Flathead Valley, MT February 2026

Live Like a Local

F E B R UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Community and Connection I’ll admit it. I'm not a native Montanan. But what I’ll also confess is that I never felt as connected to, nor invested in my community as I have since moving here. Whether a long-time local, or an ex-pat from some other state, I’m certain we all feel this overwhelming sense of connection in the Flathead Valley. Some of us may be actively investing in the local economy, greeting familiar faces at a coffee shop, or complaining about a commonly shared gripe via a Flathead 411 page. Regardless of how we connect, it's clear that our lives are intertwined on an extraordinary level.

This harmony among the voices of the Flathead resonates across all spheres of life. From our well-loved local hot spots, the organizations that we donate time and resources to, and the events that are so uniquely the Flathead, that for one split second, we forget our backgrounds and stand in spellbound commonality as a wild skier gets pulled behind by a horse and his rider.

“Live Like a Local” isn’t just a fun alliteration for this issue, it’s a reminder to do just that. Whether it's through quietly loving our families or getting involved at the local animal shelter.

Maybe it's just in the air, this natural intimacy with our fellow Flatheaders, or maybe I feel it so deeply because of people who have labored resiliently towards that end. I believe it may be the latter, and I’m thankful for those who see this valley and its citizens as worth investing in, protecting, and nurturing.

February 2026 PUBLISHER

Greig Fahnlander Greig.Fahnlander@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Summer Zalesky Summer.Zalesky@CityLifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Chelsea Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sydney Ludden, Kelsie Ring, Julie Schneider, Summer Zalesky C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Curtis Macdonald, Lost Creek Photography, Mary Kate Teske, On the Range Media, Porsche Jean Photography, Summer Zalesky

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

S U M M E R Z A L E S K Y, E D I T O R @ F L AT H E A D VA L L E Y C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Flathead Valley City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Flathead Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Flathead Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 6 | LOV E LO CA L

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Featured

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Fun with Dick and Jane

Celebrating 71 years of marriage with the Solbergs.

Riding Behind at 40 Miles Per Hour Whitefish skijoring: Montana's extreme winter sport.

On the Cover

Departments

What started as a bar bet, is now Montana's unofficial state sport—known by locals as "skijoring."

Read about this adrenaline filled activity on page 20.

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

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Locals Only SPORTS + RECREATION

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Travel Journal WELLNESS

The Impact of Adoption

Tails from the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.

Photography: On the Range Media

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Pet Friendly LOCAL SERVICES

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Events

FEBRUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-7: Drone views of the Sportsman Bridge construction site in Bigfork. Photography by Curtis Macdonald

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Fun with Dick and Jane

Celebrating 71 years of marriage with the Solbergs ARTICLE BY JULIE SCHNIEDERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMMER ZALESKY

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Sitting down with Dick and Jane Solberg, who have been married for 71 years, was like stepping back in time in their home on Whitefish Lake. Their love and conviviality were present during the two-hour-plus interview. Jane, at 90, is quick-witted with a contagious laugh, and Dick, at 93, is sharp as a tack, whose quiet demeanor speaks volumes.

Jane reminisced that their property was formerly Glenwood Park, once a summer resort with rustic cabins for people looking to explore Whitefish. Her parents bought the property from the Baker family when Jane was in 6th grade. She and her family lived in a two-bedroom cabin when they first settled in Whitefish in 1946.

“It was tough,” Jane said.

Her living conditions were not comfortable like the lakefront home they live in now. The cabin did not have running water; she had to use an outhouse. Jane grew up when Whitefish was a farming and lumber town, not the trendy ski town it is today. The current Muldown Junior High was the entire school district, including the elementary grades and high school.

“Boys fit in, girls didn’t fit in,” Jane shared when talking about the social scene in Whitefish in the mid-40s, but that didn’t stop her from skiing with boys. Her tough and ambitious spirit made her a fierce competitor on the slopes.

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On December 14, 1947, Jane and her brother John Seely were the first to take the paid ride up on the T-bar on Big Mountain Ski Resort’s opening day.

Jane started skiing regularly in her freshman year of high school and under the direction of Lloyd “Mully” Muldown, teacher and later superintendent of Whitefish schools, Jane and a group of kids started a racing team in Whitefish.

Jane also had another coach, Austrian ski legend Toni Matt, who knew how to push her to win.

“Matt would say to me right before a race, ‘You think you can beat that time?’”

