2013 Winter Preview: Cold Comforts

Whether your objective is to enjoy a leisurely backcountry tour after work, kick and glide along the gentle, rolling network of loops at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, which is illuminated at night, or punish yourself with a leg-burning ascent from Haskill Basin to Big Mountain, the options are ample for skiers of all levels and abilities.

The health benefits of Nordic skiing are manifold, and the intense but low-impact, total body workout is the perfect excuse to take a day off from the slopes, burn a raft of calories – on average, Nordic skiers burn 650 calories an hour – and boost the endorphins.

Here are a half-dozen options right in your backyard.

Glacier Nordic Center at Whitefish Lake Golf Club
Likely the most popular groomed Nordic ski area in the Flathead Valley, the Glacier Nordic Center maintains 13 kilometers of impeccably groomed trails for both skate skiing and classic techniques, located at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, just one mile west of downtown Whitefish on U.S. Highway 93 West.

Luminaries line 4 kilometers of trail for night skiing – all night, every night – affording skiers the cold, quiet comforts of kicking and gliding or diagonal striding along snow-covered trails in the crisp, crystalline winter darkness. The trails meander along the 36-hole Whitefish Lake Golf Club, with loops located on both the north and south sides of the highway.
Ask an Expert: Ron and Jan Brunk, owners of Glacier Cyclery and Nordic, are the go-to gurus for gear and information. Or stop in at their Nordic Shop, located at the club-house parking lot. It opens when the snow flies and grooming begins.
Need to Know: No dogs. $8 per day, $50 per individual for the season or $100 for a family before Dec. 1; $55 for an individual and $110 for a family after Dec. 1.
Info: glaciernordicclub.com or call Glacier Cyclery and Nordic at (406) 862-6446.

Big Mountain Nordic Trails
More than 20 kilometers of groomed trails begin at the back of the Willow Lot near the base lodge of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain. Skiers can skate ski on the carpet of corduroy or kick and glide on the classic track. Glacier Nordic Club is providing new signage and maps this year as the popularity of these trails continues to grow. The trails will lead skiers to loops at the base of Big Mountain, out to Iron Horse Golf Club or into Haskill Basin.
Ask an expert: Visit Glacier Cyclery and Nordic for gear and information.
Need to Know: Your Glacier Nordic and Ski Club membership fee funds the grooming duties carried out by Marc Venery, who lays a track of corduroy each morning.
Info: glaciernordicclub.com

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
In addition to its lift skiing, Lakeside’s premier downhill ski area features 40 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails and a full schedule of races on the west shore of Flathead Lake. The ski area is a snap to access from U.S. Highway 93 South. Look for signs and turn west at Blacktail Grocery, then follow the Blacktail Road for 14 miles to the mountaintop. The quality of the grooming is due to volunteer work by the North Shore Nordic Club.
Ask an expert: Stop in at Rocky Mountain Outfitters in Kalispell and visit with any of the informed employees, or contact Dave Hadden through the North Shore Nordic Club.
Need to Know: A formal membership is not required to use the trails. However, the North Shore Nordic Club is entirely funded by donations and asks that skiers make a contribution. Donations pay for grooming gear and labor, fuel and liability insurance.
Info: northshorenordic.com

Stillwater Mountain Lodge
Situated in the foothills about eight miles northwest of Whitefish, Stillwater Nordic opened in 2006 and features more than 20 kilometers of groomed trails that wind through old growth forests, roll over ridge tops and meander along lakeshores. The lodge offers three suites and accommodates up to 14 people. Trails are groomed for skate skiing, with a track set for classic and diagonal stride.

The warming hut at the trailhead offers free rentals and skiing for children under the age of 12, and sleds are available to tow your tots.
Ask an Expert: Reid and Kirsten Sabin, owners (406) 862-7004.
Need to Know: Family season pass is $135, single adult pass $67, daily adult pass $15, daily youth pass $10. Multi-day passes also available. Trails include a 3.5 kilometer “dog-friendly” section.
Info: stillwatermtnlodge.com, 750 Beaver Lake Road.

Izaak Walton Inn
Nestled at the southern tip of Glacier National Park, the Izaak Walton Inn’s 33 kilometers of groomed trails wind through a forested valley in the Flathead National Forest, bristling with hemlock, spruce and fir. The trails wander around Dickey and Essex Creeks, with one mile of trail lit for night skiing. The Izaak Walton sits in the “snow belt,” and often has up to a foot more snow than trails just a few miles down the road.

For a “rails-to-trails” experience, catch a ride on Amtrak from the Whitefish Depot and deboard at Essex, then enjoy a day of skiing before staying in the cozy historic railroad hotel on the edge of Glacier National Park, or in one of the trailside cabooses.
Ask an Expert: Check in with the staff at the Izaak by calling (406) 888-5700.
Need to Know: $10 will get you a day pass. Some trails are dog friendly.
Info: www.izaakwaltoninn.com, 290 Izaak Walton Inn Road.

