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Advertising Supplement to SR Media/The SpokesmanReview, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 1 Our Favorite Five: What’s cool at Spokane/N. Idaho ski resorts Discover what’s new at area skating spots Check out exceptional Nordic conditions in our region Planning your winter road trip to B.C. or Montana ur Favorite Five: W Wh h hat’s c Look inside for: Look inside for: Winter 2013 Fun Guide Product of S-R Media/The Spokesman-Review

Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

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Winter entertainment, activities and lodging in Spokane and the surrounding area.

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Page 1: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 1

Our Favorite Five: What’s cool at Spokane/N. Idaho ski resorts

Discover what’s new at area skating spots

Check out exceptional Nordic conditions in our region

Planning your winter road trip to B.C. or Montana

ur Favorite Five: WWhhhat’s cLook inside for:Look inside for:

Winter2013Fun Guide

Product of S-R Media/The Spokesman-Review

Page 2: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

2 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Page 3: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 3

If you’re up on your Canadian summertime destinations, you know that St. Eugene and Kimberley both have some great offerings, like world-class golf and world-class accordion music, respectively.

So what’s worth visiting in these eastern British Columbia destinations in the winter when the links are buried under snow and the accordion music gets dialed down just a bit? (Since it never really stops)

The answer is actually the same – scenic beauty, charming communities and warm, friendly people.

Winter offers other fun outdoor recreational activities like skiing at Kimberley Alpine Resort. Though Spokane/North Idaho visitors will likely drive north to reach Kimberley, the airport is considered one of the closest in North America to a ski resort. It also claims to have the best combination of sunlight and legendary Purcell powder of the many Canadian ski resorts.

The ski resort offers more than 1,800 acres of terrain, 68 total runs plus another 12 in the glades; and an excellent ski experience. There’s a beginners area that has received renovations recently; extended intermediate trails and impressive steep terrain for more advanced skiers and boarders.

Visitors can get to the different runs with fi ve lifts, including a high-speed quad. The longest run, Ridgeway, is nearly 4 miles long.

If you’re a seeker of other winter recreation besides downhill skiing, it’s also easy to partake of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding.

If you want to take a break from the slopes but still be where the action is, there’s a nice selection

of restaurants and drinking establishments nearby, plus night skiing and skating. Recommended local menu dishes include waffl e poutine fries and the Buckhorn Burger at the Stemwinder, daily all-you-can-eat ribs at Montana’s and monster dogs and Toonie Taco Tuesday at SlopeSide Cafeteria.

Visitors can also spend time sightseeing in historic downtown Kimberley, only minutes away. Kimberley has

been able to transform successfully from a historic mining town to a tourism center, complete with a Bavarian theme, complete with a European-style central square and a large clock.

It isn’t too far of a drive to St. Eugene either, a resort that offers a full-service three-diamond AAA/CAA hotel plus a casino. In clear weather, it takes under 30 minutes between both spots.

If it’s fi ne food you crave, especially something nice and warm after a day recreating, you can check out a range of restaurants from the elegant Purcell Grill to the Fisher Peak Lounge.

The Casino of the Rockies includes 234 slot machines plus a variety of table games and off-track betting. It’s the only casino in the Kootenay Rockies and the only aboriginal casino in British Columbia. Patrons also have easy access to Fred’s Saloon, and patrons are allowed to carry their drinks onto the casino fl oor. Live entertainment is now available on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you’re planning a getaway to either place this winter, you’ll likely fi nd some great deals.

For instance, St. Eugene is offering a Romance package which includes a one-night stay in a guest room, a three-course dinner and breakfast at the Purcell Grill, and strawberries in your room, starting at $160 Canadian. Alcohol and any other gratuities aren’t included in the fi nal total.

Kimberley Alpine Resort offers a variety of packages, including some for fi rst-time skiers. Some are tied in to lodging or multiple days, such as the “Ski and Stay” package starting at $105 which saves you up to 25 percent on lift tickets depending on if you stay at certain locations such as the Trickle Creek Lodge.