Matt stoked the fire in Jane before races, and she went on to win state in downhill skiing her junior year.

Yes, this is THE Toni Matt, the same one who has a ski run named after him on Whitefish Mountain.

Although Dick and Jane did not ski Big Mountain together, they became acquainted through the Junior Olympics program.

“We were having all this fun, so we decided to get married.”

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“We were friends first. We dated other people,” Jane said.

Joyce Carstensen, Jane’s cousin, was on the University of Montana ski team with Dick, who was a senior in college. She thought Dick would be perfect for Jane, so she invited Jane to a party knowing Dick would be in attendance. Turns out, Jane’s cousin was onto something.

“We were having all this fun, so we decided to get married.” Jane said.

On June 6, 1954, Dick and Jane drove an hour to Superior, Montana to be married by the Justice of the Peace.

“We needed another witness, so the Justice of the Peace woke up his wife. She still had curlers in her hair and a bathrobe on,” Jane grinned. “I was not 18, but close enough.”

The morning after their elopement, Jane called her mother to tell her the happy news, and while most parents might be upset, Jane’s parents took it in stride and celebrated with the happy couple that night.

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Dick graduated from UM in June 1954, and they packed up their things to move to Pullman, Washington, where Dick got his master’s degree at Washington State University. Living in married student housing, Jane settled into domestic life while Dick pursued his education. They welcomed a baby girl, Jenanne, in September 1955.

The family of three moved from Washington to Long Beach, California, for Dick to get his PhD in Botany from UCLA. “I sent Dick off to find some place to live. It was a busy place,” Jane said waving her hands to indicate the chaos of city life.

While in Los Angeles, Dick and Jane had two more children before moving back to Missoula in the summer of 1961 for Dick to start as a professor in the botany department at UM. They had their fourth child in Missoula.

“Both mom and dad taught ski lessons for many, many years at Snow Bowl in Missoula,” said their daughter Jenanne.

When Jenanne graduated from high school, Jane went back to school to finish her lifelong dream of getting a college education.

“I have graduate degrees in audiology and speech pathology,” Jane said.

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When all of Jane’s children left the nest, Jane went to work for the state of Montana, visiting seven different counties to offer speech and language clinics to school-aged children, and ensuring each one received an appropriate education.

Meanwhile, Dick continued to work for the University of Montana as a dean and academic vice president. He was Director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) in Yellow Bay, where he gathered grants for high school biology teachers, students, and faculty to come and study ecology, water management, and biodiversity.

Dick and his family spent ten summers at FLBS alongside students and faculty. Jane helped with the cooking, and the kids did laundry.

“There is a Solberg Cabin at the biological station right next to the commissary,” Dick said.

In 1987, Dick retired from the University of Montana.

“Jane and I travelled after I retired,” Dick said.

Not only did Dick and Jane travel a lot, but they made sure to have family gatherings as often as possible. Travelling often and keeping these family connections close is key to their more than seven decades of marriage.

“We are maintaining a connection to generations before and generations to come. We ended up with four really nice kids and ten grandchildren,” Jane said with a smile.

“ We a re ma int a in ing a con nect ion to generat ions before a nd generat ions to come. We ended up w ith fou r re a lly n ice k id s a nd ten g ra ndch ild ren .”

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R IDING B E HIND AT

40 M IL E S P E R HOU R WHITEFISH SKIJORING: MONTANA'S EXTREME WINTER SPORT

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY LUDDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORSCHE JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHITEFISH SKIJORING

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LOCA LS ON LY | S P O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

When Leah Mitchell tells me that Whitefish Skijoring started as a bar bet, I can’t help but smile. Because of course it did. What else would inspire someone to strap on skis, grab a rope attached to a galloping horse, and launch themselves down a course dotted with jumps and gates at speeds that would make most of us reconsider our life choices?

“It was informal,” Leah says, recounting how Norm Kurtz—the founding father of Whitefish Winter Carnival—challenged local ski legends and horsemen to saddle up for what would become one of Montana’s most thrilling winter traditions. “There was no cowboy chic to it. Just dally up and go.”

"It was informal. There was no cowboy chic to it. Just dally up and go."

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Twenty years later, that bar bet has evolved into something beautifully, uniquely Montana: an event that blends rodeo grit with downhill skiing precision, wraps it in community spirit, and serves it up with campfires, food trucks, and a side of pure adrenaline.

Leah has been competing in skijoring for over a decade, and you can hear the passion in her voice when she describes it.

