1. Glide Through the Day on Big Mountain
Big Mountain is a fantastic place to ski because of the stunning views. At the top of the mountain, you will find densely snow covered trees, dubbed snow ghosts. They trees gather so much snow they start to bend over like a scene from Whoville in the famous Grinch who stole Christmas film. Beyond the frosty white wonders, you then come across a panoramic view of Whitefish Lake.
2. Enjoy the Peaks, even the Cheese Covered Ones!
Take a break from all the exercise and head to the Hellroaring Saloon its the best place to grab a drink, and attempt to concur their plentiful nacho plate, you’ve earned it!
3. Sip on a Montana Mule
Ginger beer is one of the key ingredients the signature drink, the Montana Mule. The spiciness of fresh ginger paired with whisky and lime juice is a great thirst quencher after a long day on the hill. Or enjoy the alcohol free version made by Glacier Ginger Brew, which can be found on tap at several bars and restaurants in town.
4. Play Drinking Games for Cheap
While exploring the downtown, I ran into some old friends from previous travels. Drinks were $1.25 and 4 Liter pitcher of beer $13 and some bars accept Canadian dollars, even though the exchange rate is less than favorable! They taught me a simple drinking game. Everyone places one finger on a glass full of beer, then one at a time each person yells out, 3,2, 1 and guesses the number fingers they think will remain attached to the cup. If you guess correctly you are out of the game. Sounds simple enough, however, my short attention span led me to drink a few cups of beer that night!
5. Dress like a Super Hero
Hitting the slopes means you get to break out all your flashy snow gear. If you are getting new gear or updating the old, go for bright colors and patterns! Your friends will thank you for it, as you will be easier to spot when you are flying down the mountain.
6. Enjoy a Mountain Sunset
Since the sun goes down pretty quickly at this time of year, stick around the mountain until the last run to catch a glimmer of the sun descending behind the snow dusted mountains.
7. Eat Delicious Food
Dinner was at Mama Blancas, a trendy looking Mexican-Cuban restaurant located downtown. We ordered the tacos and shared each a pork, steak, and shrimp taco, which were more than satisfying. They have a signature hot sauce, but taste buds beware, it was one of those concoctions that clears your sinuses!
8. Take in the Local Pubs
Whitefish is full of lots of cool bars, take your time to explore them all. Thew image below is from The Great Northern Bar and Grill. Inside you can find pool tables, shuffle boards, ping pong and slots machines. If you plan on going to any bars on New Year’s Eve, make sure you book your tickets in advance. I ended up at Casey’s for their NYE bash, but had later heard rumors of steep entry prices, double the cost of original admission for anyone wanting last minute tickets.
9. Find Travelers with an Excellent Fashion Sense
Meeting trendy new friends!
10. Make Great NYE Resolutions
Since having a blast in Whitefish Montana, it sparked two new resolutions for 2017:
1. Plan more ski getaways.
2. Visit Whitefish to see what they have in store for the summer!
Although the tranquil landscape didn’t disappoint, I’m often in search of activities that make each ski destination unique. In Fernie, this was the ice bar, located on the hill, inside the Lizard Creek Lodge. Don your fur trimmed Helly Hansen parka, enter the frigid, colorful carved blocks of ice to sample a vast selection of premium vodkas. Smash your ice-made shot glass when you complete your vodka tastings feeling warm and tingly.
Head back to San Jose to catch your flight home refreshed and recharged.
UNANCHORED EVE 