By Emma Nelson, community engagement and marketing coordinator at NeighborWorks Great Falls, beer aficionado, outdoor enthusiast and all around super cool gal.
As someone who craves sunlight and struggles to embrace “couch rot” culture, I’ve never understood how people survive Montana winters without finding reasons to get out of the house. My husband and I both work full-time “big kid” jobs so when the weekend hits we can pretend we’re ski bums. We love nothing more than to get off work and head up to the ski hill with our camper. It’s great- sleep in and still make first chair?
Say less!
That said, I realize that sleeping in a parking lot in subzero temperatures isn’t for everyone (or really, most people). So, here is my more comfortable but still totally awesome weekend itinerary for for the individual, the couple, or the family to enjoy.
Saturday:
Hit the Slopes- Start your weekend at Showdown Ski Area for a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Showdown offers several deals worth checking out before you go.
One worth mentioning is the Showup Card which is three pre-paid, fully transferable lift tickets at a discount. They also offer military and college discounts with proof of ID. If you’re brand new to skiing or snowboarding, don’t miss their “Take 3, Sundays Free” package, which is three lessons and then free skiing on Sundays for the remainder of the season. It also includes rentals!
Soak in the Hot Springs- After a day on the slopes, head up to White Sulphur Springs and check in to The Edith Hotel or the Spa Hot Springs Motel. The Edit Hotel offers military discounts for both active duty and retired military, while guests who stay at the Spa Hot Springs Motel are able to soak in the springs for free. Either way, a soak in the hot springs is the ultimate post-ski activity.
Dinner– For dinner, there are several options in White Sulphur Springs, though I definitely have two favorites. For a sit down, I recommend Jesse Peppers Smoke Shack. Just look at their menu, enough said.
For a more casual night out, Stageline Pizza is right next door to one of my favorite breweries in the state. My husband and I like to order our pizza (side note: this Stageline offers a fajita chicken option which I get every single time) and bring it into Two Basset Brewery.
Two Basset Brewery– Now I’m a bit of a beer nerd, so I’m going to subject you to a quick note on Two Basset. The two actual bassets in question are Leroy and Stanley and they have an adorable children’s book for purchase. Giving newborns a children’s book on two cute dogs from a brewery is how I maintain my “cool aunt” status. And also, every beer is just good. Foggin A was my gateway drink into liking IPAs (as was Cloudblast from Mighty Mo and Muley Buck from KettleHouse). Their Beach Beer is probably one of my favorite local beers in all of Montana, I swear it makes me ski better.
The last time I was there they had a Farmhouse Ale. Which I don’t even know that that means. It might be fake. I don’t know, and I don’t care because it was delicious. My husband says their vanilla porter is the best, though I’m pretty loyal to Mighty Mo on that one so I’d love to know your stance. Now before Jenn’s eyes glaze over reading any more about beer, there is my too-much-information recommendations for your beer flight. But again, I’ve never had a poor pour so you can’t go wrong.
Sunday:
Breakfast- In the morning, after a solid dinner, a soak, and maybe a few brews, it’s time for breakfast. Head over to Wild Oats Bakery and Café for food and coffee. The inside is so cute and a pleasant place to hangout in the mornings, but menu items are also easy to take to go if you’re anxious to get on the road.
Hike Memorial Falls– On the way back, a stop at Memorial Falls is a must. It is just off the highway and about a quarter mile walk to a waterfall. I personally think it’s prettiest in the winter, as often times the waterfall will freeze. The trail is clearly marked and is relatively flat. I have done this hike numerous times in the winter, and I do just fine with my hiking boots or winter boots.
Now I hope you’re feeling inspired enough that when “couch rot” tries to tempt you this winter, you know there is adventure AND relaxation that awaits you just outside your front door!