For more details on either location visit www.steugene.ca/ or www.skikimberley.com/

Courtesy Mike Reece/RCR. Kimberley Alpine Resort offers great skiing, day or night.

Kimberley/St. EugeneKimberley/St. Eugene

Courtesy St. EugeneSome skiers like combining a trip to Kimberley Alpine Resort with a stay at St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino.

Cover photos Ryan Mckenzie for Kimberley Alpine Resort; courtesy Lookout Pass; and courtesy Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard ParkSection Design: Nita AlexanderWinter Fun Guide Editor: Joe ButlerSenior Multi-Media Sales Executive: Bill DavidsonRegional Multi-Media Sales Executive: Allan Phillips

Page 4: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

4 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Visitors to Revelstoke Mountain Resort hopefully are already aware of the plentiful snow, making the British Columbia city a perfect place for a winter getaway.

This season, the Revelstoke experience will be even more inviting due to improvements at the village. Over the last year, the Nelsen Lodge was re-branded to The Sutton Place Hotel which also doubled the capacity of guest rooms to 222.

The luxury condo-resort now offers an outdoor year-round pool and hot tubs, a fi tness studio and even child care.

For kids wanting to learn how to conquer the mountain, Revelstoke offers the Turtle Creek Beginner Area and Tube Park. Here, kids can learn skiing in easy conditions and gradually build skills to try more complex runs.

Village guests can check out restaurants and bars, including La Baguette, Wino: The Wine Bar and Rockford Wok/Bar/Grill.

Revelstoke boasts of receiving between 30-45 feet of snow each season and 3,121 acres of terrain, and is also considered the mountain with the most vertical in North America, with 5,620 feet, plus the best powder. Skiiers and snowboarders can partake of fall-line runs, bowls, groomed trails and more interesting terrain.

Visitors can expect excellent runs and more open space due to glading over the off-season.

Revelstoke is also a perfect place for advanced skiers to access backcountry cat skiing and heli-skiing programs. Selkirk Tangiers, for instance, has been fl ying skiers to remote skiing spots for more than 30 years.

In addition to the fun opportunities, visitors can take a trip into the community of Revelstoke itself, a city of 7,500 which includes a new recreational pool center with an indoor waterslide, climbing wall and hot tub; plus a skating rink, year-round farmers market, movie theatre, museum, library, a variety of restaurants and a funky downtown.

Another reason to visit this season is to see the Teck Midget Championships, featuring more than 200 top boy and girl Nordic skiers ages 10 to 13.

You will see kids who can double pole, diagonal stride, and offset up the toughest trails found anywhere in BC. Events will include sprints, relays and time trials.

Other special events at Revelstoke include: • The STOKE FM Winter Frosbite Concert

Series, where independent Canadian musicians play weekly at different local venues through April 25. These include Jeremy Fisher Feb.

12 at Benoit’s Wine Bar, Broken Down Suitcase Fondue Night Feb. 14 at Big Eddy Pub, High Society Rock ‘n’ Soul Show Feb. 21 at Big Eddy and The Boom Booms Feb. 28 at Big Eddy Pub.

• Railway Refl ections, which features retired railroaders refl ecting on the heritage of trains, Feb. 23 at the Revelstoke Railway Museum. They’ll discuss technological advancements, such as how trains go through snow and engineers communicated with each other before radio. (250) 837-6060 or email [email protected].

• The third-annual

Revelstoke S-Games takes place March 24 and features exciting challenges for snowboarders. Organized by Society Snow and Skate. (250) 837-4785 or [email protected].

• The 2013 International Freeskiers and Snowboard Assocation North American Juniors Championship, April 4-7. Event qualifi es athletes regionally and nationally. (250) 814 -0087 or [email protected]

Information: www.revelstokemountainresort.com/ or www.revelstoke.com/.

