Amtrak proposes surcharge for ski bags

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and local tourism officials are concerned about a $10 surcharge proposed by Amtrak to handle ski bags. The fee, they say, could deter skiers from choosing to visit Whitefish and ski at Big Mountain.

Whitefish is Amtrak’s busiest stop on the Empire Builder route that travels between Seattle and Chicago. More than 66,000 visitors come to Whitefish annually via the passenger train.

Schweitzer said Friday during a press conference at the Whitefish Depot that he is asking Amtrak officials to rescind the proposed surcharge.

“A lot of folks come to Whitefish every single winter to ski and they bring their families,” Schweitzer said. “We think this is a partnership between Whitefish and Amtrak. [The fee] doesn’t make any sense.”

The surcharge would negate savings a passenger receives from Amtrak’s 20 percent off winter promotion, he said. Whitefish Mountain Resort is currently promoting those savings on their website.

Schweitzer penned his concerns in a letter to Amtrak president Joseph Boardman.

“The skiers taking advantage of this promotion have purchased nearly $300,000 in Amtrak coach tickets over the last two winter ski seasons and their presence in Whitefish is a huge boost for the local economy during the slower winter months,” Schweitzer wrote.

“Not only will [the fee] serve to negate the promotional discount savings now offered, it will end one of the best selling points Amtrak enjoys — no charges for luggage.”

Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau director Jan Metzmaker said the fee will be a major inconvenience for both passengers and Amtrak staff.

Schweitzer agreed, noting that the hassle and ill will caused by the fee out weighs any dollar recovery Amtrak may receive.