Winter fun guide, february 5, 2014 indd

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Photo by Courtney Dunham

Cannon Beach offers better deals, warmer weather during off-season

By Courtney Dunham Marketing Correspondent

some of the higher-end hotels.

It takes 90 minutes from Portland to reach ow that winter is at its midway point, it’s an ideal time to head south the shore if you take Highway 26 – The Sunset Highway. to the Oregon Coast, where good A good lodging option can be found at the deals and hidden treasures are waiting to be Land’s End Motel, which fittingly brings guests discovered. literally to the water’s edge. The motel offers First you’ll need a place to stay – consider a variety of oceanfront and ocean view rates Cannon Beach, which is less expensive this which start at less than $100 a night until later time of year, and visitors can find surprisingly in spring. Plenty of other creature comforts are affordable rates for ocean-view rooms, even at

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

available in many rooms, such as a terrace, fireplace, and kitchen. Plus, it doesn’t require a deposit to reserve a room. Info: www.landsendmotel.com.

Now that shelter is taken care of, time to eat! There are countless seafood spots, but if you’re on a budget, head two blocks downtown to the Ecola Seafood Market, partly owned by local fishermen.

It’s easy to buy fresh fish to cook at your room or the fixings for a shrimp cocktail to nibble on the balcony.

Although getting your fish to go is a fine option, the market also offers a half dozen tables for dining in and enjoying fresh halibut, bay shrimp, crab cakes, and cod and chips, all priced significantly less than nearby restaurants. Think about bringing some fish back to your room to enjoy with the next day’s sunset.

For dessert, you can eat yourself silly with all the ice cream and salt water taffy places. Or check out Crepe Neptune – conveniently on the same street as the motel and fish market. Open only during the day, this hidden gem offers savory and sweet crepes that are as good as anything you’d find in France, especially a tasty Nutella buckwheat crepe.

Strolling along Cannon Beach, browsing the quaint shops, and watching wild winter storms from your oceanfront room can keep you plenty busy. But if you’re up for a short drive, head to

Ecola State Park. It’s only 10 minutes from downtown and takes you through a fairy-like lush forest and narrow tree-lined road. If you don’t want to pay the $5 to actually enter the park, you’ll be missing out on one of the most panoramic views of any coastline.

Several trails from the parking lot take you to great viewing points, including access to nearby beaches.

On the furthest points of Ecola, you can get a birds-eye view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The light was officially lit in 1881, and at the time, was the most expensive West Coast lighthouse ever built. Due to erratic weather conditions and a dangerous commute for keepers, it received the nickname “Terrible Tilly.” It was deactivated in 1957 but still stands proudly off shore.

Stay at the park until just before dusk when dozens of elk come out to graze right next to the parking lot. You won’t find a more beautiful spot for a meal, and during the off-season, temperatures can still be in the 60s and 70s.

If you have time for a detour on your way back home, head south on Highway 101 and stop at the designated scenic viewpoints. Then head to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where there’s a free tour that ends with samples of cheese, fresh ice cream, and chewy cheese curds.

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Jason Armstrong

Independent Vacation Specialist

Spokane, WA

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Fairmont, B.C. Enjoy tranquil experiences on and off slopes

By Renée Sande Marketing Correspondent

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t the very heart of British Columbia’s scenic Columbia Valley lies the legendary “land of the smoking waters,” better known as Fairmont Hot Springs Resort—home to one of the best ski and aprèsski experiences p in North o America.

The hot hours north off S Spokane T he h ot sspot pot 4 ½ h ours n orth o pokane

is worth a visit anytime, but in winter it’s especially inviting.

Fairmont covers 3,000 acres at the headwaters of the Columbia River, and is surrounded by the spectacular Canadian Rockies and Purcell mountains. With seemingly endless pristine wilderness, wilderness, N Nordic ordic sskiers, kiers, ssnowshoers, nowshoers, snowmobilers snowmobilers aand nd h hikers ikers eenjoy njoy aan n

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Resort

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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almost surreal experience sweetened even more with the knowledge that at the end of the day will likely be a postadventure, rejuvenating soak in the therapeutic natural hot springs.

