Western Montana is serious about two things: fun and winter. The people who live here, work here, play here and recreate here do so because – to put it simply – here in the wilds of Montana, winter is rad.

Here at Glacier Country, we think the radness of western Montana should be celebrated. As such, we’re giving our coolest season some much-needed attention with our new winter advertising campaign: the Winter Warrior.

As part of the campaign, we’re inviting winter lovers everywhere to become a winter warrior at winterwarrior.glaciermt.com. Once on the site, winter lovers can select their most loved snow-based activity, enter their information and request a winter warrior packet. As an added bonus, everyone who enrolls to be a winter warrior is automatically entered to win weekly prizes – including lift tickets, Glacier Country gear and travel destination packages – all winter long.

The main goal of the winter consumer marketing campaign is to highlight and promote western Montana as a “must visit” winter destination. Many of the ads have been placed in publications and outlets that reach outdoor enthusiasts, as well as regional target markets. As part of the campaign, advertising has been placed in a variety of national and print online media outlets, including Powder, Mountain, SKI, SnoWest, Canada.com and StarTribune.com, as well as in-state print and online outlets.

And while much of the media placement is outside of Glacier Country and Montana, it’s here in the heart of western Montana that the action is taking place. Local winter lovers can pick up winter warrior stickers at a variety of locations throughout the region, including local ski areas and visitor centers. They can also get in on the action by sharing photos and videos of them doing their favorite winter activity, with select photos and videos being highlighted on our website and social media channels. Users can share photos on twitter and instagram by tagging them with #GCWinterWarrior. Videos and photos can also be shared on our facebook page at facebook.com/glaciermt.

So what are you waiting for western Montana? Let’s show old man winter that we’re just as rad as he is.

For a summer resort town, Bigfork sure gets in the Christmas spirit. Two and a half months after the waves of tourists who flood the community at the northeast corner of Flathead Lake have ebbed, Bigfork’s year-round residents turn their downtown – including the aptly named, judging from all the lights that go up, Electric Avenue – into a wondrous Christmas village. They’ve been doing it for more than 30 years. The result is quite spectacular – requiring 70 volunteers to gather 500 trees and test thousands of bulbs one Saturday, 100 or more volunteers the following Saturday to get it all put up in a day – and it’s hard to believe the whole thing sprang from a casual conversation between three men decades ago. As Edd Blackler recalls, he, Don Thompson of the Bigfork Summer Playhouse and Frank Crane, a retired military man, were all chatting one day on Electric Avenue as the holidays approached. One of them – Blackler isn’t sure who – mentioned that the town could sure look a lot more Christmas-y than it did.

“There was nothing commercial about it,” Blackler says. “We just wanted the village to look a little more festive.”

And so it began. That first year, it meant nothing more than approaching the U.S. Forest Service about cutting down some trees to use to decorate the town. They received permission to take some smaller trees from under power lines, and tied them up around the downtown area.

“Frank Crane, being ex-military, he named us the Bigfork Elf Force,” Blackler says. “He promptly went to an Army Surplus store and bought officers’ insignias, and everyone was given a rank.”

By the next year, the Bigfork Elf Force was ready to take their notion to the next logical level.

“We got the bright idea to add lights,” Blackler says, and so they hit up local businesses for donations during the warm months, and purchased some Christmas lights and extension cords.

Now, once the holidays arrived, Bigfork looked every bit as Christmas-y as most every other town that decorates, and that might have been that. Except Denny Boland, a former Bigfork resident, mentioned to the Bigfork Elves that he had a friend in Chicago who owned a company that made Christmas lights. Boland was pretty sure his friend would cut the Bigfork Elf Force a sweet deal if they wanted more lights. Turned out Boland was wrong. His buddy, who often visited Boland in Bigfork in the summers, wouldn’t give them a discount. He’d just give them lights for free.

“This man, I don’t remember his name, donated I don’t know how many thousands of lights,” Blackler says. “An incredible number.”

