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