New chairlift, runs planned on Big Mountain

 Whitefish Mountain Resort is planning a $1.4 million expansion project that will add a new lift, runs and glading to the resort on Big Mountain in Whitefish.

The resort plans to purchase a lift and will start clearing timber this summer for new Flower Point runs and a lift line on the north side of the ski area. 

The project will add about 200 acres of lift-served skiing, including 32 acres of cleared runs, additional gladed areas and a fixed-grip triple chairlift. 

Construction will be done in two phases and will be completed for the 2014-2015 winter season.

 “We are delighted to begin work on the Flower Point lift and trail system this summer and provide lift access to more terrain,” Whitefish Mountain Resort President Dan Graves said in a prepared statement. “The lift increases access to an area of our mountain known for having the most consistent snow coverage and will provide quality skiing in early and late season.”

The first phase includes the purchase of a chairlift. Timber clearing will begin midsummer and most of the work is expected to be completed by fall 2013. Concrete work for towers may also occur during this phase.

The second phase will begin in summer 2014 when towers will be erected and terminals installed.

 Four new groomable named runs and two connector runs will be added to the areas currently known as Stumptown and Window Pane. The runs are expected to be intermediate level and will be kept fairly narrow with tree islands and feathered edges to maintain a natural feel and experience.

The Flower Point expansion will enhance views of the North Fork region of Glacier National Park, Graves said.

The additional acreage is located within Whitefish Mountain Resort’s special use permit area but it has been considered out-of-bounds to guests and will remain so until the project is complete.