Forest strengthens enforcement of uphill ski policy

Flathead National Forest is implementing strengthened regulations involving the uphill ski traffic policy at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Any uphill travelers at the ski area who do not follow the special Flathead Forest order (using the two approved routes at approved times, staying at least 100 feet away from grooming equipment or 50 feet away from snowmaking equipment) can be ticketed and face up to $100 fines for a first offense.

Potentially stiffer penalties are possible for repeat offenders, according to a news release from the Flathead National Forest. 

The uphill ski policy was created in 2010 to maintain skier access, reduce risk to uphill and downhill skiers and minimize disruption to resort employees and operations.

In recent years, the press release noted, a small minority of uphill users failed to follow the policy, putting themselves and others at risk.

The problem was highlighted last season when two skiers, after being directed to stay on an approved route, ventured into an area where resort employees were doing avalanche control using explosives.  

The skiers could have been injured by an explosion or buried by the subsequent release of snow.

The special order, including specific times and routes, can be found on the forest’s website at: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/flathead/recreation/wintersports.  

From this link, click on Skiing, then Whitefish Mountain Resort.