Guide
Winter Fun
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
s ’ a n a t n o M n r e t s e W g Enjoyin
d n a l r e d n o W r Winte
By Tia Troy/Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission
We’re going to say it: winter in Montana is the stuff dreams are made of. With six ski areas, more than 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, an average day lift ticket price of $46 and literally no lift lines, it’s no surprise that Glacier Country is one of the best destinations for a winter getaway. Whitefish Mountain Resort, the region’s premiere ski area, recently opened Flower Point Chairlift – a new lift on the backside of Big Mountain that provides access to six intermediate trails across 200 new acres of terrain. With this new addition, the resort is now home to 105 marked trails and a great mix of diverse terrain, making it an ideal destination for a family getaway. An added bonus: Whitefish Mountain Resort has an Eat-Ski-Sleep-Repeat package that starts at $84/per person and includes lodging, lift ticket, a hot breakfast and hot tub access in the on-mountain Hibernation House. For downhill skiing and riding closer to home on the Montana/Idaho border, head to Lookout Pass. With plenty of mixed use terrain and an easy drive from Spokane, Lookout is an ideal day trip. Lookout Pass is also hosting a “Battle of the Borders Festival” March 14–15, with festivities including a rail jam, high ollie contest and best carve contest. Located in Essex (halfway between West Glacier and East Glacier Park) is the charming Izaak Walton Inn. Built in 1939, the inn has accommodations in the form of lodge rooms, cabooses, cabins and luxury railcars. The Izaak Walton Inn provides a peaceful winter getaway and is a prime destination for cross-country and skate skiing on 33 kilometers of groomed trails. They also offer guided cross-country ski and snowshoe trips into Glacier National Park. Amtrak’s Empire Builder arrives daily to the Izaak Walton Inn from Spokane at 8:55 a.m.
Western Montana also hosts several winter events worth checking out:
Whitefish Winter Carnival, Feb. 6–8 Free admission to Glacier National Park, Feb. 14–16 Montana Pond Hockey Classic in Kalispell, Feb. 20–22 Snowbowl Cup Gelade Championship in Missoula, Feb. 21–22 Winter Brewfest in Missoula, Feb. 27 Snowbowl Vertical Challenge in Missoula, March 7 For more information on winter activities in Western Montana, visit glaciermt.com or follow on Twitter at @GlacierMT.
Be Enchanted ✩✩Be Our Guest ski-in at
Whitefish Mountain Resort - Ranked #13*
~ 20% off Magic Nights ~ 800-862-6094 406-862-6098 www.kandaharlodge.com Whitefish, Montana *of top 30 western resorts-SKI Magazine Readers’ Survey See website for Magic Night dates
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Super Bowl Sunday – Snow Field Goal Contest & Opening Kickoff Super Prizes Mardi Gras Festival & Live Music sponsored by Jack Daniel’s
Battle on the Border Festival sponsored by Red Bull. Rail Jam Mar. 14, and High Ollie Contest and Best Carve Contest March 15 Military, Firefighter and Police Appreciation Day Scavenger Hunt & Crazy Costume Day Sam Adams Party Bus
Slush Cup! Pond Skimming Event & Beach Party Luau sponsored by Red Bull & Jack Daniel’s
Courtesy Glacier Country Tourism Lookout Pass offers great conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Big Sky offers
boundless fun
By Jean Arthur/Marketing Correspondent
Guide
Winter Fun
Big Sky Resort, an hour drive south of Bozeman, Mont., offers 5,800 acres of cold, dry powder snow, and possibly the largest variety of skiable terrain in the continental U.S. Since Big Sky’s acquisition of neighbor Moonlight Basin last year, the resort now offers something for all skill levels on four adjacent mountains including Lone Peak and its namesake Tram to the summit at 11,166 feet. Among the 300 named runs is the 6-mile run from the summit down the challenging but lovely advanced terrain in Liberty Bowl, across a mountain cat track and then over intermediate terrain to the base village.
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“We skied Big Sky for a week,” says Jen Erickson of Connecticut. “We never saw a lift line. Our boys took snowboarding lessons every day and spent their spare time in the seven terrain parks. Never a dull moment!”