Discovered in the 1800s, the crystal-clear and all-natural water source is considered the largest in Canada and one of the cleanest in North America — 1.5 million gallons of mineral-rich hot spring water flow through the pools daily; at night the pools are drained, scrubbed, and refilled.

Fairmont draws visitors every day of the year eager to enjoy the waters rich in medicinal qualities known to increase metabolism, accelerate healing, soothe muscles, improve blood circulation, and detoxify the body’s lymphatic system.

The resort’s ski hill is certainly an exhilarating way to spend your pre-soak hours. “We’re a very family-friendly mountain — ideal for beginners of all ages — so making the learning experience as fun and as easy as possible is always at the top of our list,” said Peter Harding, Fairmont’s ski manager for 25 years.

With the brand new kid’s terrain park and expanded Rockstar terrain park, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is designed

Photo by Rex Olaviaga

Ski. Soak.

Family Ski Area with NEW Tube Park and Kids Terrain Park, full service spa, dining, shopping, beautiful mountain lodge and unlimited access to Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs!

Great packages from $89 pp, pn.

1.800.663.4979 See website or call for terms and conditions.

fairmonthotsprings.com

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

for everyone from beginners to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

The mountain’s layout makes for an easy, stress-free day as all 13 groomed runs funnel to the Chalet, where you can refuel fireside, relax in the lively Desperado’s Lounge, or warm up on the often sunny outdoor deck.

Guests are able to enjoy many warm, mild days, plus great snow coverage, for an amazing ski experience.

“We’re able to cover 80 percent of our hill with man-made snow,” said Harding. “We’re always able to give our customers a good run.”

Adult lift tickets, including access to the mineral pools, are $45 Canadian. There are also numerous resort packages.

The Ski & Stay package is $89 per person, per night, for two adult ski lift tickets (discounted tickets available for additional guests), two nights resort stay, and admission to the hot springs. Kids 12 and under stay free.

There’s also the Bed & Breakfast Special where you can enjoy one night’s accommodation, a hot breakfast in Mountain Flowers restaurant and unlimited access to the exclusive hot pool and

amenities including hot and cold plunge pools, steam room and sauna, and legendary mineral pool for $64 per person, per night.

For something special, the ‘’Romance in the Rockies“ package for two includes champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a $60 dinner voucher, breakfast for two, and unlimited access to the hot pool and amenities, for $199 the first night; $99 for additional nights.

Rooms range from a loft that sleeps up to six, to a queen pool view with kitchenette, to a king pool view suite. All come with 27-inch televisions with cable, free in-room wireless, bar fridge, and two luxurious robes. In addition, the Queen with kitchenette rooms include pots, pans, dishes and cutlery; King size room guests enjoy a two-person soaker tub and fireplace.

Phenomenal vistas of the Rockies, the possibility of participating in an outdoor hockey game, outdoor ice skating, ice fishing, shopping and more add to Fairmont’s allure.

February is a great time to visit as the popular annual Starlight Challenge takes over the mountain Fridays starting at 4 p.m. Races include 4-person teams and individuals for snowboarders and skiers. Lift tickets purchased after 1 p.m. are good until 9 p.m.

Info: fairmonthotsprings.com

Photo by Photos.com

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Ainsworth, B.C.:

By Joe Butler S-R Media

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ne of the things that people like about Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is that it’s always worth the trip.

The destination is just north of Nelson, British Columbia, about four hours from the Spokane area.

Right on the banks of scenic Kootenay Lake, you’ll find a resort complete with an elegant restaurant, a hotel and the pool/springs area. You can easily make a road trip here alone, or combine your visit with a mid-winter vacation to Nelson or maybe a ski trip to Whitewater.

