing and local outings. Local holiday events are listed on our events page only when the organizer has published dates. The house is a neighborhood home: no parties or events, and quiet hours after 10 p.m.
Remote-work winter stays
A longer winter stay can work well if you need to keep working. The house has WiFi and a bedroom with a desk, and the second lounge gives some space from the main rooms. Work in the morning, ski or snowshoe in the afternoon, then end the day in the sauna.
Check the booking page for available dates and the total price for longer stays.
What a winter day at The Evergreen looks like
A typical winter day starts slowly, with coffee by the stone fireplace in the great room and breakfast around the long dining table. Skiers head out to Blacktail or Whitefish while others stay in with the puzzle table, the game room or a book by the second fireplace. Mid-afternoon is a good time for a short outing: a walk at a public lake access point, a coffee in Bigfork or a grocery run to Kalispell.
As the light fades, the hot tub and barrel sauna take over. Most groups rotate between heat and the cold air on the deck, then gather by the fire pit if the weather allows. Dinner is usually cooked at the house, followed by cards in the speakeasy or a pool and air hockey tournament in the game room. It is a simple rhythm, and it is the reason many groups come back each winter.
Packing for a Montana winter trip
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, insulated boots with good grip, hats and gloves. Pack swimwear and sandals for the hot tub and sauna, and a robe or a warm layer for the walk between them. If you plan to snowshoe or cross-country ski in Glacier, read the park's winter safety guidance and carry the gear it recommends. Leave extra time on every drive, and keep a phone charger and snacks in the car.
The Evergreen has no private, deeded, direct or property-specific lake access. Flathead Lake is reached the same way everyone else does — nearby public beaches, public boat ramps, marinas and parks. No boat, dock or slip is included with the stay.
Plan your stay
- Check Montana 511 and NPS current conditions before every drive.
- Pack layers, boots, gloves and swimwear for the hot tub and sauna.
- Confirm ski area season dates on the official sites.
- Plan holiday meals; the kitchen and dining table are built for a group.
- Choose a vehicle suited to snow and ice.
- Check dates and book direct.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glacier National Park open in winter?
Parts of the park stay open for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but many roads close. Check the NPS winter and current conditions pages.
Does The Evergreen have a sauna?
Yes. A barrel sauna sits on the patio next to the private hot tub and stone fire pit.
Is The Evergreen good for a holiday rental?
Yes. It sleeps 14+, has a long dining table and two fireplaces. It is a neighborhood home with no parties or events and quiet hours after 10 p.m.