New 2013 Revelstoke Mountain ResortNew 2013 Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Photos courtesy Kootenay Rockies

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 5

A lot of us understand the basic concept of heli-skiing: a chopper takes you up higher into the mountains than any chair lift ever can dream to reach. And you ski, ski, and ski some more. Or snowboard, if that’s your sport.

Helicopter access offers a way to drop in on pure virgin powder, get away from the crowds at the ski areas and explore new terrain. It’s not necessarily for beginners, but a fun way for intermediate or expert skiers to get out and get crazy.

What not everyone knows is that many heli-skiers consider nearby British Columbia the heli-skiing capital of the world, especially around Revelstoke. The region has been dubbed the “Powder Highway” because it is where several mountain ranges come together, creating excellent conditions for ski areas, charming communities and some easy-to-reach but still remote snowy ski spots.

There are a variety of companies that offer to fl y you to somewhere specifi c among the 500,000

acres of the Selkirk, Columbia and Monashee mountains and glacier fi elds, often to a base camp where you and your group can alternate between skiing and resting up for more skiing.

Some companies fl y you in and out in a day, so you get a few memorable runs in, and others let serious powder fans head out for a week at a time.

Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, for instance, has been fl ying skiers and snowboarders around for more than 30 years. But the family has been mountain guides since 1899. The company’s base of operations is the Hillcrest Hotel in Revelstoke.

This year, heli skiing programs here will be enhanced by the talents of some of the world’s top skiers, who have been asked to be Pro Guest Coaches. Salomon athletes Chris Rubens and Leah Evans will teach at the Steeps Camp March 2-6 and a Women’s Retreat March 9-12. Chloe Lathier, director and owner of the X-Training School, will coach at a women’s retreat in the spring., and Jean Luc Brassard will lead a 6-day trip to Revelstoke through Voyages Gendron March 30-April 6.

This season, the company is offering the “10 Reasons to Heli Ski with Selkirk Tangiers” to educate winter recreation fans about the activity and encourage them to try it at least once. Visitors are also invited to try a 4 for 3 special which includes paying for three days and receiving four.

For more details visit www.selkirk-tangiers.com/specials/top-10-reasons or (250) 814-5048.

Actually, in the case of indoor arenas, it’s an activity that can take place all year round.

In the Spokane area, fans of skating have a variety of rinks to choose from, whether they’re getting the hang of moving around on the ice or trying their hands (and feet) at more advanced ice-related sports like hockey or fi gure skating.

Here are some selections: • Frontier Ice Arena: The newest

arrival on the local ice scene is right outside of Coeur d’Alene. It includes a NHL-sized rink and offers a variety of youth and adult hockey leagues and fi gure skating programs plus public skate times and drop-in hockey opportunities. Spectators can watch from a heated lobby or enjoy stadium-style seating. The program offers learn-to-skate classes and learn-to-play hockey instruction, plus skate

rental. Visit frontiericearena.org/ for more details.• Ice Palace: During late fall, winter and early

spring, downtown Spokane offers a great place for public skating at Riverfront Park. Skating is available at this outdoor rink daily from October until the end of February. Along with public skating opportunities, visitors can check out drop-in hockey. A new activity for the 2012-2013 season is curling. Skate rental and lessons are available for ages 3 and up. Check out spokaneriverfrontpark.com/ for more details.

• Eagles Ice-A-Rena: The family-friendly rink in north Spokane offers a variety of skating opportunities including fi gure skating lessons and

youth and adult hockey. It hosts its own team, the Spokane Braves, and also is the home rink for the Spokane Womens’ Hockey and the Lilac City Figure Skating Club. Visit www.eaglesicearena.com/

Ice skatingIce skating is the is the perfect perfect winter activity.winter activity.

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6 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Ski fans in other parts of the country easily get jealous at seeing any of the Inland Northwest’s fi ve ski areas.

