Mountain opens with 12 ski runs
Whitefish Mountain Resort opens for its 65th winter season today with two lifts, 12 runs and reduced lift ticket prices.
“We’re excited to get the season started and celebrate our 65th season as a ski area,” Whitefish Mountain Resort President Dan Graves said in a news release.
“This year’s opening day is quite interesting as there is a world of difference between the base area and the summit and north side of the mountain. The back side of the mountain is full-on winter mode while the village and base area remain unskiable. The good news is the temperatures are cooperating for our snowmaking crews and the current weather and forecast look promising.”
The resort will open the Big Horn, Black Bear, Caribou, George’s Gorge, Goat Haunt, Hollywood, Kodiak, Silvertip, Whitetail and Gray Wolf runs. Chair 1 will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with downloading required to return to the base area.
Chair 7 will be open its normal hours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Additional terrain and lifts may become available through the weekend. The resort had more than 50 inches of snow at the summit on Friday, with more snow expected today.
“We’d like to remind everyone to ski and ride with care, within their ability levels and remember early season conditions exist, unmarked obstacles and other natural terrain features may be encountered at any time,” said Tary King, patrol director. “Skiers and riders need to respect all closures and safety signage. It’s a long season and we want you to enjoy every day. Please do not enter closed trails.”
Daily ticket prices will be reduced to $39 for ages 13 to 69 and $25 for ages 7 to 12. Super seniors 70 and over and children under 6 get tickets for free.
The Summit House and Base Lodge Cafe will be open for food and beverage services. Ed and Mully’s will serve soup and chili and the bar will be open. Additional services available include the Base Lodge Rental Shop, Village Equipment Rentals, as well as Base Lodge Traders, Snow Ghost Outfitters and Summit House Gifts. The Kids Center and Day Care will also be open as well as the Ski and Ride School on limited terrain. The Learn to Ski/Ride program will not be available.
Warren Miller athlete Tyler Ceccanti and filmmaker Chris King will shoot footage for his film company, Travels Through Images and Snowchasers. Ceccanti will sign posters at the Summit House on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.