Since then, it’s taken a small army to decorate Bigfork. Bruce Solberg, executive director of the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, says he has no idea how many lights are involved, or even how many strings of lights go up.

“There are buckets and buckets of lights,” he says. “I do know we put up 11,000 feet of garland, and it’s all lit.”

Bridges, lampposts, railings, storefronts and more all get the Christmas treatment. Deb Navratil of Flathead Lake Lodge is the head elf. The Bigfork Elves spend one Saturday (this year on Nov. 10) cutting down 500 trees, and checking every last light, on the annual “tree-gathering and bulb-twisting” day, and the next Saturday (Nov. 17) putting everything up.

“Turns us into a little Whoville,” Solberg says.

The lights come on as they go up during the day, plugged into the outlets of the decorated businesses that foot the electric bill. They’re done by 7 p.m., at which point they light the large community Christmas tree at the Bigfork Inn, sing a couple of carols, and Donna Lawson reads “The Night Before Christmas.” It kicks off the holiday season, which in the weeks after will also include a holiday concert, parade, performances of “The Nutcracker” and a Festival of Trees at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History, along with carriage rides and appearances by Santa Claus. It’s grown quite a bit since those three fellows thought the town could stand a few more Christmas decorations.

“We really pride ourselves on being Montana’s Christmas village,” Solberg says.

Of course, when it comes time to take it all down in mid-January and store it away for another year, the Elf Force numbers magically dwindle.

“I’d say we have 100 volunteers on decorating day,” Solberg says, “but it’s a different story on un-decorating day.”

How many show up to turn the Christmas village back into Bigfork?

“About 12,” Solberg says with a chuckle.

by TANDY KHAMENEH
photos by MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM

Montana offers the best of the best in downhill skiing: acres of powder, miles of verticality and the easiest lift lines in the West. So get out there this winter and explore Big Sky Country’s big snowy open!
Here’s a look at each of Montana’s ski areas, with basic info on location, lift tickets and terrain.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl: Located 29 miles south of Havre, this ski hill has adult tickets for only $20 a day, $18 for students 9 to 18. Children 8 and younger and adults older than 80 ski free. The hill is open only Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, January through April (snow permitting), from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. With one chair, one hand tow and a vertical drop of 900 feet, this is a small mountain, just perfect for beginners. Ski and snowboard rentals are available in Havre. Phone: (406) 265-4712. Website: www.skibearpaw.com.
Big Sky Resort: This is the state’s biggest resort – no one else can compete with the amount of terrain, vertical drop and number of lifts. Big Sky offers instant access to some of the most diverse skiing and snowboarding amid breathtaking vistas. Float down a 2,000-vertical-foot, powder-filled bowl beneath Lone Peak; bob and weave through the Bavarian Forest; ride the Lone Peak Tram for a bird’s-eye view of untamed wilderness. You’ll find almost twice as many acres as skiers. Snowboarders will find a halfpipe, rails and other features to grind on. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. An adult ticket is $89 a day, but deals are offered throughout the year, as well as discounts available online and through package and pass deals. Youth ages 11 to 17 are $69, and children younger than 10 are free with an adult. Big Sky is located about an hour south of Bozeman through Gallatin Canyon. Phone: (406) 995-5900. Website: www.bigskyresort.com.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area: Overlooking Flathead Lake about 45 minutes from downtown Kalispell, Blacktail provides skiers and snowboarders with 1,400 feet of vertical serviced by one triple chair and two doubles. It has an average snowfall of 250 inches. The family-friendly resort offers a variety of terrain from beginner to advanced. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and holidays. An adult ticket is $36. Teens ages 13 to 17 are $25. Ages 8 to 12 are $16, and children 7 and younger ski free. Seniors ages 70 and older are $16. College students or active military with ID are $30. Phone: (406) 844-0999. Website: www.blacktailmountain.com.

