Love in Winterland

The film opens with Ally Wilson competing on the reality dating show 'Happily Ever After,' where she is one of the final two contestants vying for the heart of Tanner Dylan. Ally admits to her friends that she initially joined the show to promote her employer, Swan Hotels, but she has developed genuine feelings for Tanner. Tanner chooses Ally for the 'Final Date Week,' and the show's producer, Lauren, reveals the destination is Ally's hometown: Winterland, Vermont. Upon arrival, Ally is reunited with her parents, Molly and Tom, and her ex-boyfriend, Brett Hollister, who now runs the local inn where the crew is staying. The tension between Ally and Brett is immediate, rooted in a past where Brett failed to follow Ally to California ten years prior. As the week progresses, the show films various dates between Ally and Tanner, including skiing and a town chili cook-off. Brett is constantly present, acting as a foil to Tanner and reminding Ally of her roots. A subplot involves Ally's father, Tom, struggling with the family ski shop due to shorter winters, prompting Ally to use her marketing skills to help the town rebrand. During the chili cook-off, Ally's competitive nature flares up against Brett and his partner, 'Mean Helene.' Later, Brett reveals a secret: he actually did go to California to find Ally years ago but left without saying anything because she looked so happy and successful in her new life. Meanwhile, Ally's boss, Trish, offers her a major promotion to Phoenix, forcing Ally to choose between her career ambitions and her feelings for Winterland. At the final romantic dinner, Tanner and Ally have a candid conversation and realize they are not a romantic match; Tanner admits he is still looking for something that 'sticks.' They part as friends. Ally decides to turn down the promotion, stay in Winterland to help her father and the town, and finally reconciles with Brett. The movie ends with Brett surprising Ally with a new dog, Buddy, and the two sharing a kiss, finally finding their 'happily ever after' off-camera.