We fully understand how special they all are, especially when compared to other ski spots which people say are almost as good. Did we mention we have fi ve within an hour’s drive of Spokane, each with unique runs, fun amenities, and beautiful scenery?

That means downhill skiers and snowboarders can have their choice of different locations.

Here’s a summary of the prime ski spots and what’s new for the season.Mt. Spokane: As winter wonderlands go, Mt. Spokane and Snowboard Park lives up to the title. Snow fans have 1,425 acres, including 2,000 vertical feet and a tubing hill. There’s a terrain park with rails, boxes, and jumps. The park is known for excellent night skiing, and is a good starting point for snowshoe adventures. Last fall, the park received approval from the State of Washington to expand its backside

with ski runs, a lift, plus more area for back country skiing. Other parts of the area are classifi ed for wildlife habitat and forest protection. Mt. Spokane offers rentals and adult and youth lessons, plus there’s even the Snoplay Daycare where kids can play under supervision while parents hit the slopes. It includes indoor and outdoor activities plus basic lessons. www.mtspokane.com/ or (509) 238-2220. Schweitzer Mountain Resort: At this destination near Sandpoint, Idaho, you can choose many winter activities spanning more than 2,900 acres. There’s legendary downhill skiing on two sides of the mountain, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more fun. There are 92 trails plus open bowl skiing, a vertical drop of 2,400 feet, and the longest continuous run is 2 miles. Thrillseekers have three terrain parks, and there’s plenty of views of Idaho and beyond. Over the last few

years, there have been more lodging options, and the ski area recently announced plans to add 20 residences to the White Pine Lodge, the fourth major real estate development in the last 14 years. Schweitzer also offers night skiing plus rental and lesson options. Schweitzer is also known for “Stella,” a high-speed six-person lift. (208) 255-3081 or www.schweitzer.com.

Lookout Pass: Lookout often is the fi rst to open and the last to

close, and also receives the most snowfall of area

resorts. Located on the Idaho-

Montana border along Interstate 90, Lookout is also known for a free youth ski school. From January to March,

lessons are available

for ages 6-16. Lookout also

offers 540 acres for downhill skiers,

plus three terrain parks. There’s a shuttle service

each Saturday from various points west. Lookout also is working on an expansion plan that will add 2,000 acres and 25 more named runs. www.skilookout.com, or (208) 744-1301

ki f i h f h HH ’

Inland NW Inland NW Ski RoundupSki Roundup

www.skilookout.com208.744.1301 1-90 at the Idaho/Montana State Line

Early Bird Pass SaleBegins March 1st!

FUN

LLLLLEEEEEGGGGGEEEEENNNNNDDDDDDAAAAAARRRRRYYYYY PPPPPOOOOOOOWWWWWDDDDDDEEEEERRRRR

Feb. 9-10 Mardi Gras Festival & Live Music Feb. 15 Toyota FREE Ski Day Feb. 18 Presidents’ Day Holiday Feb. 22 Ski NW Rockies/KREM – 2nd Harvest Food Drive Mar. 9 Moose Drool Scavenger Hunt & Crazy Costume Day

Local resorts sometimes share promotions.

The EZ 1-2-3 promotion can be used for three lessons, three rentals

and three lift tickets at Lookout Pass for $99, $129 for Silver

Mountain or Schweitzer, or $119 for Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North. The Bring a Friend program offers

a discounted lesson for a friend of a skier wanting to try skiing or snowboarding.

