Big Mountain train trip

February 16-20, 2005.  About 30 of us boarded the AMTRAK train in Portland, on our way to Whitefish, Montana, for 4 days on the slopes. The trip was pleasant. We enjoyed great views of the Columbia River gorge from the comfort of the lounge car. Many of us paid an extra $112 for a sleeper car in both directions (only $56 per person per night).  The sleeping berths were small, but we were glad to be able to stretch out and sleep in comfort, especially on the way back! The sleeper car fee included dinner and breakfast on the train, plus unlimited amounts of coffee, orange and apple juice!

We had 3 excellent, sunny days at Big Mountain, plus some fresh snow on Saturday morning,  There was plenty of snow for some tree skiing. Some of us also participated in a racing clinic, and everyone had a chance to try a NASTAR racing course. Also, we did some synchronized formation skiing.

The views from the top of Big Mountain were stunning!  Below are just some sample photos. See the rest in our Photo Albums. The first 100 photos there were taken directly with a digital still camera. The other 42 are lower resolution stills taken off of the video-tape, and are lower resolution images, added mainly to show our synchronized skiing, which was done on the "Jesus" trail. We nicknamed it that because of the statue of Jesus at the top. The trail's real name is: "Ed's Run".

SEE MORE BIG MOUNTAIN PHOTOS IN OUR SNAPFISH PHOTO ALBUMS!