Bridger Bowl: Skiing enthusiasts have enjoyed the area known as Bridger Bowl since the mid-1940s. Skiers love this hill, which is known for its “cold smoke” powder. Bridger Bowl is a nonprofit community ski area offering world-class skiing at small-town rates. The Bridger and Deer Park lifts have been replaced by one triple chairlift. An adult lift ticket price is $49. Ages 7 to 12 are $16, seniors 70 and older are $22, and children 6 and younger are free. Bridger Bowl is about 20 minutes northeast of Bozeman. Phone: 1-800-223-9609. Website: www.bridgerbowl.com.
Discovery Ski Area: Only minutes from Fairmont Hot Springs, Discovery provides 1,670 feet of vertical on 63 trails. The ski area, overlooking Georgetown Lake, has a good variety of terrain to suit many abilities for skiers and snowboarders. Annual snowfall is 215 inches. Adult tickets are $40 for a full day and $32 for a half day. Ages 12 and younger and seniors are $20. Ages 5 and younger are free. Phone: (406) 563-2184. Website: www.skidiscovery.com.
Great Divide: Twenty-three miles north of Helena near the old mining town of Marysville, Great Divide offers 1,560 feet of vertical on 140 trails. Tickets are $36 for adults, and $30 for middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students, seniors and military. There are five terrain parks for skiers and snowboraders. The mountain’s five double chairs can efficiently move others around. Special lift and rental packages are available for beginners. Phone: (406) 449-3746. Website: www.skigd.com.
Lookout Pass Ski Area: A family ski area since 1935, this resort is located 30 miles northwest of St. Regis off Interstate 90. The high mountains generate about 400 inches of snow annually. With 1,150 feet of vertical, the hill has 34 runs at a midweek rate of $35 for adults, $38 weekends and holidays, with reduced rates for students and seniors. The mountain is open Thursdays through Mondays, as well as during Christmas break and on holidays. Phone: (208) 744-1301.
Website: www.skilookout.com.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain: Lost Trail sits atop the Continental Divide on U.S. Highway 93 where Montana and Idaho meet. With more than 300 inches of snowfall every year, these still-undiscovered slopes await your visit. The terrain includes 1,800 feet of vertical. Adult tickets at the ski hill are $37. Ages 6 to 12 are $27, and 5 and younger are free. Seniors ages 60 to 69 are $29, and 70 and older are $14. The area is open Thursdays through Sundays with extended hours over the Christmas season and on holidays. Phone: (406) 821-3211. Website: www.losttrail.com.
Maverick Mountain: Hidden in southwestern Montana’s Pioneer Mountains, Maverick boasts low rates and two nearby places to plunge into hot water – Jackson Hot Springs Lodge and Elkhorn Hot Springs. The ski hill features 2,020 feet of vertical spread out across 24 trails. The mountain’s annual snowfall is 180 inches, accessed by one double chair and a rope tow. Adult tickets are $32. Juniors and seniors are $20. Phone: (406) 834-3454. Website: www.skimaverick.com.
Montana Snowbowl: Located only minutes from downtown Missoula, Snowbowl is famous for its tricky terrain. Two high-capacity double chairlifts quickly carry skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain for the 2,600-foot drop. Forty-two runs – including one that cruises for three miles – spread out winter enthusiasts. The adult rate is $43 a day. Students and seniors are $40, while ages 6 to 12 are $19 and children 5 and younger are free. Phone: (406) 549-9777. Website: www.montanasnowbowl.com.
Moonlight Basin: Big Sky’s next-door neighbor may be smaller, but it’s got some grand terrain. Located on the north side of Lone Mountain, the hill boasts 4,150 feet of vertical and 92 runs. Experts can try the ridge’s upper chutes, while beginners and intermediates can stick to the lower mountain. Average snowfall is 400 inches. An adult full-day ticket is $59. Ages 11 to 17, college students, seniors and active military are $50. Children 10 and younger are free. Phone: (406) 993-6666. Website: www.moonlightbasin.com.