Courtesy Lookout Pass Ski Recreation area

Page 7: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 7

Marcus Whitman4.65 x 4.65

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Silver Mountain: This resort in Idaho’s Silver Valley offers the world’s longest gondola, a 19-minute ride spanning 3.1 miles up to the Mountain Haus at 5,700 feet. There, you get access to 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and 2,200 vertical feet. There’s fi ve chairs and a moving “carpet” which get people in position to head downhill. Then, you can visit Idaho’s largest indoor water park – Silver Rapids. 800-204-6428 or www.silvermt.com

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort: North of Spokane in Chewelah you’ll fi nd winter fun for everyone. This traditional Northwest resort has wide-open groomed runs, moguls, powder, and hundreds of acres of tree skiing. Total patrolled area is 2,325 acres with 75 marked trails. There’s a vertical drop of 1,851 feet, four double chairs, a surface lift and a quad. Nordic fans also enjoy a nice selection of trails. www.ski49n.com or (509) 935-6649.

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8 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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Cross Country Skiing & Cross Country Skiing & Snowmobiling nearby.Snowmobiling nearby.

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Home to ghost towns and busy cultural centers, epic ski terrain and relaxing hot springs, Southwest Montana is just a few hours away via Interstate 90 and always welcoming. The late winter months promise a pleasing range of activities for families, adventure-seekers, music buffs and others.LIVELY TIMES IN AN OLD GHOST TOWN

Take a trip back in time, deep into the heart of winter at Virginia City’s Winterfest. Held in one of America’s best-preserved ghost towns, Winterfest draws families Feb. 8-10 for two days of broomball tournaments, a two-man log-sawing contest, sledding and snowmobile runs as well as other activities to burn away cabin fever.

Lodging is available (visit VirginiaCity.com) and concessions will be on site. Call (406) 843-5346 to register your broomball team and get questions answered about this annual festival.

SEE THE SKIERS IN THE SKY The Montana Snowkite Rodeo is the Northwest’s

premier snowkiting competition. Now in its 10th year, this freestyle and racing event attracts powerkiters from multiple countries, including Norway, Canada, Sweden and the U.S. Centered in the Big Hole Valley — home of high winds and deep powder — the rodeo promises a thrilling experience. This year’s events will be based at Jackson Hot Springs the weekend of Feb. 16-18. Visit JacksonHotSprings.com.

EXPERIENCE IRISH CULTURE, MONTANA-STYLE

For one day every year, the town of Butte becomes the “Fifth Province” of Ireland. This year, St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Sunday — making a day trip even easier for those wanting to experience one of the most authentic celebrations of Irish culture in America.

Butte’s deep connection to Ireland dates back to its time as a mining town populated largely by Irish laborers. The mines may not be as busy these days, but the culture remains central to this historic town. For proof, join the tens of thousands of visitors on

March 17 for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and other activities throughout the historic Uptown district.

OLD SOUNDS OF THE OLD WORLDWhen you think of ancient music, you might

not think of Montana. But in recent years, the Treasure State has become a haven for early music lovers thanks to festivals and events attracting the world’s top musicians. One such festival is the Montana Early Music Festival, which will be held April 4-7 this year. It includes concerts in Helena and Butte by nationally known guest artists and Montana-based early music ensembles.

Saturday and Sunday concerts feature Francesco Cavalli’s “Venetian Vespers” of 1643; other concerts will include soloists and small ensembles. Led by Kerry Krebill, the festival takes place in the Cathedral of St. Helena and St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral

in Helena; plus at Immaculate Conception in Butte. For concert information and schedules, visit Musikantenmt.org.

For more information about events and attractions in Southwest Montana, visit SouthwestMT.com.

Southwest Montana offers many tourism treasuresSouthwest Montana offers many tourism treasures

Page 9: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 9

• 2-Room Suites• Exercise Room• Arcade Room• Coffee Makers• Great location• Great Ski Packages• Free Continental Breakfast

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Southwest Montana offers many tourism treasures

Provided by Tia Troy Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission

Located a short drive east of Spokane is Glacier Country.

Home to the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park, numerous waterways and charming small towns, this part of Montana is ideal for a winter getaway.

