Whitefish’s only ski-in-ski-out lodge withstands time

Kandahar Lodge located on Big Mountain Road is the only ski-in ski-out hotel at Whitefish Mountain Resort. 

The lodge was originally built in 1981, with a major expansion adding a dining room and doubling its size in 1983. This unique hotel now offers fifty rooms.  

Kandahar is the only individual entity lodging located on Big Mountain. As other vacation rentals spring up, the Kandahar remains one of the longest standing hotels. 

Minus the major expansion in 1983 and the addition of a wellness center in 2001, the lodge has worked hard to keep its original feel.  

“We tend to keep the original idea while modernizing things,” said Max Curtis, director of sales and marketing. “It’s a balancing act.”  

Due to limited space, the lodge is not planning any major expansions anytime soon.  

“More of our focus is updating things, rather than expanding,” Curtis said.  

The hotel transitioned from private to shared ownership in 2001. There are currently 54 owners who benefit from the hotel’s perks. While Kandahar does operate under a board of directors comprised of owners, it still runs like any typical hotel.  

“We care deeply about our community,” Curtis said. “The way we see it, any sort of visitation to Whitefish is good for the community, it’s good for the economy, it’s good for us.”   

The hotel is seasonal, closing briefly in the spring and fall. The off-season allows staff time to update things around the hotel.  

“We’re always renovating the place, keeping up with projects,” he said.   

The hotel takes pride in giving tourists a warm welcome to Whitefish. Curtis said that he enjoys throwing welcome receptions for groups when they first arrive.  

“We like to orient them to the hotel and the mountain,” Curtis said. “[We] get people hyped to be here by giving them that Kandahar warm welcome.”  

While the restaurant, located adjacent to the lobby, has changed ownership multiple times, the owners have continuously focused on prioritizing customer experience. 

Buchanan’s Chop House, which reopened two years ago, offers a traditional dining experience for lunch and dinner.  

Kandahar’s amenities include a complimentary breakfast, an outdoor hot tub, a shuttle service, ski storage and boot rooms, a wellness center and laundry service.  

Curtis said that one of his favorite amenities is the complimentary lemonade bar in the summer and the complimentary hot cocoa and popcorn bar in the winter.  

“The kids love it. Adults, too,” he said.  

As the town has grown in popularity, Curtis said the hotel has noticed a slight change in clientele, particularly in the busy summer months. Still, he believes that most visitors understand what sets the town apart.  

“On the whole, most people know that we’re unique in the sense that we are not Aspen or Vail,” Curtis said. “People like that we aren’t on Ikon or Epic or any of those passes. We’re proud of that.” 

This article is a part of a series “A look at Whitefish lodging in changing times” by Whitefish Pilot intern Maggie Mercer. The series continues next week with a focus on the impact of lodging on the community of Whitefish.  

    An outdoor hot tub at Kandahar Lodge in Whitefish. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Snug bar inside Kandahar on Big Mountain. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Kandahar Lodge's lobby. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)