Ski On Big Mountain And Sail Waters Of Flathead All On Same Trip

Sun., Feb. 18, 1996

Graham Vink Travel Editor

It’s been a tough winter for skiers (and ski resorts), considering the erratic weather. But there are still plenty of ski-related events, including the annual North American Ski/ Laser Championships in Montana on March 29-31.

The event begins with a timed race at the Big Mountain ski resort, followed the next day with timed sailboat races on Flathead Lake.

A $50 registration fee is required. For more information, call Big Mountain at (406) 862-1900.

Award winning: Kudos for places to stay around the region:

Black Butte Ranch, near Sisters, Ore., has been named one of the 50 most affordable places to stay in the United States by Travel & Leisure magazine.

The ranch, surrounded by the Three Sisters peaks of the Cascades, features rental condominiums and houses on 1,800 acres of forested and alpine land. It has two golf courses, and also features swimming, tennis, skiing and horseback riding. For information, call (800) 452-7455.

The Woodmark Hotel, on the shores of Lake Washington in Kirkland, Wash., has received its fourth consecutive four-star award from the Mobil Travel Guide, signifying “an outstanding property - worth a special trip.” For information, call (800) 822-3700 or (206) 822-3700.

Last chance: Even if you forgot about Valentine’s Day, there’s still time to make amends. The Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle offers a romance package through the end of February, featuring a suite, bottle of champagne or cider, and continental breakfast in bed, all for $225. For information, call (800) 426-5100 or (206) 382-6990.

Short takes: Bits and pieces from around the Northwest:

Lake Upsata Guest Ranch, 45 miles east of Missoula, is offering “fitness vacations” aimed at people who “want to get serious about their health but who want to have a good time while they do it.” Bring money; the price is $2,400 per person, per week, based on double occupancy. For information, call (800) 594-7687 or (406) 793-5890.

A “mystery weekend” sponsored by the Langley Chamber of Commerce on South Whidbey Island, Wash., is next weekend, Feb. 24-25. Participants gather clues, examine evidence and try to solve the mystery. For information, call (360) 221-6765.

Show and tell: The Institute for Extended Learning is featuring two travelogues in February and April presented by Royce Gorseth, a travel agent and retired travel writer for The Spokesman-Review.

The session on Wednesday, Feb. 21, covers romantic France; the April 17 session covers Mexico. The two-hour programs begin at 6:30 p.m. at Spokane Falls Community College; tickets are $4 in advance, $5 at the door. For more information, call 533-3770.

Big bugs: Huge, lifelike, robotic bugs are at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle through May 5. One featured insect, the desert locust, is 12 feet long and spreads its 22-foot wings high above the ground. There is also a Live Bug Zoo featuring living insects.

For more information about the Big Big Bugs exhibit call (206) 443-2001.

, DataTimes MEMO: Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.