The region is a great destination for skiers and boarders, with six well-rounded ski resorts garnering an average of 300 inches of dry, fl uffy powder and nearly 7,000 acres of terrain. Take advantage of ski and stay deals in Whitefi sh at both Hidden Moose Lodge (packages start from $105) and Good Medicine Lodge (starting at $155).

Round out your ski trip by visiting breweries and local restaurants while dancing to a country band. http://glaciermt.com/view-deals.php

While the region has plenty of nightlife, it also has options for quiet adventures. From winter camping in Glacier National Park to getaways in the Kootenai National Forest, there are numerous options to get you relaxed.

For a more remote adventure, consider the Upper Ford Ranger Station near Yaak. Bring cross-country skis, snowshoes and camera on your outdoor adventures exploring trails and forests. www.recreation.gov

Spokane residents can even hop aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. With stops in Libby, Whitefi sh, West Glacier and Essex, Amtrak can easily deliver you to your winter destination. In West Glacier, book a winter stay at The Belton Chalet’s cottages or newly restored Adobe House vacation home.

After snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, warm up with dinner and drinks at the Grill Dining Room (open Fridays–Sundays). Or stay on the train to Essex and the Izaak Walton Inn & Resort. With 33 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, the inn is a standout destination for cross-country and skate skiing enthusiasts, with a variety of accommodations such as lodge rooms, caboose cars, ski-in/ski-out cabins or luxury railcars. www.beltonchalet.com, www.izaakwaltoninn.com

- continued on page 11.

Celebrating Montana’s Winter WondersCelebrating Montana’s Winter Wonders

Page 10: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

10 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

If Mexico, Hawaii or other If Mexico, Hawaii or other exotic ports of callexotic ports of call aren’t in the cards, we have a better suggestion for a warmer getaway: a local hot springs.

There are several naturally warm pools within an easy drive of the Spokane area. Some are part of larger facilities, complete with locker rooms, restaurants, hotels and traditional concrete pools, while others are as rustic as a bubbling hole in the woods.

The springs in the latter category are certainly in the “bathe at your own risk” category, and you likely won’t fi nd warnings about “high temperatures” or “not responsible for damage to clothing or jewelry from high mineral content.”

That’s part of the reason why the resort-style hot springs remain popular – extra steps are taken in terms of safety, hygiene, fi ltration and overall aesthetics to give visitors a relaxing experience in and out of the heated pools. They can be a great weekend trip all by themselves, or part of a winter recreation trip with downhill or Nordic skiing.

Here’s a round-up of nearby natural hot springs: Ainsworth Hot Springs: www.hotnaturally.com/

Just north of Nelson, British Columbia, at the northwest side of Kootenay Lake, you’ll fi nd Ainsworth Hot Springs, which offers a U-shaped cave to wade through, a larger outdoor pool that’s slightly cooler, and a small ‘cold’ pool which some people enjoying taking a quick, brisk dip in before jumping back into the warmer ones.

Surrounding accommodations include a full-service restaurant and hotel, making Ainsworth a great area to visit for a few hours or several days. Resort guests can receive unlimited access to the hot springs, or visitors staying at other motels in the area can pay a one-time use or day use fee.

The water starts out at 117 degrees F. But it quickly cools as it fl ows into the cave, and by the time it reaches the larger pool, it’s a more pleasant 96 F. Water also drips off the cave’s ceiling, creating a natural steam room. The mineral water naturally refreshes itself about six times a day.

Last year, the hotel area received an extensive upgrade, including the creation of some truly elegant guest rooms complete with beautiful views of the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay Lake.

It’s a Beautiful Day in Paradise!

Featuring Riverside Suites, Canyon Cabins & Glacier Lodge, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, located just 2.5 hrs. from Spokane,

offers fine dining along with their mineral hot springs pools.

Visit us online atwww.quinnshotsprings.com

or call 406.826.3150

Perfect for your Special Events!Two Great Hot Springs Locations

Jackson Hot Springs Lodge offers amazing snowmobile trails, fly fishing and nearby skiing at Lost Trail & Maverick Mountain.

