When I moved to the Flathead Valley six years ago to take this job, I knew living here in the winter would be tough – the ski runs on Big Mountain dominate the scenery, and I am not a skier or snowboarder.
Despite being native to Montana, I didn’t grow up on the ski hills. In fact, strapping skis or a board to my feet and telling me to follow gravity down the hill brings up more anxiety than joy, more fear than freedom.
Skiers and snowboarders run the season, but there are places for the rest of us, those who see fresh snowfall and think, “Oh no, shoveling is going to be terrible,” instead of, “I swear I’m going to quit if my boss doesn’t let me go to the mountain.”
These are the tips and tricks I’ve learned in my time here; if you’ve got favorite activities that aren’t ski or snowboard related, tell us about them in the comments.
Get a Hobby
When it’s cold and dark all the time, it’s easy to succumb to the siren song of the couch and Netflix. And while I advocate for both of those, not keeping your brain busy can lead to a feeling of ennui. It doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as building furniture – start with what interests you. Last winter, I took a class at Flathead Valley Community College, and the semester flew by, and with it, the snow. The folks at Stumptown Art Studio can help you find a craft project, and Tipsy Brush parties allow you to explore painting while sipping and socializing.
Be Active In Your Own Way
Again, it’s tempting to hibernate and not move much at all, but we still live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Winter is a gorgeous, quiet time in the valley; put on some snowshoes and explore a nearly-empty Glacier National Park on a free weekend tour with a ranger (starting in January) or head to the indoor dog park in Kalispell and work in a few laps with your canine buddies. Join a gym and take a new exercise class, or work up a sweat shoveling the snow. Walk laps at the Kalispell Center Mall or take a walk to the ImagineIF Libraries throughout the valley. However you do it, staying active will keep up your spirits and combat the winter slog.
Nordic Skiing: It’s Actually Pretty Fun
My main beef with downhill skiing is the downhill part – cross-country skiing, while challenging, doesn’t have the same intimidation factor as staring down a mountain. The folks at the Glacier Nordic Shop have a nice, flat set of trails on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course in the winter, and the Nordic skiing around Blacktail Mountain is also great for beginners. Of course, the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex offers miles and miles of trails for any skill level.
Take In a Show
You know how it feels like there’s not enough time in the summer to do all the fun things the valley has to offer? Why not tick a few of those off your list while the snow flies? The Whitefish Theatre Company is in full swing in the winter, with shows in December and February. The Glacier Symphony and Orchestra will perform their powerhouse version of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 11-13, and have concerts scheduled in January and February. In Bigfork, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse will present “A Touch of Christmas” on Dec. 5, and the children’s program will present “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 11-13. For more events, check out page 40 and visit www.FlatheadEvents.net.
Get Ruff on the Trail
So maybe you aren’t into gliding and sliding on the snow yourself, but what if you were being pulled? There are multiple local dog sled drivers willing and ready to take you into the winter wonderland. Just say the word “mush.” Check out Dog Sled Adventures, Base Camp Bigfork, and Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours to start – the dog sledding world is tight-knit, and they’ll help you find who or what works for you.
Go to the Ski Hill
I promise I’m not giving you the runaround here – there is still fun to be had at the ski hill even if you don’t hit the black diamond runs. At Whitefish Mountain Resort, grabbing a drink at the legendary Bierstube is always an adventure, and Café Kandahar and Snug Bar offer great ambiance for a winter meal. Sit by the fire and read while your group skis and boards, and soak up the buzzing, energetic atmosphere. And if you haven’t seen the sun in a while, thanks to the valley’s frequent inversions, shell out $18 for a foot passenger ticket and take a ride to the top of the mountain, where you can catch great views of Glacier and a drink at the newly remodeled Summit House.
And at Blacktail Mountain, the lodge sits at the top of the ski hill, making it accessible for non-skiers and providing excellent views. There are also dining options, each with a fireplace.