| In December 2007 our family enjoyed an | | | | the kidssleeping on the train. I |
| amazing holiday ski vacation. Christmas | | | | didn't sleep as well as I would have in |
| morning the kids found out that in | | | | my 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 adventure | | | | the rocking motion of the train and the |
| trip...and we were leaving that very | | | | clickety-clack of the wheels on the |
| day! The trip would include an | | | | track. |
| overnight Amtrak train ride on the | | | | The following morning we awoke just in |
| Empire Builder from Seattle to | | | | time for a hot breakfast in the dining |
| Whitefish, MT (just over 13 hours) and | | | | car before rolling into Whitefish at |
| five days of skiing at the Whitefish | | | | about 7:30am. |
| Mountain Resort (formerly known as Big | | | | We were met by a shuttle driver who |
| Mountain Resort---not to be confused | | | | helped with our bags and drove us and |
| with Big Sky Resort). | | | | several other families the eight miles |
| The kids were beside themselves!! A | | | | up the mountain to the Whitefish resort. |
| train ride; sleeping on the train; going | | | | We checked in at the General Store and |
| to Montana (home of Hannah Montana they | | | | got keys to our ski-in/out condo (there |
| thought); snow; skiing; sleddingthey | | | | are lots of slope-side condos for rent). |
| were elated! After the fun of opening | | | | We were skiing by 10am. |
| gifts and a delicious holiday breakfast | | | | The Whitefish resort is extremely kid |
| we all rushed to pack our bags. Luckily | | | | friendly. It has one of the best |
| Santa had tipped me off to his plan a | | | | daycare facilities that I have ever seen |
| few days earlier so I could prepare all | | | | at 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 Street | | | | friendly, caring staff. And our 10 year |
| Station at about 4:30pm. The ticketing | | | | old daughter felt so safe that a few |
| and baggage check-in experience for | | | | times she ventured out and took a few |
| Amtrak is unbelievably simple and easy. | | | | runs on her own. |
| No lines, no security hassles, no | | | | The skiing at Whitefish was great. It |
| problems. You could literally arrive | | | | snowed almost every day we were there. |
| minutes before your train leaves the | | | | The 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 by | | | | typically short. |
| to smile and punch our tickets. The | | | | It is both a plus and minus that |
| kids thought he looked like the Tom | | | | Whitefish 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 attendant | | | | resorts such as Whistler. There are |
| arrived with champagne for the adults | | | | fewer restaurant choices for dinner; |
| and sparkling cider for the kids. | | | | however, the atmosphere is much more |
| Seating on the train is vastly superior | | | | quiet, subdued, and family-friendlyno |
| to airline seating. There is lots of | | | | loud party goers. But if you need more |
| leg room, room for your carry-on | | | | choices the charming town of Whitefish |
| baggage, and you can move around as much | | | | has lots of restaurants, pubs, etc. and |
| as you like. You can even stretch out | | | | is 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 several | | | | we spent at Whitefish. And the train |
| hours and catching up on our reading we | | | | ride home was a nice way to wrap up the |
| proceeded to the dining car (dinner | | | | trip. This time we departed Whitefish |
| included in the fare for sleeper car | | | | Station 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 table | | | | right to bed. While my husband and I |
| cloth and candles. The chef was no Tom | | | | enjoyed some champagne to toast the New |
| Douglas; but, the meal was much better | | | | Year. |
| than your typical reheated airline | | | | Our whole family highly recommends the |
| dinner. | | | | Whitefish Mountain Resort as a great |
| When we arrived back at our room on the | | | | spot for a family ski vacation. And for |
| sleeping car the seats had already been | | | | those that live in Seattle, the train is |
| converted into bunk beds for us by the | | | | the wonderful way to add extra adventure |
| attendant. This was the best part for | | | | to the trip. |