Ski season opens at Whitefish resort

The Daily Inter Lake

If the forecast holds true, skiers will be treated to blue skies and sunshine as Whitefish Mountain Resort opens for the season today at 9 a.m.

"We have a 40-inch base at the summit and skiing will be spectacular," resort spokesman Donnie Clapp promised.

Snow cover in the village is not nearly as deep, but the temperature is cold enough to make snow again.

Chairs 1, 3, 6, 7, T-bar 2 and the Magic Carpet will be open. All Chair 3 runs will be open and beginner and intermediate rails are available, but the trails are isolated because of a lack of snow cover, Clapp said.

"You won't be able to ski [to the Chair 3 area] from the top of Chair 1," Clapp said, so skiers and snowboarders are asked to reach the area from the village.

Runs open on the front side include Moe-Mentum, Russ' Street, North Bowl Face, East Rim, Evan's Heaven and Moose Run. All runs on the back side are open.

"Chair 2 is nearly ready, but the terrain's not ready yet," Clapp said. "One more little storm and we'll be able to open a lot more stuff."

Skiers can take advantage of early-season prices: $44 lift tickets for adults; $36 for seniors and youths ages 13-17, and $29 for juniors 7 to 12.

Until Dec. 16, all children 12 and under can ski free if accompanied by one paying adult.