“Once you do this sport, you’re hooked,” she says. And she’s not exaggerating. The sport has exploded across the West—from Canada to Southern Colorado, races draw hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators every weekend throughout

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LOCA LS ON LY | S P O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

winter. Some athletes travel the circuit like rodeo competitors, chasing prize money and that coveted buckle.

But Whitefish?

Whitefish does it differently.

“We want to keep it core to the tradition of how it started,” Leah explains. As chair of the event committee—a role she stepped into three years ago—she’s part of the fresh blood on the latest board determined to preserve the hometown spirit. They cap their event at 100 teams.

As a non-profit, they host free practice Sundays in Columbia Falls all winter to teach newcomers and kids the ropes (literally). They draw mostly Montana and

Canadian competitors rather than casting a wide net for out-of-staters.

“We call it Montana Extreme Winter Games,” Leah says, and I love that. Because what makes this event special isn’t just the sport itself, it’s everything surrounding it.

It’s the way Boy Scouts tend the fires while the women’s rugby team throws penalty flags, and the way 4H volunteers manage parking and the whole thing operates as a nonprofit, with proceeds circling back through the community. It’s the Saturday night Calcutta auction at Fatt Boys in Kalispell where teams get auctioned off and bettors hold their breath through Sunday’s runs.

"Thousands of people show up no matter the weather.

You never know what you'll get."

The mechanics of the sport fascinate me: three heartbeats—rider, horse, skier— working as one. Horses thundering at 30 to 40 miles per hour while skiers navigate gates and jumps, one timed run to get it right. You can compete multiple times if you swap out one of those heartbeats, but there are limits. Strategy matters. Skill levels range from novice to open pro, where downhill ski racing backgrounds give competitors an edge at those speeds.

For the 20th anniversary this year, they’re pulling out all the stops: dog sled rides, a live stream production so out-of-state friends and family can watch, a VIP area with heated trailer bathrooms (because Montana luxury means not freezing while you pee). It happens February 14th and 15th, and Leah promises what everyone who’s been already knows: “Thousands of people show up no matter the weather. You never know what you’ll get.”

That’s the thing about Montana events like this; they exist because someone had a wild idea at a bar and because a

community decided it was worth showing up for, year after year, regardless of the temperature or the wind or the odds.

They exist because people like Leah volunteer hundreds of hours to keep traditions alive while making them better. They exist because sometimes the most Montana thing you can do is hold a rope attached to a horse, point your skis downhill, and trust that three heartbeats will find their rhythm.

If that’s not uniquely Montana, I don’t know what is.

Want to experience it yourself?

Presale tickets are available now at whitefishskijoring.org. This is cheaper than buying at the gate. The website also has information about volunteering—and Leah says they always need help. Volunteers get a front-row seat to all the action, plus tickets for friends and family. Whether you’re there to watch, compete, or help make it happen, you’ll be part of something that’s been 20 years in the making and still feels as wild as that original bar bet.

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Kicking it at Quinn's A DEEPER LOOK INTO QUINN'S HOT SPRINGS RESORT

If you’ve been lucky enough to sit in the mineral-rich water of Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, then you know just as well as their General Manager, Denise Moreth, the restoration that comes from a soak. In this interview, Denise was kind enough to share not only the experience of Quinn’s, but some of the science and history behind the magical resort as well.

HOW DO YOU MONITOR AND PROTECT THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF THE WATER OVER TIME, ESPECIALLY AS GUEST VOLUME FLUCTUATES SEASONALLY? Our Certified Pool Operators and Pool Service Attendants diligently monitor water composition and maintain the proper pH balance in all saltwater pools. The mineral pools feature a constant flow system with a turnover rate below the regulated eight hours, ensuring consistently fresh water. To prevent unwanted mineral buildup, we thoroughly clean the mineral pools every 34 to 48 hours.

We also strongly encourage all hot spring guests to shower before soaking, which significantly minimizes the introduction of oils, perfumes, and lotions, helping preserve the natural mineral balance.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE MAINTAINING A SENSE OF REVERENCE AROUND THE SPRINGS WHILE STILL OPERATING A MODERN HOSPITALITY BUSINESS? Our pools are now thoughtfully built into the mountainside, incorporating boulders sourced from the surrounding area, which creates a pleasing and natural atmosphere while still reflecting our state-of-the-art operations. To further enhance guests’ appreciation of nature, we have chosen not to allow music in the pool area. Additionally, the soothing sound of the waterfall provides a gentle background, ensuring conversations remain comfortable and voices do not carry far.

