Ski resort to open up on Saturday

Ski season begins Saturday at Whitefish Mountain Resort, with the best skiing and snowboarding to be found on the back side of Big Mountain.

Details on what chairlifts and terrain will be open Saturday had not been settled as of Wednesday afternoon, said Riley Polumbus, the resort’s public affairs manager.

However, there is a 42-inch base of snow at the summit and 20 inches of snow at the bottom of Chair 7 on the north side of Big Mountain. No measurable snow has been recorded in the village area on the south side of the mountain.

According to Polumbus, there will be a “quality groomed experience” on terrain served by Chair 7, and conditions appear to be better than they were on last year’s opening day.

Employees are returning to the resort this week to carry out final preparations for Saturday’s opening.

Blacktail Mountain near Lakeside has not set an opening date for its ski season.