Winter storm adds to deep resort snowpack

Whitefish Mountain Resort will open for its 66th season on Saturday with the deepest snowpack in recent memory.

A foot of new snow fell on Big Mountain last weekend, upping the settled snow depth at the summit to about 4 1/2 feet as of Monday morning. About 18 inches of snow has accumulated in the village area.

Another potent winter storm moved into the area Monday afternoon, bringing more snow and whiteout conditions to the mountain. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected with the storm.

Resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said skiers can expect top to bottom skiing on opening day, although no official decision has been made on which lifts will run and how much terrain will open.

“Coverage is really good now and the incoming storm will help with a few things,” Polumbus said.

The lifts fire up at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

New at the resort this year, skiers and riders will find four new runs on the north side of the ski area and more elbow room in the Base Lodge.

The new intermediate runs were cut this fall and will be accessible from the Big Foot T-Bar and are the first phase of the two-year Flower Point project. In the base area, the 1,200-foot addition to the Base Lodge will provide roughly 100 seats and a warm space for guests to view the beginner learning area.

Single day lift tickets this year are priced at $69 for adults, $58 for seniors, $62 for teens, $36 for juniors and children 6 and under ski free.