Old Man Winter Has Arrived

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

That's the noise I actually made when I stepped outside this morning. My phone only confirmed my initial suspicions when I checked the weather app. Nine degrees! I know I've already been out skiing a handful of times, both cross country and alpine, but I wasn't quite mentally prepared for these two-jacket mornings quite yet. But now that it's here, we don't have much choice but to embrace it.

The cold temps seem to have been brought on by some fantastically clear skies. While the mountain top has only made brief appearances between clouds lately, yesterday the clouds blew away and we were left with this incredible scene in downtown Whitefish.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is currently reporting a 52-inch base of snow at the summit (that's 132cm for those of you residing north of the border) giving it some of the best early season coverage in many years. And I will personally attest to the stellar conditions up there. The mountain is scheduled to officially open on Saturday, December 7, so now is the time to book a room for that winter getaway. Grouse Mountain Lodge is offering two different packages to help get you on the slopes this winter. 

• First: our Ski (or Board) and Stay Package. For only $115 per person, per night with double occupancy, you will receive a lift ticket, lodging at Grouse Mountain Lodge and free shuttle transportation to and from the mountain. The shuttle will also swoop you up at the airport, Amtrak station or at downtown Whitefish if you get the urge to go paint the town red.

• Second: our Fourth Night Free Package. This is perfect for those of you who might have season passes or some other source for your lift tickets. It's really as simple as it sounds; stay three consecutive nights at Grouse Mountain Lodge and we'll give you the fourth night for free.

Both packages can be booked on OUR WEBSITE or by calling 406.892.2525.

Grouse Mountain Lodge

Yours truly enjoying the goods last season

Early Season Skiing and Boarding on Big Mountain

11/17/13 -- Hard to beat views like this!

After a few nice November storms in the Flathead, Big Mountain is starting to look pretty amazing! For anyone looking to earn a few turns, there is plenty of powder waiting to reward you for a little bit of work. The trip up can be a little grueling at times but the payoff is more than worth it! Whitefish Mountain Resort is already reporting a 52" base depth at the summit and while that seems like a lot of snow, early season dangers still exist. Tree tops, stumps and larger rocks are often hiding just below the surface layer. Since the mountain doesn't officially open for another two-and-a-half weeks, proper backcountry gear is also a must for anyone looking to score some early season pow turns. That means beacon, probe, shovel, extra food and water, knowledge and skiing/boarding partners with the same.

If you do go up (and I highly recommend you do), make sure you have read and understand Whitefish Mountain Resort's Uphill Policy. There are designated routes that should be followed. Also be aware that early season obstacles, machinery and snowmaking equipment are present and should be avoided at all times.

11/17/13 -- If it gets much deeper, Penny is going to need a snorkel

11/17/13 -- Happy dog!!!

11/10/13 Shred Posse 

2014 Artist-In-Residence Applications Now Being Accepted

Glacier National Park is now seeking applicants for the 2014 Artist-in-Residence Program in Glacier National Park. This sounds like an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in furthering their artistic research and abilities. More info is in the press release below.

Press Release:

Artist-In-Residence Applications Available
Pursue Art Skills Surrounded by Inspiring Landscape

WEST GLACIER, MONTANA-   Artists are encouraged to apply for the 2014 Artist-in-Residence Program at Glacier National Park.

The program offers professional artists the opportunity to pursue their artistic discipline while being surrounded by the park’s inspiring landscape. The program seeks professional artists whose work is related to the park’s interpretative themes and supports the mission of the National Park Service.

The program provides an artist with uninterrupted time to pursue their work and the opportunity to engage and inspire the public through outreach programs.   Park housing is provided for a four-week session during the summer or fall season.  

The artist is required to present several public programs during their residency.  The programs must be related to their experience as the artist-in-residence and can be demonstrations, talks, exploratory walks, or performances.  Digital images of selected work produced as a part of the residency may be used in park publications, websites and presentations for education and outreach.

Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply.  Applications are available online at https://www.callforentry.org.  The deadline to apply is January 30, 2014.  For more information contact the park at 406-888-7800.  

Thanksgiving Dinner at Logan's Grill

Thanksgiving is only two weeks away! Save the hassle in the kitchen and let our talented chefs do the work of preparing a feast for you. We will be serving a special Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 29 from 2pm to 9pm. In addition to our special turkey-day offerings, we will have our full dinner menu available. Check out the menu below. Reservations can be made by calling 406.862.3000.

Harvestfest Banquet 2013 - Photos