Nothing makes an already long winter feel even longer than being stuck inside for months on end. One of the most surprising things this writer witnessed as a newbie to North Dakota is how many things seem to “shut-down” for the winter. Finding something to do from January-March felt impossible until the quaint Canadian ski resort of Holiday Mountain came into sight.

Not only a perfect place to get some exercise and fly down the slopes, but also the home to some adorable A-frame cabins within driving distance! Take a quick stay here sometime in the next few months and you will save yourself some winter mania.

Holiday Mountain ski park, even though located in Manitoba, Canada, is right around a 3-hour drive from Minot. In good weather, that is a doable day trip. In trickier weather, that is a nice excuse for a weekend away, since this is actually one of the very few ski resorts within driving distance that also offers overnight accommodation–and reasonably priced ones at that!

The Holiday Mountain manager, Abe Sawatzky, told the Northern Sentry that besides offering all the things one can expect in a ski resort–rentals, ski lessons, different levels of runs, ski lifts and much more–what makes Holiday Mountain especially unique is their different lounges. One offers food and seating and another sits at the base of the resort, where non-skiers have a clear view of the mountain and lifts which makes for excellent viewing. Additionally, they have a brand new terrain park just waiting for those hard-core shredders to take a stab. Abe also mentioned that Holiday Mountain prides itself on its really top notch ski instructors and he said it is the perfect place to take a class for beginners or those looking for some extra tips.

Holiday Mountain maintains a 10% discount for American military members and their families on lift tickets, rentals and lessons all year long. But Abe said that they really want the Airmen at Minot to come out and visit them so they are offering an additional 10% discount on Presidents’ Day (February 19) this year. Which would make most things 20% off for that day only!

Now let’s talk about the accommodations mentioned earlier. Holiday Mountain has several A-frame mini cabins located right on their property, within ski and walking distance to the slopes, which are available to rent out. The cabins have everything you and your family needs for a relaxing stay–think glamping meets winter escape–and start at less than $90 US per night. Remember their prices on their website are in the Canadian dollar. At these prices, you’ll want to come back every year for your annual winter escape from Minot.

Now, I know a lot of us Americans may get slightly nervous about crossing over that border and what that means for us. Never fear, it is actually way easier than you might think. Most adults will need a valid passport; they are actually suggested for everyone traveling but children should be able to get in with other proof of identification. This can change so please check the Canadian Government travel requirements for yourself before departure. Other than that, you will have a few questions to answer and may have to hand over any fruit or meat you have in the car, but otherwise it’s not scary. (Also, please note to leave any weapons at home as you cannot carry them and could get in major trouble if they are found in your vehicle.)

If it is your first Canadian Adventure, check out: Canada: It’s ALMOST like the US on the Northern Sentry website. It offers some obscure, yet poignant tips about driving to Canada from Minot.

Have the warm scenic lodges, adorable cabins and thrill of the exotic Canadian lifestyle made you now longing for a visit to Holiday Mountain? Still don’t have the funds? We got you! Head on over to the Northern Sentry Facebook Page to enter to win a FREE Family 5- pass to Holiday Mountain! Yep, it includes lift tickets and rentals. All you have to do is enter and you could win! Hurry up and do so too because this giveaway won’t last long!

Either way, a visit to Holiday Mountain ski resort is a drive away and the perfect mini-vacation in the winter.