 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Kalispell is the most convenient airport but its drivable from Calgary and you could ski Castle or Fernie en route. I take it that this is out for you given you don't mention renting a car. I'd stay in Whitefish not on the hill as on hill looked very chi-chi but not that lively out of hours - the new baselodge looked very nice but only had the smallest of food service offerings which seemed ludicrous. Mountain is fun with some "interesting" opportunities to get yourself lost in the trees but the lap round hellroaring basin is a big of a ballache.
We actually stayed in Kalispell as we'd driven down from Red Mountain via Creston & Libby.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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excitableboy, Several years ago I flew into Kalispell from the East Coast of the US and stayed the first few nights at Grouse Mountain and the next several at the Kandahar. I'd have to recommend the Kandahar. It's right on the slopes and it's got a lot more ambiance. There's a couple of really great apres ski bars right at the base too so it's only boring later and by then you have some pretty nice amenities at the Kandahar to use. The bar at the Kandahar is cozy and the restaurant at the time was excellent with a solid wine list. I was at the annual US North Sails meeting and boy, did we blow it out on the wine list. North Sails has more carefully controlled meeting costs since! Grouse Mountain is more or a standard hotel, nice enough, but without lots of ambiance, but it's not bad. I think there's a handy shuttle between town and the mountain so it's easy to get back and forth, and not a bad ride. You have to check out the Great Northern bar in town. It's a real throw back with chicken wire protecting the band just like in the Blues Brothers movie. The town has wooden sidewalks too which you don't see in too many places. I didn't have time but Fernie is across the border and it certainly would make for a great alternative during your trip if at all possible.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Northwest/KLM
UK - Amsterdam (AMS) - Minneapolis (MSP) - Kalispell (FCA)
Jack's post is spot on.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Been a couple of times in late early 90's (both driving) once from the North Calgary via Fernie, Kimberly. Other time driving up from Denver Via Apsen,Jackson Hole, Bridger Bowl, Big Mountain (long trip).
Both trips stayed downtown in Whitefish.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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excitableboy,
I'll agree with Jack, about the Kandahar. I stayed there many years ago and found it very good: quite small, and a good friendly vibe. Totally agree about the bar and restaurant.
The time I went, I flew from Atlanta (was living there at the time) via Minneapolis with NorthWest. No problems with tight connections, but you might have if you're flying in from outside the US, and have to unload your bags to clear immigration and customs.
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We are spending 4 nights at Whitefish next Feb as part of our annual Canada/US road trip.
We fly to Calgary and ead South the next morning.
Booked accomodation direct with resort website staying at Morning Eagle condos. 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I spent 4 days in Whitefish in January.
I flew with Northwest to Kalispell from Gatwick.
The outward journey was a pain (2 stops Minneapolis+Seattle) but the return was easy peasy (1 quick stop in Minneapolis only)
Definitely stay in the town rather than on the hill.
There are loads of great bars and restaurants in the town.
The free bus service to the hill is excellent.
Most of the hotels in town will pick you up for free from Kalispell.
There is no need to hire a car if you are only going to Whitefish but to travel all that way and not explore nearby resorts e.g. Fernie would be a real waste.
Enjoy Whitefish it's a top resort! Better than Fernie in many ways IMHO.
There's more info in my trip report:
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewpost.php?p=846286
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excitableboy,
Another possibility is that you can take the extremely low air-fare with NWA to Seattle that I've posted in my thread and drive to Kalispell - the airfare for the Alaska shuttle SEA-FCA is more than your LHR-SEA fare.
I know the route from Seattle quite well, including Kalispell/Whitefish - used to live there - and it's a great journey (thru the still 'Wild West') !
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| jeu-d-esprit wrote: |
excitableboy,
Another possibility is that you can take the extremely low air-fare with NWA to Seattle that I've posted in my thread and drive to Kalispell - the airfare for the Alaska shuttle SEA-FCA is more than your LHR-SEA fare.
I know the route from Seattle quite well, including Kalispell/Whitefish - used to live there - and it's a great journey (thru the still 'Wild West') ! |
Along those same lines, there is also a train from Seattle directly to Whitefish. www.amtrak.com
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FAQ
since United stopped flying direct to Denver. Has anyone any experience of flying 2/3 stops to Kalispell? Some of the connections i've been quoted seem ridiculously 'tight' 
especially through Salt Lake City. Similarly has anyone 'experienced' the one stop via Seattle route??
