Spartans spring into action soon

The Spartans are coming!

Momentum is building for the Flathead’s first Spartan Race May 11-12, with more than 3,000 already registered for the obstacle course event. Officials won’t reveal the final obstacles plan, but it could include any number of intriguing events, from a gladiator throw-down to spear-throwing.

The race course, on land owned by Flathead Lake Lodge on Flathead Lake, is shaping up to be one of the best Spartan courses in the country, officials have declared.

These kinds of events that bring in not only thousands of competitors but also thousands of spectators — up to 10,000 people are expected to watch this Spartan Race — are wonderful boosts to our local economy.

It’s not too late to get involved. A work day is planned on Saturday to help with course preparation; call 758-2809 if you can help. Or sign up by May 8 to compete in the event; register online at www.spartanrace.com/montana-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2013.

Ski season’s shiny success

It’s encouraging to see a robust winter tourism economy in the Flathead Valley, particularly when it was only a few years ago when there were dark sky forecasts for the ski industry.

On the contrary, Whitefish Mountain Resort reports an 11 percent increase in total skier visits for the winter, which was a record year. And the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area reports that its skier numbers and revenue were up about 5 percent over last year, also a new record.

It’s notable that the record-setting season came about even though it was a below-average winter for snow accumulations.

Clearly, Canadian visitors are playing a big part in the success at both ski areas, a trend that will hopefully carry on in the future. 

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.