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Her kids, ages 9 and 12, also found other activities after the slopes closed, from a marshmallow roast to movies. The best part, notes Erickson, “kids 11 and under ski and stay free at the resort lodging.” The Big Sky community is known for elegant dining and lodging options for those interested in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ziplines, sleighride dinners and more, including travel to Yellowstone National Park, 45 minutes away. You can also easily reach neighboring resort Lone Mountain Ranch and its 85 kilometers of perfectly groomed Nordic ski trails, and 30k of
snowshoe routes, which encourage beginners and experts to kick and glide or skate ski. Lodging is among quaint, historic and fully updated cabins plus log homes that encircle the main lodge. An especially memorable activity is the sleigh ride dinner to the backcountry North Fork Cabin. Several sleighs, pulled by draft horses, help create a memorable 19th century evening. Family-style dining allows guests to make new friends and enjoy a comedian-singer cowboy guitar player. The reservation-only sleigh-ride dinner costs $115 per person, and is included for ranch lodging guests. Other nearby top eateries include the iconic Bucks T4 steak restaurant and the Rainbow Ranch in the lower village, resort properties’ Andiamo Italian Grille, Carabiner Lounge and the new Everett’s 8,800, serving “American Alps cuisine.” Pizza, sushi and burgers are regular fare at spots like The Corral – known for bison steak and giant burgers. There’s also Lone Peak Brewery, the community’s first microbrewery. But the skiing and snowboarding are the largest draws. With 30 lifts accessing powder traps, tree shots, big bowls and beginner slopes, Big Sky has the variety for all ski and board abilities, including 18 percent, or more than 1,000 acres, reserved for professionallevel alpinists. Mountain staff is happy to work with anyone having a hard time with the higher terrain. “We have just the treatment for altitude discomfort,” says Rob Patterson, Solace Spa’s manager and massage therapist. “It’s our ‘Adjusting to Altitude’ treatment. Our customers find that after this cranial and neuromuscular blend of massage, they feel great.” The 25-minute treatment increases
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
circulation in the head, and reduces tension and headaches. Guests find relief from the treatment and from hydrating with a refreshing blend of mountainpure water accented with sage and red bell peppers. Another popular spa treatment is the “Gentleman’s Facial,” combined with a “Hand and Foot Massage.” “After a day or two in boots, the guys come in with tired feet,” says Patterson.
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“We wrap hands and feet with hot towels and earthy essences, while we utilize acupressure, reflexology and heat therapy. After the treatments, we send them to Big Sky Sports in the Big Sky Mall for professional boot fitting. Guests tell us that after a facial, and hand and foot massage plus properly fitting ski boots, they experience a remarkable improvement in their skiing and snowboarding.”
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Photos by Jean Arthur. Too much powder is never a problem at Big Sky.
FREE HOT BREAKFAST!
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Also in Billings: (800) 655-1170 Bozeman: (866) 782-2717 www.cmoninn.com
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Several events dominate the 2015 calendar including the spectator-favorites Pond Skimming challenge and the Dummy Jump, where teams create a “dummy on skis” and send it downslope, off a jump and over – or into – an icy pond. Big Sky Resort operates daily through April 19, 2015. Big Sky Resort is 430 miles from Spokane. Head east on I-90 to the Bozeman-Belgrade area, and south on U.S. Hwy 191/Gallatin Road to Big Sky’s Lone Mountain Trail. Resort reservations and information: www.bigskyresort.com or (800) 584-4486. Lone Mountain Ranch: www.lonemountainranch.com/or (800) 514-4644. Make Sleighride Dinner reservations (406) 995-2783 or reservations@lonemountainranch.com Reservations recommended for all Solace Spa and Salon treatments although drop-ins are welcome if space is available. (406) 995-5803 or www.bigskyresort.com/spa. With the acquisition of nearby Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Resort now offers the largest variety of skiable terrain in the continental U.S.
HOT SPRINGS
LODGING DININ DINING NG
GOLF
SPA
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Montana ~ Discovery Ski Area Ski Packages! *Starting at $102.50 per person! *67 Runs - 1,670 ft. Vertical Drop *Four Natural Hot Springs Pools *104 Degrees of Hot Water *Massage and Spa *Casual and Fine Dining
GENUINE. MONTANA. EXPERIENCE.
Packages include: Accommodations, lift tickets and waterslide passes. For details visit our websites at www.fairmontmontana.com and skidiscovery.com
FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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EPIC Ski Season!
Breathtaking 360° Montana Mountain views surrounded in elegant Hilton style.
Special Offer Packages good through March 31, 2015. 3 Day Cancellation Policy on all packages.
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*(P7 Rate) Starting at $ Per person, per night based on double occupancy.
*(P6 Rate) Starting at $ Per person, per night based on double occupancy.
(2) Two full day lift tickets to Whitefish Mountain Resort Deluxe Overnight accommodations and breakfast for two each morning Silver Canyon Casino Coupons 10%Off Coupons for Blue Canyon (not alcohol)
(2) Two full day lift tickets to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area Deluxe Overnight accommodations and breakfast for two each morning Silver Canyon Casino Coupons 10%Off Coupons for Blue Canyon (not alcohol)
Guide
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Ski Blacktail Mountain
Winter Fun
Ski Whitefish Mountain
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell 1840 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT 59901 Tel: 1-406-756-4500 Fax: 1-406-756-4505 www.kalispell.hgi.com
these are the good old days.