Red Lodge Mountain: Red Lodge Mountain is Montana skiing pure and simple. Just minutes from downtown Red Lodge, at the base of the magnificent Beartooth Mountains, the ski area has 2,400 feet of vertical accessed by 65 trails. Average snowfall is 250 inches. Snowboarders can frolic in the terrain park, or take to the trees to track powder. The adult rate is $50 a day. Ages 13 to 18 are $40, ages 6 to 12 are $20, ages 65 to 69 are $42, ages 70 and older are $16, college students are $36 and military are $32. Phone: 1-800-444-8977. Website: www. redlodgemountain.com.
Schweitzer Mountain: If you’re looking for big hits and rails, the three-hour-plus drive to Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho, is worth it. Schweitzer’s premiere attraction is its terrain park, the Stomping Ground, which was named the best terrain park in the Pacific Northwest by Powder magazine. Schweitzer also offers a beginner park for the less daring. For those looking for steep, fast runs, be sure to check Siberia and Pucci’s Chute in the Outback Bowl. Schweitzer also has smooth, mellow groomers for the whole family. Average snowfall is 300 inches. Schweitzer is open seven days a week. Lift tickets are $68 for adults, $58 for students and seniors, and $50 for teenagers. Kids 6 and younger ski for free. Phone: (208) 263-9555. Website: www.schweitzer.com.
Showdown Montana: High atop the Little Belt Mountains, Showdown offers a family environment, while nearby White Sulphur Springs serves up a hot pool. Showdown, which celebrated its 70th season last year, is famous for its early snowfalls that average 245 inches a year. The mountain’s 1,400 feet of vertical drop are serviced by one triple and two double chairlifts. Adult full-day tickets cost $38. Ages 6 to 12 are $20, and ages 70 and older are $28. Phone: (406) 771-1300. Website: www.showdownmontana.com.
Silver Mountain: Located 130 miles from Missoula in the Idaho Panhandle, just a short hop from Interstate 90 in Kellogg, Silver Mountain is a ski resort and indoor water park. On the mountain, skiers have access to 2,200 feet of vertical, with the longest run measuring 2 1/2 miles, all serviced by seven lifts that include a gondola and magic carpet. Average snowfall is 300 inches. It’s $52 for an adult lift ticket. Ages 7 to 17 are $37, college students and military are $47, seniors ages 62 and older are $42, and children 6 and younger are free. Phone: 1-800-204-6428. Website: www.silvermt.com.
Turner Mountain: Located 22 miles north of Libby, Turner Mountain sells adult tickets for $37, $25 for ages 13 to 18, $20 for ages 7 to 12, and $30 for seniors, while children 6 and younger ski free. The ski area has 25 runs with 2,110 feet of vertical drop. While only one chair serves the mountain, half of the terrain is considered expert. The hill is only open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, except during the Christmas break and on holidays. Phone: (406) 293-2468. Website: www.skiturner.com.
Whitefish Mountain Resort: The second-largest ski area in the state, Whitefish Mountain provides northwestern Montana with its own bragging rights. Located eight miles northwest of Whitefish, the mountain has 2,353 feet of vertical crisscrossed by 94 trails. Three quad chairlifts quickly whisk skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain, which sees 300 inches of annual snowfall. A terrain park features gaps, berms and tabletops for snowboarders. The adult rate is $67. Ages 7 to 12 are $36, ages 13 to 18 are $59, ages 65 to 69 are $52, ages 70 and older and 6 and younger are free. Phone: 1-877-754-3474. (406) Website: www.skiwhitefish.com.

