Winters in the Flathead are naturally romantic. The dramatic snow-covered mountains, the charming towns and plenty of fun events create a wonderland for all types of couples looking to stay warm in the chilly weather.
Sometimes all it takes to stoke the romantic flame is a night or a weekend away together. Luckily, the Flathead Valley offers plenty of opportunities for couples in all activity and price ranges.
For couples who really want to get away from all the stresses the modern world offers, there is the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, one of the premiere cross-country skiing locales in the West.
Located in an idyllic area with views of Glacier National Park and the Big Bear Wilderness and surrounded by miles of cross-country ski trails, the Izaak Walton Inn has a variety of room choices. Visitors can kick back in guest rooms at the inn or rent a cabin or converted caboose. Among the most prized aspects of the Inn is the intentional absence of phones or televisions in the rooms.
Dorothy Van Geison, general manager of the Inn, said a break from technology helps couples relax and focus on each other.
“They feel like they haven’t gone very far, but they feel that they’re a world away,” Van Geison said.
Getting to the Izaak Walton Inn can be a romantic experience in itself. The Inn is located next to the Amtrak train stop, and visitors can hop on the train in Whitefish and ride stress-free to the Inn for a day of skiing or for the weekend. Visit www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-USARAIL for tickets and reservations. A one-way ticket typically costs $11 per person.
The Inn has a restaurant and a bar. There are also opportunities for ski lessons and Nordic ski trips into the winter beauty of Glacier Park. For reservations, call the Inn’s only phone at 406-888-5700.
For couples looking to stay closer to the larger towns and treat themselves to a posh, romantic evening, the Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort has the “Romantic Getaway Package.”
For one evening, a couple can get 20 percent off their room rate and a specially priced five-course meal from the renowned Café Kandahar, complete with wine and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Described as a luxury lodge, the rooms at Kandahar offer down comforters, leather furniture and granite and tile bathrooms. The lodge is located on Big Mountain, so downhill ski adventures are just outside the door. For reservations, call 406-862-6094 or e-mail [email protected]
Of course, there are also plenty of fun activities around the valley for couples just looking for a fun day or evening together. One of the most classic, romantic winter activities is an old-fashioned sleigh ride over the valley’s snowy pastures and through the plentiful pine trees.
The Bar W Ranch in Whitefish offers sleigh rides pulled by their teams of draft horses. The riders are taken on a 45-minute journey around the ranch and kept warm by blankets on the sleigh and hot chocolate afterward. There are also evening rides complete with a steak or chili dinner, and patrons can bring their own beer or wine.
Evening rides are bordered by tiki torches lighting the path and are ideal for an amorous trip, according to ranch manager Ted Harvey.
“It’s very romantic,” Harvey said. “We’ve had people propose on our sleigh ride.”
Prices for adults range from $45 to $69, depending on the type of ride. Call ahead for reservations at 406-863-9099 or visit www.thebarw.com.
The Whitefish Winter Carnival is a perfect excuse to get out and have fun with loved ones. The three-day event showcases a variety of events such as the Penguin Plunge or ski-joring. Wander through downtown, visit vendors and experience the welcoming Flathead community.
The 51st annual carnival takes place Feb. 5-7, just in time to ward off the cabin fever and take to the snowy streets. For more information, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.
Ice skating is another classic winter activity for those looking for an excuse to hold hands. The valley offers plenty of different venues for this graceful sport, with indoor and outdoor options available.
If skating under the stars sounds ideal, check out the Woodland Park Ice Rink and the nearby frozen, maintained pond in Kalispell. The rink offers lessons and drop-in hockey for those adults who like a little competition on a date. Call 406-758-7813 for times and prices.
The Columbia Falls ice rink also offers outdoor skating opportunities, located in Horine Park at 2301 Talbot Road. Call 406-892-4430 for more information.
For indoor skating, check out the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish. There is usually a full schedule at the rink, so call 406-863-2477 for prices and free-skate times.