Flower Point chairlift work to begin this summer

Whitefish Mountain Resort will begin clearing timber on the ski area’s north side this summer in preparation for a new chairlift to Flower Point.

The Flower Point 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. The lift will have a vertical rise of about 800 feet and be 3,100 feet long.

The first phase includes purchasing a chairlift, timber clearing expected to be completed by fall 2013 and possibly concrete work for the towers. The second phase will begin in summer 2014 when towers and terminals are set up. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2014-2015 winter season.

Resort officials say lift access to Flower Point will be a big benefit early in the season when snow coverage on Big Mountain can be limited to the higher elevations and the north side.

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

The bottom terminal of the new lift will start just to the east and above the base of Chair 7. Skiers will be able to traverse to Chair 7 from the new lift. Skiers will be able to return to the village or Base Lodge from the top of Flower Point via Russ’s Street on the front side.

The new lift will also create a north aspect “pod” separate from Chair 7 without having to ski down the Ant Hill.

The additional acreage is located within the resort’s special-use permit area; however, it has been considered out-of-bounds to guests and will remain so until the project is complete.

The proposed expansion was approved by the Forest Service in 1995 as part of a larger master plan that included expansion into Hellroaring Basin. The original plan called for the new Flower Point lift to end below Chair 7, giving access to the lift from anywhere on the back side, including Gray Wolf. Resort officials have since scaled the project back.

Other future plans for the resort include moving Chair 5 to the East Rim area and extending Chair 4 to near the top of the Inspiration run.