Whitefish ski resort will continue with masking requirement

Face coverings will continue to be required at Whitefish Mountain Resort this season, even as Gov. Greg Gianforte lifts the statewide mask mandate on Friday.

“As much as I would like to see mask wearing go away and return to a normal life, I think it is important for [the resort] to finish our season in the same manner that we started," Whitefish Mountain Resort CEO Dan Graves stated in a press release. "This means continuing with the protocols that we have had in practice all season. I thank everyone who has been wearing their face coverings and wish everyone a great second half of the season.” 

The ski resort requires face coverings while in lift lines and inside indoor spaces. Face coverings with holes in the nose or mouth area are not allowed.

There also will be no immediate change in Whitefish, as the City Council in early January passed a mask ordinance that will take effect immediately when Gianforte repeals the statewide directive. 

Gianforte signed a bill Wednesday intended to protect businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits. He also said enough vulnerable Montana residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations to allow the mask mandate to expire.

Gianforte said he would continue to wear a mask for the time being and encouraged others to do so as well.