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ZALESKY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY KATE TESKE

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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | W EL LN E SS

WHAT DETAIL DO YOU OBSESS OVER THAT GUESTS WOULD NEVER CONSCIOUSLY NAME, BUT WOULD FEEL IMMEDIATELY IF IT WERE MISSING? Pool Service Attendants are frequently present on the pool deck. They help maintain a welcoming atmosphere by ensuring all guests can fully enjoy their experience without disruption. Attendants keep the pools and surrounding areas clean and tidy, regularly take readings, and adjust pool valves in the control room to maintain optimal temperatures. They also conduct ongoing inspections and, when necessary, clean the shower rooms to ensure everything remains in perfect working order. Above all, their dedication to service enhances every guest’s visit, making the overall experience truly enjoyable.

WHAT ROLE DO INDIGENOUS HISTORIES PLAY IN HOW YOU OPERATE THE SPRINGS TODAY, BEYOND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENTS? At present, we do not have any active collaborations with Indigenous communities, though we are eager to find meaningful ways to work together in the future. We deeply appreciate the historic relationships that Martin Quinn, the original resort founder, fostered with Native Americans—especially through the exchange of wild game for beef as well as the enduring friendship between Princess Seepay and Minnie Quinn. My own connection with Minnie’s son, Jack Harwood, was truly special; he shared heartfelt, memorable stories about his grandfather Martin Quinn and his mother Minnie Harwood, giving me a deeper appreciation for the rich history that continues to shape our resort.

WHAT TRADITIONS HAVE EMERGED AMONG STAFF OR GUESTS OVER THE YEARS? There are a few events that have endured through Covid and staffing issues over the years. Due to the popularity of the resort, it became necessary to eliminate bookings for weddings, conferences, or any major events except for three events that we continue to hold each year. These events have

Our pools are now thoughtfully built into the mountainside, incorporating boulders sourced from the surrounding area, which creates a pleasing and natural atmosphere while still reflecting our state-of-the-art operations.

CONTINUED >

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While our natural springs, beautiful rooms, well-kept grounds, delicious food, and legendary tavern drinks all contribute to a memorable stay, what truly sets us apart is our staff. Warm, accommodating, and always eager to serve, our team consistently earns heartfelt compliments from guests for making every visit special.

become cherished traditions that bring our community together and create lasting memories for both guests and staff. The Montana Baroque Music Festival, celebrated for over two decades, transforms the resort into a hub for world-class performances in a stunning natural setting. Our annual New Year’s Eve party is a guest favorite, featuring live music, dancing, delicious late-night appetizers, and a festive champagne toast during a spectacular fireworks display overlooking the river. Additionally, our partnership with Runner’s Edge for the “11 Miles to Paradise” race supports local students at Hellgate High School in Missoula, MT, combining recreation, philanthropy, and the beauty of the region into one unforgettable event.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT GUESTS TO CARRY HOME WITH THEM? We hope guests leave with a sense of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation—and that unforgettable feeling of, “Wow, when can we come back?” While our natural springs, beautiful rooms, well-kept grounds, delicious food, and legendary tavern drinks all contribute to a memorable stay, what truly sets us apart is our staff. Warm, accommodating, and always eager to serve, our team consistently earns heartfelt compliments from guests for making every visit special. Many guests are eager to come back and see what’s new, feeling a true sense of involvement in Quinn’s ongoing growth and new projects. Their continued support not only sustains Quinn’s but also makes them an integral part of our story.

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THE IMPACT of Adoption

TAILS FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST MONTANA ARTICLE BY KELSIE RING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOST CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY

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P E T F R IE N D LY | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Scratches on the door, paw prints in the dirt, slobber on the walls, and fur on the couch—pet owners know these signs well. Whether cleaning up after my Saint Bernard’s slobber or taking my Cocker Spaniel on the boat, I have countless tales that remind me these animals aren’t just pets, they’re family.

The Humane Society of Northwest Montana is a heartwarming organization dedicated to the safety, health, and happiness of dogs, cats, and other pets in the Flathead Valley. Under the leadership of Executive Director Stacie DaBolt, the organization provides critical care, shelter, and pathways to loving homes for these animals.