EAT- SKI- SLEEP- REPEAT MIDWEEK for just $84 / person! *
Includes Hibernation House lodging, lift ticket, a hot breakfast & hot tub access. *View full details and restrictions online.
W H I T E F I S H , M O N TA N A SKIWHITEFISH.COM 877-SKI-FISH Big Sky also has terrain available for Nordic skiers as well.
Partially Located on National Forest Lands
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
No shortage of winter fun available in
the Kootenay Rockies
Guide
Winter Fun
By Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent
Just when the cold is about to wear out its welcome in the Northwest, the fun part of it, like really good snow that makes us squeal with joy, starts coming down. That’s when it’s time to answer the call of the Kootenay Rockies. One of four spectacular north/south Canadian mountain ranges, fondly referred to as “British Columbia’s Mountain Playground,” the Kootenay Rockies is the easternmost range – next to the Purcell, Selkirk and Monashee mountains – and just a 3 ½ hour drive northeast of Spokane. Although known for stellar champagne powder you must ski (or snowboard, snowmobile, etc.) to believe, the region is also just as well known for its many laid-back leisure activities and welcoming residents. From ice climbing to hot springs, dog-sledding to sleigh rides, snow-shoeing to shopping – the Kootenay Rockies offers something that’s sure to please every palate.
Photo courtesy Red Mountain Red Mountain in Rossland, B.C., offers 4,200 acres for skiing or boarding, including 1,000 acres added at the end of 2013.
Ski and soak at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort While well-known for a steamy après-ski hot springs experience, if you’re looking for vertical adventure, make no mistake – you’ve found skiing and soaking at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is fun and affordable at just $24 to $45 CAD (children 5 and younger are free) for a lift ticket, and twothirds of the runs are beginning to intermediate level. All lift tickets include a complimentary hot springs soak. For a more low-key, romantic getaway, try the “Romance in the Rockies” package. For $199, you’ll enjoy a night’s stay, complete with a bottle of bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries. Overnight guests also receive unlimited access to the hot springs, steam room and sauna, and a $60 dinner voucher, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Add on a massage or facial in the spa, leisurely shopping at specialty shops, a little wine
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
tasting, maybe snowshoeing and you’ve got the perfect relaxing weekend with your special someone. Call (800) 663-4979 for more details or visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com/. If you enjoy seeking out other hot springs on your Canadian adventure, don’t forget about Ainsworth, which is right up the road from Nelson – it also offers natural springs, a hotel and a restaurant. It’s open year-round, and is a perfect way to enjoy the region’s winter breathtaking scenery. Visit www.hotnaturally.com/ for more details or call (800) 668-1171. Sun Peaks Resort: Get your mush on and more If the presence of a very furry canine or two always gives you warm fuzzies, dog sledding in the Kootenay Rockies can be your next winter adventure. At Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, enjoy a truly epic experience starting at $125, as professional guides at Mountain Man Outfitters give you a kennel tour, teach you how to hook up a team of Alaskan Huskies and then take them for a run. Drive the sled if you dare! (Participants must be at least 4 years old.) In addition, tour the village in a horse-drawn sleigh, enjoy the outdoor skating rink, take a moonlight Nordic ski to a toasty cabin in the woods or partake in their Fondue Dinner and Evening Descent tour. The resort hosts other late winter and early spring events, such as the Snow Star Festival March 20 – 21. Call (250) 578-5399 for more info or visit www.sunpeaksresort.com/.
Courtesy HelloBC.com Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops offers the chance to drive a sled pulled by Alaskan Huskies this winter.
Fernie Alpine Resort: Calling all lady shredders and kids Regularly ranked as one of North America’s top ski resorts, Fernie hosts a Weekend at Fernie’s Burton Women’s Snowboard Camp March 14-15, where beginner to advanced levels can learn new skills, demo equipment and make friends. Two days of instruction, morning yoga/stretching sessions, hearty lunches, Saturday après-ski fun and the chance at winning a new Burton board are just a few of the perks. Plus, on Saturday, the Griz Kidz Winter Carnival features free activities, games and entertainment. Get more info at (877) 333-2339 or visit www.skifernie.com/ Mistaya Lodge & Alpine Tours: Helicopters take you to wilderness wonderland Looking to really get away from it all? This accessible-by-helicopteronly, eco-friendly wilderness wonderland and photographer paradise is between Banff and Yoho national parks and is surrounded by pristine peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. While certified guides lead you in ice climbing, heli-skiing, snowshoeing or other mountaineering adventures, the chef will create a gourmet meal. Book the WildCat Cabin for up to six. Call (866) 647-8292 or visit www.MistayaLodge.com.