Flathead ValleyCommunity College
The college grooms 8 kilometers of cross-country ski trails on the property behind FVCC, with the gentle terrain perfect for skiers of all levels. Trails are groomed for both skate and classic skiing techniques.
Ask an Expert: Contact Steve Muller at [email protected] for more information.
Need to Know: $2 donation. No dogs. Walking and snowshoeing on the trails is also prohibited.
Info: glaciernordicclub.com

Holly Groves, center, stands on pointe while rehearsing the Nutcracker ballet with fellow dancers Mileah Roberts, Mackenzie Johnson, Elizabeth Vinogradova, Samantha Rogozynski and Ashley Pitt, left to right. – File photo by Lido Vizzutti | Flathead Beacon

The Flathead Valley is one of the best places to spend the winter – not only are there world-class outdoor activities to enjoy, but professional-level productions on the local stages make the great indoors a worthwhile and enjoyable place to be as well.

So if you’re looking for a place to defrost, relax and take in a live show, keep an eye on the theater schedules. There’s plenty to look forward to.

Bigfork
The village in the bay is well-known for its theatrical productions, with the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts providing a great stage for various companies to work with.

Most of the productions this time of year are holiday themed, adding to the already-cheery feel of downtown Bigfork.

Be sure to check out the 20th annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” performed by Kalispell’s own Northwest Ballet Company on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 1.

As one of the valley’s most-popular holiday traditions, The Nutcracker showcases local dancing talent under the direction of Northwest Ballet School and Company owner and director Marisa Roth.

For ticketing and show time information, visit www.northwestballet.com or www.bigforktheater.org.

On Dec. 7, catch Brach Thomson and Friends’ performance of “A Touch of Christmas,” with Thomson performing with five keyboards to play his interpretation of classic Mannheim Steamroller and Trans Siberian Orchestra hits. There will be special guests during this one-night performance, and all proceeds will benefit the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre.

For tickets, visit www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com.

On Dec. 7 and 8, the Noble Dance Performing Company will present its Winter Celebration, directed by Natalie Molter. The performances take place at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children 18 and under and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Call Noble Dance at 212-0293 to reserve your tickets today.

From Dec. 13-21, the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre will present “One Magical Christmas Eve,” which is a fun and whimsical mash-up of the holiday favorites, with appearances from Scrooge, the Grinch, Santa and great musical numbers. It’s good family fun.

For tickets, visit www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com.

On Dec. 22 and 23, stop by the BCPA for free holiday concerts “Home for Christmas,” featuring special guests Mel Haug, Nikki Frizzell and Carlene Prince, along with appearances from Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman.

In January, join the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre for its rollicking production of “The Wild, Wild, Wildest West,” running from Jan. 24 through Feb. 1.

Whitefish
Big Mountain is usually the talk of the town this time of year, but the local theater companies have made a name for themselves with their winter programming. The proximity to the ski hill, restaurants and great shows makes Whitefish a fun choice for a night on the town.

‘Tis the time of year for Charles Dickens, and the Whitefish Theatre Company plans to deliver with its production of “Oliver!” running from Dec. 5 through 22. The play follows Oliver and the other characters through 19th century London, with songs, dance and a great story about the orphan who famously asks for more.

The Dec. 5-7, 13-14 and 20-21 shows are at 7:30 p.m., and the Dec. 8, 15 and 22 shows are at 4 p.m. For tickets, visit www.whitefishtheatreco.org.

WTC will present a kids’ theater production of “Shakespeare: Next Generation” on Jan. 25 and 26 which will feature local kids performing shortened versions of the bard’s plays with special vocals and movement.

Alpine Theatre Project is renowned for the quality and scope of its productions, and its holiday offering, “Yuletide Affair,” is an annual treat audiences enjoyed for a decade. This year on Dec. 21 and 22, the variety show will feature David Ackroyd, Eden Atwood, Eric Michael Krop, Tracy McDowell, Betsi Morrison, Aaron Vega, Luke Walrath, and Virginia Woodruff.

Tickets went on sale Nov. 18. Don’t wait too long to buy yours, this show sells out every year. Visit www.atpwhitefish.org for more information.

Kalispell
Student actors and other local talent will take to the stage at Flathead Valley Community College’s winter production of “Reckless,”a play by Craig Lucas, from Dec. 5 through 14. The New York Times describes this bittersweet Christmas fable as “It’s a Wonderful Life as it might be reimagined for a bruising contemporary America in which homelessness may be a pervasive spiritual condition rather than a sociological crisis.”

For ticketing information, call 406-756-3814 or visit www.fvcc.edu/current-students/student-life/theatre.

People warm themselves around a small fire during the annual Christmas Stroll in downtown Whitefish. – File photo by Lido Vizzutti | Flathead Beacon

Cabin fever: It’s a reality we face living in a winter wonderland. Cold weather and tougher traveling can make socializing in the winter more of a challenge than in the warmer, more-forgiving months.

To help combat the winter woes and malaise, here’s a list of activities and upcoming events designed to get you out of the house and in the community, and which don’t require much physical prowess. For up-to-date event listing, be sure to check out www.flatheadevents.net.

