A stimulus program for the Flathead

Thank you, Big Mountain (oops, I mean Whitefish Mountain Resort) for all the groomed runs, smiling faces at the lifts and other facilities, fresh air, beautiful views, and a lifetime of ski friends and good memories. Thanks from all of us.

As we move into a time of many cutbacks in our valley, I was just thinking how nice it would be if The Mountain “paid it forward” (remember the movie?). This could be the beginning of our very own economic stimulus program.

We all know how many times money changes hands here in the Flathead (and beyond, to Eureka and Polson), and if every business did a little, then it would make a lot of difference. We all need to keep each other afloat during these stressful times (keep the money in circulation).

Remember a few years ago when the ski area reduced the season-pass price and, as I remember, they sold more passes then ever before, almost doubling the numbers (do a little math)?

Think how much commerce is affected by skiing — equipment (old and new), clothing (old and new), travel (far and near), lodging, restaurants, not only local but out of town, county, state as well (many of these travelers also stay with friends who ski and have passes). Many, many of these season passholders have lived here for many years.

We have all noticed the various cutbacks on The Mountain. These include a later opening date and earlier closing date (you could have extended one more week without violating the lease); earlier closing each skiing day (4 p.m. instead of 4:20 p.m.); ending the season before spring break for all three school districts in our valley (I’m sure there are plenty of angry parents over this one); night skiing diminished; no student rates; and the list goes on.

Hardest hit in these times are seniors over 60 years old. Jobs are gone or greatly diminished; there is more spare time but much less money. Wouldn’t it be nice if grandparents could still afford to take their grandchildren skiing? What this means to The Mountain is another generation of skiers being created.

Whether you believe it or not, our local passes do help the economy of the ski area. Keeping the seniors skiing is important for other reasons, as well, because once someone quits for a while, it is harder to get them to come back.

Remember, the lifts are going around anyway, empty or full.

Also, many seniors ski during the emptier weekday, buy food and drinks, and many have been season passholders for many years.

I’m sure the skiers over-70 appreciate their “free passes,” so why not offer half-price season passes (and lift tickets) to seniors over 60 years old, knowing that they will encourage others to ski, as well?

It will also be a great way to “pay back” many of the locals who have supported (and built) this ski area, and reduce the general pass, too.

In a normal year, this would not necessarily be a problem, but these years will be a struggle for many, and skiing will be last on many lists. Instead of being “cussed” by the locals, wouldn’t you rather have good vibes from the valley?

Whitefish Mountain Resort could make a big difference and be a role model for other businesses.

To those of you reading this letter, please make your feelings known through calls or letters or both. Since Whitefish Mountain Resort has already reduced the services, doesn’t it make sense to reduce the price? It’s better to be friends and co-workers in these changing times than the alternative, don’t you agree?

I hope this letter will be read in the same spirit in which it was written. From living here for 33 years, I love the valley and the people in it, and I love The Mountain.

Kaye Cloud lives in Whitefish.