Whether you’re at Ainsworth for a few hours or a few days, you’ll certainly enjoy the naturally flowing mineral-rich water, which bubbles up at 117 degrees F. By the time it reaches a cave that you can wade in or sit and relax in a natural steam room, the temperature is down to a cozier 100 F. Then it flows into a larger outdoor pool, naturally refreshing itself about six times a day.

In addition to the u-shaped cave area and larger pool, some patrons also like to take a quick dip in a small cold pool – especially if they can hop back into the warmer water again.

Resort guests receive unlimited access to the hot springs, or visitors staying at nearby locations can pay a one-time fee or a day use fee.

In recent years, Ainsworth has put Photo by Photos.com

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a cool spot for a hot soak

efforts into making the location as welcoming as possible. It renovated many of the guest rooms and improved the look and feel of the Springs dining room, complete with a new “Casual Fine Dining” menu. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and now offers gluten-free choices or alternative items for people with food allergies or sensitivities.

This ideal winter getaway is great for warming up while the weather is cold, especially since it’s so soothing just to soak your cares away while enjoying the view of the lake and beyond.

For more details visit hotnaturally.com or call 1-800-668-1171

• Experience the most unique and refreshing mineral Hot Springs • 41 guest rooms featuring contemporary design elements • Fabulous food & wine in the Springs Restaurant • Purchase trendy swimwear in our Gift Shop • 40 minutes north of Nelson, British Columbia

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Montana’s winter adventures beckon

By Tia Troy Glacier Country Tourism

Photo by Photos.com

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ocated a short drive east of Spokane is Montana’s westernmost region: Glacier Country. With 27,000 square miles of terrain, Western Montana has a diverse array of activities, adventures and experiences.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Maybe it’s the light, deep powder or miles of groomed snowmobiling trails. Perhaps it’s the charming communities — like Missoula, Kalispell, Whitefish, Seeley Lake and Libby — that offer easy access to snow-covered experiences. Or maybe it’s because in the wilds of Western Montana, you can find a variety of winter fun that ranges from the heart-pumping to the relaxing.

While Whitefish is known for world-class skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, it also offers a new activity taking winter by storm: winter biking.

Whitefish Bike Retreat — Whitefish’s newest property — offers Fat Bike rentals that allow you to easily explore the area’s surrounding frozen terrain, including The Whitefish Trail and nearby gravel roads.

If you’re looking for a serene getaway, head to Glacier National Park. Open year-round, the park offers winter camping in St. Mary and Apgar and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park also offers free, ranger-led snowshoe excursions every Saturday and Sunday through March 22. The walks leave from the Apgar Visitor Center.

Photo courtesy Glacier Country Tourism

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The region is also home to six ski areas with a collective 7,000 acres of terrain with deep powder bowls and tree-lined runs.

This year’s bonus? Western Montana starting with Lookout Pass, has been hit with abundant snowfall this winter that complements our crisp mountain air, affordable prices and nonexistent lift lines. www.glaciermt.com/skiing.php If you’re looking for a dose of culture to round out your winter adventure, check out Missoula. Its walkable downtown offers plentiful watering holes, mouth-watering dishes and live music every night of the week. For more on winter in Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com or follow on Twitter at @glaciermt.

Photo by Photos.com

Photo courtesy Lookout Pass

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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U pcoming Montana winter events Feb. 7-9: Whitefish Winter Carnival – Whitefish Feb. 14-23: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival – Missoula Feb. 21-23: Montana Pond Hockey Classic – Kalispell Feb. 22-23: Snowbowl Cup Gelande Championship – Missoula March 9: Battle on the Border Slopestyle Competition – Lookout Pass March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Kalispell April 5: Pond Skim – Whitefish April 13: Run for the Trees – Missoula

Photo by Photos.com

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Photo courtesy Partners Creative

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W H I T E F I S H , M O N TA N A Partially Located on National Forest Lands Photo © GlacierWorld.com

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