The Perfect Family Ski Vacation

In December 2007 our family enjoyed an amazingfor the kidssleeping on the train. I didn't sleep as well
holiday ski vacation. Christmas morning the kids foundas I would have in my own bed or in a hotel room but
out that in addition to the gifts under the tree, Santathere is something strangely soothing about the rocking
had given them a ski adventure trip...and we weremotion of the train and the clickety-clack of the wheels
leaving that very day! The trip would include anon the track.
overnight Amtrak train ride on the Empire Builder fromThe following morning we awoke just in time for a hot
Seattle to Whitefish, MT (just over 13 hours) and fivebreakfast in the dining car before rolling into Whitefish
days of skiing at the Whitefish Mountain Resortat about 7:30am.
(formerly known as Big Mountain Resort---not to beWe 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 ofchecked 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 openingfor rent). We were skiing by 10am.
gifts and a delicious holiday breakfast we all rushed toThe Whitefish resort is extremely kid friendly. It has
pack our bags. Luckily Santa had tipped me off to hisone of the best daycare facilities that I have ever
plan a few days earlier so I could prepare all of the skiseen 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 aboutyear old daughter felt so safe that a few times she
4:30pm. The ticketing and baggage check-inventured 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 couldevery day we were there. The resort has lots of runs
literally arrive minutes before your train leaves thefor 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 thethe lines were typically short.
sleeping car. A friendly, traditionally dressed conductorIt is both a plus and minus that Whitefish doesn't have
came by to smile and punch our tickets. The kidsthe kind of village atmosphere that you find at many
thought he looked like the Tom Hanks character forresorts such as Whistler. There are fewer restaurant
The Polar Express. And a few minutes later thechoices for dinner; however, the atmosphere is much
attendant arrived with champagne for the adults andmore 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-onand is just a short, FREE shuttle-ride away.
baggage, and you can move around as much as youWe thoroughly enjoyed the five days that we spent at
like. You can even stretch out as if you were on yourWhitefish. And the train ride home was a nice way to
couch at home. After admiring the scenery for severalwrap up the trip. This time we departed Whitefish
hours and catching up on our reading we proceededStation at 9:30pm on New Years Eve. The got their
to the dining car (dinner included in the fare for sleeperown room this time and went right to bed. While my
car customers) where we sat in a large, comfortablehusband and I enjoyed some champagne to toast the
booth with a white table cloth and candles. The chefNew Year.
was no Tom Douglas; but, the meal was much betterOur 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 sleepingvacation. And for those that live in Seattle, the train is
car the seats had already been converted into bunkthe wonderful way to add extra adventure to the trip.
beds for us by the attendant. This was the best part