Nestled between the Bitterroot and Pioneer Mountain Ranges in beautiful Southwestern Montana

Contact us at 406.834.3151or visit us online at

www.jacksonhotsprings.com

Reserve Today!Reserve Today!

FREE

Wi-Fi!FREE

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Courtesy Quinn’s Hot Springs. Quinn’s Hot Springs is one of four soothing hot spots within an easy drive from the Spokane area.

Page 11: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 11

Quinn’s Hot Springs: quinnshotsprings.com/About three hours east of Spokane,

near Paradise, Mont., you’ll fi nd Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.

The highlight of the resort is six temperature-controlled mineral pools stretch out in.

Four of the pools are designed for soaking, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 106 degrees F, and two for swimming, with temps from 80-90 degrees. Pools are monitored for temperature and cleanliness every three hours and drained and cleaned every other day.

To keep guests from overheating, free ice water is available. Visitors can also check out a variety of amenities, such as the Harwood House restaurant, which offers fi ne dining. Or drop by Quinn’s Tavern which boasts TVs, drinks and gaming machines. There’s even a ‘bikini bar’ option where you can drink in your swimsuit and have easy access to the water.

There are several cabins and a lodge, and campers can also stay at the Cascade National Campground nearby.

Quinn’s recently began scheduling sessions to reduce overcrowding, and reservations for a certain time are recommended.

The location offers a variety of stay-and-play special promotions throughout the year. A current one is the “Couples Escape,” which includes lodging, full use of the pools, plus dinner and breakfasts for two every day for any Sunday through Thursday until March 7 for $198.

Fairmont Hot Springs (British Columbia, Canada): www.fairmonthotsprings.com/

Fairmont delivers an ideal stay, play, and soak combination. The family resort about four hours north of Spokane in Canada boasts an impressive ski area in winter, plus a enjoyable golf course in the warmer months. There’s even a spa, steam room, and access to acres of peaceful countryside for hiking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and general outdoor fun.

The mineral springs themselves receive 1.5 million gallons of natural water daily, and the pools are drained, scrubbed and refi lled each evening. Visitors can partake of hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room, a

sauna and a private outdoor soaking pool. Average temperature in the hot pool

is 102 F, and the larger swimming pool a brisker 89F. The deeper dive pool is 86 F.

Guests can stay at lodges, cabins, cottages and camping sites. The skiing area also is described as ‘family friendly’ and includes a Magic Carpet moving platform, great for groups or new skiers.

Access is available for daily use, a fi ve-day pass, or a seasonal pass. There’s even a night soak option.

Fairmont Hot Springs (Montana): www.fairmontmontana.com/

This beautiful and relaxing Montana location halfway between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two soaking pools, one indoor and one outdoor. There’s also a popular 350-foot enclosed water slide that’s open all year.

The water is supplied by a natural hot spring that comes in at 155 degrees and cools before it reaches the soaking areas.

Fairmont also boasts hotel rooms and a par 72 golf course in warmer seasons, plus a spa, tennis courts and other fun amenities. It’s also 30 miles from Discovery Ski Area. The whole region is near the Deer Lodge National Forest and there’s also easy access to a regional cross-country trail system and snowmobile paths.

Visitors this winter will see some newly renovated areas, including the indoor pool facility and changing areas. Work

is expected to be done by the end of January, but all pools and the slide have remained open during the construction.

The area also some ski and soak packages with Discovery, including the “Two Night Ski and Slide” which includes two nights of lodging, four all-day waterslide passes and pool access at Fairmont, plus four all-day lift tickets at Discovery. Prices begin at $405 per couple if you stay on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday and ski on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. This promotion

runs Jan. 2-17, Jan. 22-Feb. 14, and Feb. 19-April 6. Radium Hot Springs: www.pc.gc.ca/voyage-travel/sources-springs/index/radium/radium.aspx

Radium, located within Kootenay National Park, may be the only natural hot springs on Canada’s Register of Historic Places and the largest hot springs pool in Canada.

