Have Snow, Will Travel, Whitefish Ski Resort, 2.8.15 - 2.14.15

The ski season in Washington has been dismal to say the least. We just haven't gotten any snow and what we did get got washed away by warm temps and rain. So when Gina Z. called up from Colorado and suggested meeting in Whitefish, Montana, it sounded like a great idea. She found a great condo rental for six of us - Neighbor Greg and his wife Donna, Gina and her husband Dave along with Bridgit and me.

We arrived last Sunday with a discounted four day pass. Monday we hit the slopes. The weather kinda sucked. It was a mix of sleet and snow. We fought some foggy conditions and sleet freezing to our goggles but we got our ski legs under us and had a good time. That night we got about six fresh inches up top and although it was still a bit sleety and foggy, on day two we found some good powder stashes, some good steep trees and had a blast.

Day three was a rest day except for Greg and Dave who bonded over a few cliffs and steep chutes. The fourth day it started clearing up so we all got back out there and skied hard all day. By early afternoon we had warm, slushy snow which was a bit heavy off the beaten track but the groomers were a blast.

Friday was our last day and it was bluebird conditions. This was really our first chance to actually see the area and what a place it is. First of all, the terrain is so awesome with vast open bowls, long cruiser runs, gladed trees and a whole variety of steepness to choose from. We were all just drooling at the thought of being here with lots of fresh powder. It would be amazing. As it was we made the most of the conditions that were dealt us and everyone had a great time.

The other thing that was so incredible is the setting for this ski area. Tucked away in northern Montana, it seldom gets crowded and the week we were there wasn't crowded at all with no lift lines. From the summit you can look south across the vast Flathead Valley and the Mission Mountains. But what I was so excited for was the scenery to the northeast. From the top of the lift you are looking right into Glacier National Park. The park had cloud cover the whole week but our last day it did give us some great glimpses of the mighty peaks that make it so special. I can't wait to go back both in the winter to fulfill my powder fantasies and also in the summer so we can explore a bit of Glacier National Park.

All in all it was a wonderful week and even more so because of the people we got to spend it with.