The Humane Society had several successful ways of raising funds this year. From legacy bequest donations to third party fundraisers such as a fourth graders lemonade stand, the Humane Society finds financial help from all sorts of places in the valley. When speaking with Marketing Director Mia Malone, she emphasized just how vital these funds are.

“These funds keep our doors ​ open,” Mia says. “Our absolute main priority is the care and rehabilitation of these animals.”

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The organization typically sees 500-700 adoptions a year, and nearly nine out of ten of those animals need to undergo a spaying or neutering procedure, which is a necessary requirement in order to adopt. The Humane Society is responsible for the costs of vaccines, veterinary care, food and water costs, and of course, shelter needs.

Some animals need heavy rehabilitation and medical care, and the Humane Society also shoulders this cost. With all of this in mind, donations play a vital part in how the Humane Society is able to continue providing these animals with the proper care.

Another large part of what keeps this organization running is the people willing to support and love these animals. The Humane Society offers both adoption and fostering options.

Fostering allows people who are unable to adopt long term to still provide some love and care for animals in need.

However, adoption is a kind of magic that is hard to put into words. Mia shared her own adoption story of her beloved kitten. She began by fostering the kitten when it was only 1.9 pounds at two months old, and after a month of care and companionship, Mia made an easy decision to adopt.

The Humane Society also offers pet retention help and services to people in need of extra support for their animal at home.

When speaking on the impact of what adoption can look like, Mia describes exactly how life can look brighter.

“You can find statistics showing that owning an animal lets you live longer, petting an animal lowers your heart rate, and it’s something that teaches kids responsibility.

It ends up being so fulfilling for both the adoptee and the adopter,” she says.

By adopting today, you may just find that fulfillment you’ve been looking for—perhaps in the shape of paw prints on the floor.

For community members looking to get involved, the organization offers several donation and volunteer opportunities. From donating your time in the shelter to helping plan events, they are always looking for extra helping hands. They host several large fundraising events that encourage families to help support the community’s twolegged friends. To learn more about their 50/50 raffle, their Summer Shindig, and more, visit HumaneSocietyPets.com to see how you can help the animals in the Flathead.

These funds keep our doors open. Our absolute main priority is the care and rehabilitation of these animals.

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P E T F R IE N D LY | LO CAL SE RVICE S

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FEBRUARY 2026

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FEBR UARY 1ST

Kira Powell on Fire Lookouts Northwest Montana History Museum | 2:00 PM Presenter Kira Powell dives into the history of our local forest lookouts, what it takes to maintain them, and the role lookouts continue to play in firefighting efforts. This talk will give you a peek into the past and maybe share a few fire lookout secrets! Tickets are available at DailyInterlake.com/Events.

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This winter, jump into Whitefish Lake for a good cause. By participating in the plunge, you can support the Montana Special Olympics, an organization that provides sports training, health screenings, and leadership opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Contact Amy Bliss for more information at ABliss@somt.org.

FEBR UARY 11TH

Big Richard & Della Mae present: Big Mae Wachholz College Center | 7:00 PM Kick the midweek blues by experiencing music from two knockout all-women string bands. Big Richard is currently touring their debut full-length studio album alongside grammy-nominated Della Mae to present a rowdy and entertaining night of bluegrass.

Visit WachholzCollegeCenter.org to purchase tickets.

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events

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FEBR UARY 13TH

Valentine’s Day Sip and Stroll Downtown Kalispell | 5:00 PM Calling all foodies! The Kalispell Downtown Association hosts an event that will tantalize your tastebuds with specialty drinks. Guests will need to purchase tickets to receive a commemorative Valentine’s-themed tasting glass and a map of stops featuring local makers. Check out DowntownKalispell.com for more information.

FEBR UARY 14 TH

Cabin Fever Days Martin City, Montana

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The aptly named Cabin Fever Days takes place in the towns of Martin City, Coram and Hungry Horse. Several events will take place throughout the day from kids races to live music and the famous barstool ski races.

Chase away the winter blues with this family-friendly event. For more details, visit CabinFeverDays.com.

FEBR UARY 14 TH AND 15TH

Whitefish Skijoring 1530 W Springcreek Rd, Kalispell | 11:00 AM The Whitefish Skijoring Non-Profit is hosting their 20th anniversary of this one-of-a-kind event in which skiers shake hands with horseback riders. The daredevils will be competing two days in a row, so don’t miss out! It couldn’t get any more Montana than this! For all the details, visit WhitefishSkijoring.org.

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