One highlight is a big, warm pool where the temperature ranges from 98 to 104 F, and a cooler swimming pool with temps in the mid-80s. The 25-meter long cool pool is open Fridays through Sunday from January until mid-May. There’s a shallow lounging area especially for kids.

Radium is part of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, which also include Banff, and Miette, in nearby Jasper National Park (considered the hottest of the three.) Visitors to either Radium or Banff can receive even more relaxation with a massage or other spa services from the Pleiades Massage and Spa.

Winter Wonders continued from page 9. Or consider a winter trip to Trout Creek. Located on the shores of Noxon Rapids Reservoir and surrounded by the Cabinet Mountains, you’ll experience 32 miles of groomed trails around Gem Peak plus many ungroomed trails and other play areas. One of the most popular trails—Martin Creek drainage—provides a fun ride, and a warming hut. After a day exploring the trails, unwind at Lakeside Motel & Resort. www.lakeside-resort-motels.com

For more Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com or on Twitter at @glaciermt.

Courtesy Ainsworth Hot Springs

Page 12: Winter Fun Guide, February 6, 2013

12 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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“Winter fun” can take more forms besides being knee deep in cold snow for hours at a time.

Checking out a casino is a great way to spend a winter day. Try out a restaurant. See a show. Visit a spa. And go home with some good memories, if not some extra money.

In the Spokane area, casino fans have many to choose from. There are gourmet restaurants, world-class entertainment, elegant spas, sporting events and a whole lot more. Some offer on-site hotels, which make them great destinations for people wanting to spend longer at their winter stay-cation. Here’s more descriptions of what they have to offer.

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel: About 20 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, you’ll fi nd an expansive gaming and entertainment complex with more than 1,600 gaming machines on a 20,000 square foot gaming fl oor. The Coeur d’Alene Casino has winter packages available starting at $109.98, which include a one-night stay in the Mountain Lodge, 20 percent off Spa SSsakwa’q’n on any service or retail

purchase, a $10 gas coupon and free valet parking. During the off-season the Circling Raven Golf Club

offers sale items and gift cards. The spa boutique has great gifts and goodies that pamper, and there’s also a newly-opened gift shop of unique native and

local wares. Visitors can enjoy concerts, sporting events, and a variety of restaurants and lounges, including a steakhouse and buffet. 800-523-2464 or www.cdacasino.com Northern Quest Resort & Casino: With more than 20 package deals, options are endless. Don’t forget to pamper your valentine this February with a resort package! Starting at $199, with one night’s stay in a luxurious Classic room, a $50 dining credit,

$40 credit to La Rive Spa, a $20 gaming credit and evening turn-down service. Or reserve your spot for a romantic dinner at Masselow’s, the only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant in Eastern Washington. Or, you can catch your favorite team on the 10x30 foot big screen HDTV at The Q or book the Couple’s Loving Retreat massage at our nationally-recognized La Rive Spa. See which package best fi ts your personality at northernquest.com. 877-871-6772. Two Rivers Casino and Resort: Northwest of Spokane on Lake Roosevelt, you’ll fi nd Vegas-style table games, plus regular promotions. 800-722-4031 or www.tworiverscasinoandresort.com. Kootenai River Inn: The Best Western Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, includes a full-service restaurant and lounge, plus a spa. Gaming fans can try 500 machines and enjoy more than 65 guest rooms. www.kootenairiverinn.com or (208) 267-8511. Chewelah Casino: North of Spokane is the Chewelah Casino, with gaming machines, promotions, a poker room, and a café and lounge. 800-322-2788 or www.chewelahcasino.com

Who says you have to go far, far away for fun in the winter? Who says you have to go far, far away for fun in the winter?

Courtesy Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel