All lodging in Whitefish Mountain Village and Whitefish can be reserved by calling Whitefish Mountain Reservations at (800) 858-4152 or the Whitefish Chamber at (877) 862-3548. Rates are lower before Christmas, in January and in April; rates are higher during the Christmas/New Year and Presidents' Day holidays. Big Mountain guarantees that guests will get the best deal from the resort when booking through www.big-mountain.com.

The Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain (800-862-6094; 862-6098; $$–$$$$; above right) evokes the golden years of skiing with giant log construction, historic photos of Whitefish Mountain's past and a massive fireplace in the lobby where guests gather round to share stories. The understated elegance is delightful, rooms are spacious with comfy beds and plenty of hooks for hanging damp skiwear, service is exceptional and meals are scrumptious. A gourmet breakfast is included. The Wellness Center has an outdoor hot tub, dry sauna and steam room; guests also can book spa services with Remedies Day Spa Express.

The simple but comfortable Alpinglow Inn (800-754-6760; 862-6966; $$–$$$; below left ) sits at the center of the village, with beautiful views from the restaurant and perhaps the most convenient location for skiers. Amenities include his-and-her saunas, two outdoor hot tubs overlooking the valley, laundry facilities and a gift shop.

The Hibernation House (800-858-4152; $$) is touted as the "friendliest lodge on the mountain." Whitefish Mountain's best hotel lodging value, it is complete with a large indoor hot tub, ski storage, laundry room and buffet breakfast. Rooms have a queen bed, twin bunks and a private bath. A groomed run leads to the door by the ski room and it's a short walk to the trails and up to lifts.

Morning Eagle (800-858-4152; $$$$) is the newest luxury ski-in/ski-out condominium development in the village. The two-story lobby with large stone fireplace and lounge is inviting. Studios and one- to three-bedroom units have full kitchens, washers and dryers, and complimentary high-speed Internet access in each living room. Other amenities include heated underground parking, ski locker, outdoor hot tub on the top floor and access to the fitness facility.

Kintla Lodge (800-858-4152; 862-1960; $$$–$$$$) at the base of Chair 3 is a premier ski-in/ski-out condominium property with elevator access, underground parking, a lounge and large deck, ski lockers, outdoor hot tub, sauna, fireplaces in all living rooms and some master bedrooms, and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

The Edelweiss (800-858-4152; $$–$$$$) has studios, one- and two-bedroom condos, each with a fireplace (fire logs provided), full kitchen, and balcony or patio. Common areas and services include hot tub and sauna, use of the Swim Center, coin-operated laundry, and high-speed Internet access in the lobby (laptop and cable connection required).

In town:
A variety of lodgings are 8 miles down the mountain in Whitefish. Many properties offer ski packages, which include lift tickets and free transportation to and from the ski hill, but be sure to askfor details when you make your reservation.

The biggest and most convenient hotel is the Grouse Mountain Lodge (800-321-8822; 862-3000; $$–$$$$; below) greets guests with a spacious lobby complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace, cozy chairs and couches for lounging. Rooms are spacious, but the mountain lodge decor doesn't quite make it past the hotel common areas. Service is excellent and the restaurant serves first-rate meals. It has an indoor pool, two outdoor spas and cross-country skiing is just out the back door.

The Pine Lodge (800-305-7463; 862-7600; $–$$$) boasts an indoor-outdoor pool with connecting swim channel, hot tub and free continental breakfast. The Best Western-Rocky Mountain Lodge (800-862-2569; $–$$$) includes a continental breakfast and features an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.

The Garden Wall Inn (888-530-1700; $$–$$$) is a meticulously renovated 1920s B&B with five guestrooms filled with period antiques. A three-course gourmet breakfast is included. It's on the free SNOW bus route and within walking distance of downtown. Another B&B, Good Medicine Lodge (800-860-5488; $$–$$$) is built of cedar timbers with a Native American- and Western-influenced interior that's casual and invitingly rustic. Hidden Moose Lodge (888-733-6667; 862-6516; $$–$$$) showcases Montana-themed guestrooms with rich mountain colors and local art on the walls. Relax after skiing in the outdoor eight-person hot tub. Rates include full breakfast and evening beverages.

The pet-friendly Holiday Inn Express (877-270-6405; 862-4020; $$–$$$), remodeled in June 2005, has an indoor pool with a 90-foot waterslide, two outdoor hot tubs, a breakfast bar and fresh-baked cookies every evening.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less