Here in Polson, when Christmas approaches, downtown store windows come alive.
For approximately the sixth straight year, Polson merchants will replace their usual displays with human beings in an annual event they call “Living Windows.”

It takes place on Friday, Dec. 14, from 4-7 p.m., capping three straight festive Fridays in the city at the south end of Flathead Lake.

It starts Friday, Nov. 30, with the town’s annual Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. The town’s Christmas tree, located between the Glacier Bank drive-through and Showboat Cinemas, will be lit then as well.

If it moves, and has holiday lights on it, it’s eligible for the parade down Main Street.

“We’ve had everything from a cement truck to a grocery cart,” says Jackie Cripe, owner of Jackie M’s Footwear.

And it’s not limited to things with wheels.

“People light up their animals, too,” Cripe says. “It just needs to be something that moves, and is lit.”

Santa will be taking orders (for kids’ Christmas wishes, not pizzas) at the Cove Deli that day from 4 p.m. to approximately 5:45 p.m. – he’s got a parade to get to that night – and be back on the two ensuing Fridays from 4-7 p.m. A professional photographer will be on hand, and moms and dads are welcome to take their own pictures as well.

On Friday, Dec. 7, the Sandpiper Gallery heads up an art walk, and participating businesses will also have something arts-y up for all to enjoy. Could be an artist’s display, could be a music – “Whatever art is to (the business owner),” Cripe says.

Don’t worry about getting cold. In addition to ducking into the many businesses, people can warm themselves around a bonfire in front of the Cove as well on the Fridays.

Then, on Dec. 14, shop windows will go live.

Living Windows began with a historical bent and an assist from the Flathead Historical Museum, which supplied period clothing, Cripe says, but it’s evolved into a community-wide event that embraces most any theme.

Scouts set up a camp in one window. The high school speech and drama team mimes in another.

“People may be making cookies or painting ornaments” in the live displays, Cripe says.

In fact, you never know what you may run into.

Dick Bratton, owner of Alpine Tipis, remembers one year when he and his wife, Sandy Farrell, put up a speakeasy when their business had a Main Street window.

“We kind of went all out,” Bratton says. “We set it up as the Mint Bar, had a mirror we took to get a computer-cut graphic in it that said ‘The Mint Bar’ behind the bar. We brought in a piano and Patty Ferdinand played honky-tonk, we had her (late) husband Jerry with his big handlebar mustache bartending in a white shirt and vest, and we brought in a little whiskey, wine and beer to serve.”

There were Old West dancehall girls and some beautiful paintings decorating the place. Well, Bratton says, it didn’t take long for the word to get out that one living window featured adult beverages.

“The bar filled up,” Bratton says, and one customer had perhaps one too many. Bratton and Farrell had already left when they got a call from police saying their glass door was in a thousand pieces.

“I said, ‘Was somebody trying to break in?’ and they said, ‘No, somebody fell out,’ ” Bratton says. 

The speakeasy was back when businesses focused on historical themes.

“We worked with the museum to dress up,” Cripe says, “but last year we just went with living windows. We have school kids and Scouts who take part, and we’ve also invited school groups that are raising money for various things to have booths out on the street where they can sell cookies or wreaths or whatever.”

Previous years have also featured a Friday with a Christmas-around-the-world theme, but the downtown business owners decided the final Friday this year, Dec. 21, fell too close to Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

So they’ll stick to parade-art walk-living window Fridays in 2012 to help get everyone in the holiday spirit this time around.

Vince Devlin is a reporter for the Missoulian, covering Lake and Sanders counties. He can be reached at 1-800-366-7186 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

by TANDY KHAMENEH

Venture north in winter and you’ll find some of the biggest ski hills in the world, just over the border from Montana in British Columbia and Alberta.
Here’s a guide to a few of the areas beckoning from the north land. Lift ticket prices are in Canadian dollars and may not include taxes.
Canada Olympic Park: Built for the 1988 Winter Games, Canada Olympic Park has developed into an integral part of the winter sports scene in Alberta. The park has all the amenities that one needs for winter sports, from rentals to retail to professionally certified instructors. Features like free parking and adult race leagues keep the area busy all winter long. Situated in the heart of Calgary, Canada Olympic Park is a little slice of winter fun in the big city. Lift tickets are $44 for adults, $39 for ages 13 to 17, $34 for ages 6 to 12, $39 for ages 65 and older, and $10 for ages 5 and younger. Phone: (403) 247-5452. Website: www.winsportcanada.ca/cop.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: Fairmont provides spectacular views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks, friendly service, and plenty of family ski programs. It offers a halfpipe and snowboard park, triple chairlift and 13 runs. Fairmont Hot Springs is four hours north of Kalispell in southeastern British Columbia. Full-day lift tickets are $43 for adults, $33 for ages 65 to 74, $33 for ages 13 to 17, $23 for ages 6 to 12, free for ages 5 and younger and 75 and older. Phone: 1-800-663-4979. Website: www.fairmonthotsprings.com.

