What ever happened to the "off season"? Over the years the Flathead Valley communities have worked hard to create activities for what were traditionally the slow times. As evidenced by the activities linked in this edition of our newsletter, the effort has gained so much momentum that valley-wide the pace is now hectic.

First on everyone's Off Season To-Do list is a visit to the Whitefish Winter Carnival, recently selected as one of the top ten winter carnivals in the nation in the January issue of National Geographic Magazine. From the World Skijoring Championships to the Penguin Plunge in Whitefish Lake and the ever popular downtown parade, followed by the Black Star Beer Barter, this weeklong event celebrates some aspects of winter you didn't even know you were missing. Click here for a full schedule of events.

Adding to the long list of national publications just discovering the area, Vogue Magazine Culture / Travel selected Whitefish one of its Ski Town USA destinations of the month. According to Vogue, the vibe is "Aspen the way it used to be."

Great news for the entire Flathead Valley arrived last week with the announcement by Allegiant Air that they will be providing weekly service from the San Francisco / Oakland Bay Area to Glacier Park International Airport. Introductory rates announced is $39 each way, with flights starting this April 27th.

Visitors arriving on Allegiant later this month will certainly want to check out the Bigfork Brewfest on February 25. This all day event features the offerings of 10 small regional brewers, and is the centerpiece of a weekend of fun and entertainment.

Further entertainment, though of a quieter nature, can be found in Glacier National Park, a surprising resource even when the majority of the park is inaccessible. Click here to read Discovery's 5 Reasons to Visit Glacier National Park in Winter.

On the real estate front, Kelley Appraisal has issued its 2011 annual summary market report. The research confirms what we have been seeing as the market sorts itself out, with specific areas and product types experiencing radically different trends. Contact one of our local real estate specialists to obtain further information on any area of interest across the Valley.

One trend that has been much in evidence for the past three years is the steady increase of vacationers and real estate clients from Canada. Great news for us is the recent opening of the Sotheby's International Real Estate Canada office in Calgary, which is the source of many visitors. This new relationship further underscores the real benefit of the international connection offered by Sotheby's International Realty, as we now have on the ground access to advertising and exposure in this important market.