Take a Snowshoe Tour
If you feel like getting outside but don’t want to battle gravity on downhill or cross-country skis, consider taking a snowshoe tour in either Glacier National Park or at Kalispell’s Lone Pine State Park.

Snowshoeing offers a chance to see our forests in their pristine and unique winter states, while allowing participants to set an easy pace on steady feet. In Glacier Park, guided public snowshoe tours are available and led by park naturalists, who teach about winter habitat and animal behavior during the walk. These tours begin in January, and leave from the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoe rentals are available.

Closer to town, Lone Pine State Park also offers guided snowshoe tours on the weekends; the park has 7.5 miles of trails for hiking and snowshoeing. For more information, visit www.stateparks.mt.gov/lone-pine

Take to the Ice
The winter chill freezes over many of the area’s ponds and lakes, but if you prefer that smooth, Zamboni-clean feeling under your skates, look no further than the Stumpdown Ice Den in Whitefish.

The ice den features a standard NHL-sized rink, which is used for public skate, skating lessons, hockey, figure skating and curling. There are rentals available onsite, along with multiple locker room facilities.

With so much going on at the rink, be sure to stay up to date on the schedule, which is posted online at www.stumptowniceden.com, or available by calling 406-863-2477.

Take in Some Live Music
One of the perks of living in the Flathead Valley is that it is home to many different types of venues to see a wide variety of music performances. For example, the Great Northern Bar and Grill in Whitefish might host a jamming local band one weekend, followed up by a nationally touring artist, such as Keller Williams, who takes the stage Nov. 21. Other venues often schedule events that complement their ambiance, so stay tuned to www.flatheadevents.net for up-to-date information.

If you like your tunes a little more raw, there are plenty of weekly karaoke sessions happening throughout the valley, such as karaoke with Jody at the Rainbow Bar and Casino in Evergreen each Wednesday and Saturday night. Many bars also host open mic nights, which tend to bring out secretly and not-so-secretly talented valley residents. Be sure to check www.flatheadevents.net for open mic and karaoke listings.

On Dec. 19, the Valley Voices Choir will perform its popular holiday concert at the Conrad Mansion Museum; check out www.conradmansion.org for ticketing information.

The valley also offers world-class opera performances, live via the Met Opera in New York City. The shows are streamed live at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, and are shown in their full high-definition glory. For a list of The Met: Live in HD performances, visit www.whitefishpac.com.

Take a Walk
On Dec. 6, hit the streets in downtown Kalispell for one of the year’s most-festive events, the much-anticipated Kalispell Art Walk and Holiday Stroll. Most of the businesses downtown will be open and hosting art displays, as well as live music and holiday refreshments.

It’s a popular event, with crowds making their way up and down Main Street, giving attendees a chance to enjoy their community and local businesses. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and usually run until about 9 p.m.

If you’re planning on attending, stop by the Beacon’s office at 17 Main St., grab a bite to eat, snag a drink and say hello!

Take a Stroll
Dec. 13 is one of the most festive evenings in Whitefish, when residents gathers downtown for the Christmas Stroll. Wander the sidewalks under the holiday decorations and visit local stores and galleries for fun and frivolity.

There will also be events happening throughout the evening – such as fire jugglers in Depot Park, an appearance from Santa, and various entertainment on the main stage.

Central Avenue will have fire pits setup to warm strollers, plenty of vendors selling crafts and food, and various activities throughout downtown, such as frozen turkey bowling at the Craggy Range.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and continues until about 9 p.m. For a full event listing, visit www.whitefishchamber.org.

Snow-covered peaks point to the sky from Glacier National Park in this view from Big Mountain in Whitefish. – File photo by Lido Vizzutti | Flathead Beacon

Experts say Northwest Montana could be on track for a heavy snowpack this year if the last five winter seasons are any indication. According to USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service water supply specialist Brian Domonkos, the region already has an above average snowpack for this time of year and that trend will continue if the snow keeps falling.

The snowpack in the Flathead Basin is at 150 percent of the average for November; the entire Columbia River Basin, which includes all of the water in Montana that flows west, is 136 percent of average.

“Right now, we’re above average and if the snow fall continues like it has we’ll have an above average year,” Domonkos said. “But that is yet to be determined.”

Domonkos said the deepest snowpack in Montana is in the southern part of the state after an October storm covered the region but missed the northwest corner. However, overall, the Flathead has been getting more and more snow in recent years.

“There is a slight trend showing us getting a bigger snowpack from 2009 to 2013 and it’s most pronounced in the Flathead,” he said.

On average, Northwest Montana has received five more inches of snow in the last five years than when compared to the winters between 2003 and 2009. But what happens this winter all depends on what the weather does, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller.

Kitsmiller said there is a 40 percent chance that the next four months will have above average precipitation; after that it’s unknown. He said for the first time in a decade, there is neither La Nina nor El Nino weather conditions, meaning the Pacific Ocean’s water temperatures are average. That means there is no easy way to predict what the long-term forecast will be.

“Anything could happen this season,” he said. “We could have big storms or small storms. We’re going to take it month to month.”