Fernie Alpine Resort: Fernie is renowned for its superb natural snow conditions. Snow arrives at the end of November and stays well into April with an annual average snowfall of 29 feet. There are more than 100 trails, with five alpine bowls and acres of tree skiing. Fernie is located about 2 1/2 hours north of Kalispell in the southeast corner of the British Columbia. Lift tickets are $79.95 for adults, $63.95 for ages 65 and older, $55.95 for ages 13 to 17 and $25.95 for ages 6 to 12. Phone: (250) 423-4655. Website: www.skifernie.com.
Kimberley Alpine Resort: Kimberley is famous for consistent snow conditions and a variety of terrain, from beginner to extreme. Sixty-seven runs provide access to 2,465 vertical feet on 1,800 acres, and there’s a new terrain park and halfpipe. The family resort has full day care facilities, ski and snowboard lessons, and day and evening activities. Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia, Kimberley is a four-hour drive from both Calgary, Alberta, and Spokane, Wash. Lift tickets are $67.95 for adults, $53.95 for ages 65 and older, $47.95 for ages 13 to 17 and $21.95 for ages 6 to 12. Phone: (250) 427-4881. Website: skikimberley.com.
Lake Louise Ski Area: Lake Louise is located in the heart of Banff National Park. With 4,200 acres and 139 runs, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski areas in North America. There are beginner, intermediate and expert runs down from every chair. Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park, about 2 1/2 hours west of Calgary, Alberta. Lift tickets are $82.95 for adults, $62.96 for seniors and ages 13 to 17, $29.95 for ages 6 to 12, and free for ages 5 and younger. Phone: 1-877-956-8473. Website: www.skilouise.com.
Nakiska Ski Resort: Designed to host the alpine events of the 1988 Calgary Games, Nakiska continues to attract skiers from around the world. It has wide-open, corduroy-groomed runs, as well as world-class dining, accommodations and spas. Nakiska is a 45-minute drive west of Calgary, Alberta, in Kananaskis Provincial Park. Lift tickets are $69.95 for adults, $55.95 for seniors ages 65 and older, $48.95 for ages 13 to 17 and $22.95 for ages 6 to 12. Phone: (403) 591-7777. Website: www.skinakiska.com.
Red Mountain Resort: Red Mountain has been named one of the Top 10 resorts in North America by Forbes magazine. It has an 890 meters of vertical on 1,685 acres, served by six lifts. Red Mountain is 3 1/2 hour north of Spokane, Wash., in British Columbia Lift tickets are $66 adults, $53 ages 13 to 18, $33 ages 7 to 12 and $43 for seniors. Phone: (250) 362-5553. Website: www.redresort.com.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort: Revelstoke has 5,620 feet of vertical with 52 gladed and groomed trails, open bowls and steep chutes. There also are cat and heli skiing services for those wishing to explore even more mountain terrain. Revelstoke is located seven hours north of Spokane, Wash., in British Columbia. Life tickets are $76 adults, $59 ages 13 to 18, $27 ages 6 to 12 and $59 for seniors. Phone: 1-866-373-4754. Website: www.revelstokemountainresort.com.
Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort: Sunshine Village has an annual snowfall up to 30 feet, 12 lifts and 3,514 feet of vertical. Sunshine Village is 1 1/2 hours west of Calgary, Alberta, in Banff National Park. Lift tickets are $82.86 for adults, $62.86 for ages 65 and older, $59.95 for ages 13 to 17 and $29.95 for ages 6 to 12. Phone: 1-877-542-2633. Website: www.skibanff.com.