Page 63 - Flathead Beacon // 7.20.16

WEEKEND OUTLOOK
WEEKLY ON-MOUNTAIN NEWS WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2016
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Riley Polumbus
We’re in the thick of it: tanned, relaxed and trying to ignore the fact that sum- mer is half over because there’s so many more fun
things to do. It is this point
the surrounding forest. Tightrope bridges, trapezes, rope swings, ladders, zip lines and various other obstacles must be traversed so you can progress from tree to tree.
Okay so you are not literally going out on a limb so much as you are going out on manmade obstacles, however it’s pretty much the same thing. As families make their way through the Aerial Adventure Park they encourage and help one another through each challenge. Everyone will feel a sense of accomplishment on top of some pretty tear- jerking family bonding. Kids love it, mom and dad will cherish it.
No trip to the mountain is complete without a Scenic Li Ride to the summit. We are one of a handful of ski areas that o er
a ride all the way to the top in the summer. We are the only ski area in the world that of- fers a view of Glacier National Park and the views do not end there as you will overlook 360-degrees of breathtaking Montana land- scape. Family Christmas card photo—check!
From the summit you can take the Scenic Li back down the mountain or, if you need another activity, hike down the 3.8-mile Danny On Trail. is can take a few hours so be sure you have water, snacks, rain jacket and a container or two in case you happen upon a huckleberry patch. e hucks are starting to show up around 5,000 feet elevation—that’s at or just above our Village level. It’s one more reason why the mountain is your sweet spot!
With so much to do up on the mountain in summer, you may need to make a couple trips here. Good thing were just 15 minutes away from downtown White sh! ere’s even a shuttle that will bring you here for free. Visit skiwhite sh.com for directions and more information.
SUMMER’S SWEET SPOT
in the summer when the Big Mountain at the north end of the valley
beckons you to come play, and you must respond like a Golden Retriever to a thrown tennis ball.
Everyone knows that ski areas make
a great family vacation destination in the winter. On the ipside during summer, especially this time of summer when the kids need a new activity and you wouldn’t mind a change in scenery—the mountain is your sweet spot. Our ski area makes it our mission to create a family’s dream vacation by o ering a whole gamut of activities for which each family member will enjoy. Un- like winter, you don’t necessarily need prior knowledge to participate in said activity, you just need to show up.
Take the Alpine Slide for example. Yes if you’ve been sledding (tobogganing to our friends to the north) then you know how
to operate the sleds on the Alpine Slide.
If you have never been sledding, you will be in good hands as the friendly employee at the top of our Alpine Slide will tell you exactly what to do. It basically boils down to you choosing how fast you want to slide down a 1,605-foot long berglass half pipe that snakes its way down 281 feet around 16 banked turns, down two dips under two bridges and through a tunnel.
Warning: the Alpine Slide may in- duce giggling, or in some cases scream-
Looking to elevate your summer? Family-friendly activities abound at White sh Mountain Resort. Clockwise from left: Aerial Adventure Park, Alpine Slide and Spider Monkey Mountain. PHOTOS © NOAH CLAYTON & MOUNTAIN LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
ing, and the uncontrollable desire to yell, “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee,” all the way down. It’s also quite addictive so one ride will lead to at least one more. ankfully there’s a free chairli ride to get you back to the top. ere is a height requirement of 48 inches to ride solo, however kids who are not yet tall enough can ride with someone who is (mom, dad, aunt, uncle, older sibling) for free—they still need a ticket.
While we specialize in activities for the whole family, we do have one activity here that is earmarked for kids only: Spider Mon- key Mountain. Kids four and older (at least 34 inches tall) who need a place to expand some of their boundless energy will make naptime a thing again a er a few laps up and down this two-story tower and giant in at-
able slide. Like the Alpine Slide, it can be addictive. Kids love the sense of accomplish- ment they get by climbing up the webbing and parents can rest assured that their child is safe from a fall too far. Parents also can relax on the Base Lodge Patio while keeping an eye on their spider monkey and enjoy a cold beverage.
It’s hard to say which activity on the mountain is best for the whole family be- cause each family is di erent, however I am going to go out on a limb (in the literal sense you will understand in a moment) and say the Aerial Adventure Park may be the win- ner. It is best described as an obstacle course in the trees. More accurately there are ve courses, ranging from easy to di cult, which begin on the same platform and extend into
LEARN TO BIKE DOWNHILL
Just $99 gets you a 2-hour downhill mountain bike rental, protective gear including a full-face helmet, a Bad Rock Zone lift ticket and a 2-hour downhill mountain bike lesson. This beginner package is offered 7 days a week through August 15, then offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday through September 2. Reservations are recommended. To sign up call Village Rentals at 406-862-1995 or stop by the shop. More mountain bike lesson options are available.
LODGING starting at $99*
Need lodging for guests? We’ve got options for every budget. Plus, get discounted rates on activities when you stay with us. Find more lodging options and deals at SKIWHITEFISH.COM.
*Taxes and fees not included. Other restrictions may apply.
Photo © Noah Couser
877-SKI-FISH | SKIWHITEFISH.COM
JULY 20, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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