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The Perfect Family Ski Vacation

In December 2007 our family enjoyed anthe kidssleeping on the train. I
amazing holiday ski vacation. Christmasdidn't sleep as well as I would have in
morning the kids found out that inmy own bed or in a hotel room but there
addition to the gifts under the tree,is something strangely soothing about
Santa had given them a ski adventurethe rocking motion of the train and the
trip...and we were leaving that veryclickety-clack of the wheels on the
day! The trip would include antrack.
overnight Amtrak train ride on theThe following morning we awoke just in
Empire Builder from Seattle totime for a hot breakfast in the dining
Whitefish, MT (just over 13 hours) andcar before rolling into Whitefish at
five days of skiing at the Whitefishabout 7:30am.
Mountain Resort (formerly known as BigWe were met by a shuttle driver who
Mountain Resort---not to be confusedhelped with our bags and drove us and
with Big Sky Resort).several other families the eight miles
The kids were beside themselves!! Aup the mountain to the Whitefish resort.
train ride; sleeping on the train; goingWe checked in at the General Store and
to Montana (home of Hannah Montana theygot keys to our ski-in/out condo (there
thought); snow; skiing; sleddingtheyare lots of slope-side condos for rent).
were elated! After the fun of openingWe were skiing by 10am.
gifts and a delicious holiday breakfastThe Whitefish resort is extremely kid
we all rushed to pack our bags. Luckilyfriendly. It has one of the best
Santa had tipped me off to his plan adaycare facilities that I have ever seen
few days earlier so I could prepare allat a ski resort. Our 2 and a half year
of the ski gear. Wink.old enjoyed the activities and the
We departed Seattle's King Streetfriendly, caring staff. And our 10 year
Station at about 4:30pm. The ticketingold daughter felt so safe that a few
and baggage check-in experience fortimes she ventured out and took a few
Amtrak is unbelievably simple and easy.runs on her own.
No lines, no security hassles, noThe skiing at Whitefish was great. It
problems. You could literally arrivesnowed almost every day we were there.
minutes before your train leaves theThe resort has lots of runs for any
station.skill level and several new high-speed
We reserved a family-sized (sleeps four)quads. Other than the line for the main
room on the sleeping car. A friendly,lift at the base lodge, the lines were
traditionally dressed conductor came bytypically short.
to smile and punch our tickets. TheIt is both a plus and minus that
kids thought he looked like the TomWhitefish doesn't have the kind of
Hanks character for The Polar Express.village atmosphere that you find at many
And a few minutes later the attendantresorts such as Whistler. There are
arrived with champagne for the adultsfewer restaurant choices for dinner;
and sparkling cider for the kids.however, the atmosphere is much more
Seating on the train is vastly superiorquiet, subdued, and family-friendlyno
to airline seating. There is lots ofloud party goers. But if you need more
leg room, room for your carry-onchoices the charming town of Whitefish
baggage, and you can move around as muchhas lots of restaurants, pubs, etc. and
as you like. You can even stretch outis just a short, FREE shuttle-ride away.
as if you were on your couch at home.We thoroughly enjoyed the five days that
After admiring the scenery for severalwe spent at Whitefish. And the train
hours and catching up on our reading weride home was a nice way to wrap up the
proceeded to the dining car (dinnertrip. This time we departed Whitefish
included in the fare for sleeper carStation at 9:30pm on New Years Eve. The
customers) where we sat in a large,got their own room this time and went
comfortable booth with a white tableright to bed. While my husband and I
cloth and candles. The chef was no Tomenjoyed some champagne to toast the New
Douglas; but, the meal was much betterYear.
than your typical reheated airlineOur whole family highly recommends the
dinner.Whitefish Mountain Resort as a great
When we arrived back at our room on thespot for a family ski vacation. And for
sleeping car the seats had already beenthose that live in Seattle, the train is
converted into bunk beds for us by thethe wonderful way to add extra adventure
attendant. This was the best part forto the trip.



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