• Experience the most unique and refreshing mineral Hot Springs • 41 guest rooms featuring contemporary design elements • Fabulous food & wine in the Springs Restaurant • Purchase trendy swimwear in our Gift Shop • 40 minutes north of Nelson, British Columbia
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Late Season Ski & Snowboard
Bucket List
By Nicole Skinner/Marketing Correspondent
One good thing about living in the Inland Northwest is that our ski seasons seem to stretch a little longer into spring than snowy destinations in other parts of the world. While powderhounds elsewhere are already putting away their gear, we may still see some great ski days even into April. There’s still a lot happening at area slopes -- since the season started so late, the resorts are hoping for as many opportunities as they can bring in visitors, whether it’s parties, specials or standard draws of great snow and affordable prices. February is actually the perfect time to continue filling your late season ski season bucket list, and most winter activities can be done within an hour or two from Spokane. Here are some interesting and enjoyable events: 49 Degrees North March 7: XC Paw and Pole. A Nordic Center event organized
March 21: Bavarian Race. Teams of four tackle challenges like finishing a pitcher of beer, taking the lift up the mountain, skiing down, running back to the starting line, and finishing another pitcher. The first team to have all four members back and their final pitcher empty wins. Spectators can also enjoy live music.
March 28: Oyster Feed. Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh oysters, which were driven here right from Bellingham, Wash., the day before.
by Spokanimal invites cross-country skiers to bring their favorite pooch along the lower trails all day when accompanied by a human pass holder.
March 14: Hawaiian Day. Island attire is encouraged and entering the Slush Cup competition is a must. This competition features contestants crazy enough to ski or ride into a pool of icy slush, while rocking crazy outfits. There’s a costume contest, BBQ, and prizes from local businesses. This is one of the largest fundraisers for the 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol. Proceeds fund training and educational materials. Courtesy 49 Degrees North. Hawaiian Day at 49 Degrees North includes a costume contest and Slush Cup competition.
Courtesy Lookout Pass Lookout Pass plans some fun events in addition to enjoyable skiing opportunities.
Lookout Pass February 20: Tom Sherry KREM – 2nd Harvest Food Drive. Support a good cause by bringing cans of food and scoring a lift ticket.
Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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March 28: Scavenger Hunt and Crazy Costume Day. This hunt takes place all over the mountain. Also be on the lookout for crazy costumes -- best costume wins a prize.
April 4: Slush Cup. Enjoy a great time at the Annual Slush Cup and Beach Party Luau sponsored by Red Bull & Jack Daniel’s. Mt. Spokane March 7: Retro Day. Bust out your old-school straight skis and retro one-piece. On-snow retro representatives will hand out free goodies.
March 21: Family Fun Day.
Courtesy 49 Degrees North. The Slush Cup is a cold but fun good time.
Kids can enjoy the free obstacle course on the Bunny Hill. This includes race gates to slalom around, hoops to slide under, rollers and banks to cruise through. (Parents must fill out a release form and helmets are required.) Contest begins at noon.
includes a laser light show on Sunday, Feb. 15. Festivities wrap up with a fireworks show on Saturday, Feb. 21.
March 20-21: “24 Hours of Schweitzer”. A 24-hour downhill ski event that benefits Cystinosis Research, a rare, incurable metabolic disease.
April 4-5: Tropical Daze. Bring out your Hawaiian shirt for fun in the sun. The weekend includes pond skimming, Downhill Dummy Derby, the Rotary Rubber Duck Derby and more. Courtesy Schweitzer Mountain Resort The Schweitzer Winter Carnival wraps up with a fireworks show.
Winter Fun
Schweitzer Mountain Resort February 13-21: Winter Carnival. This weeklong joint event between Sandpoint and Schweitzer
Guide
March 28: Seventh-annual Slush Cup pond skimming contest at Bunny Hill. Contest begins at 1 p.m. All competitors must wear a helmet. Mandatory safety meeting is at 12:45 p.m. Entry is $5. Prizes for best skim, best costumes, and more. Extra bonus: grab the floating balloons to win even more goodies. It’s also Hawaiian Day and Military Ski Free Day. Past and present military members get a free lift ticket when they bring military, retired, or veteran ID.
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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Silver Mountain February 21: Celebrate Mardi Gras, the biggest party of the year, with grown-up fun with plenty of beads, drink specials and a 3 p.m. balloon drop in Moguls. Win cash, prizes and more.
February 28: Tubin’ in Tutus, annual fundraiser for Shoshone Pet Rescue. March 7: ALS Poker Run. Join this ski/snowboard poker run to raise money for ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
April 4: Spring Carnival. Come party in the sun with a pond skim and rail jam over the pond. Enjoy drink specials, prizes and great giveaways to help welcome spring.
Winter Fun
Guide
Photo Courtesy Silver Mountain Resort. In addition to the enjoyable gondola, indoor water park and spacious lodge, Silver Mountain offers plenty of world-class skiing.