Skiers swarm slopes during Christmas week

Whitefish Mountain Resort is reporting a banner Christmas week for total skier visits thanks, in part, to one of the deepest snowpacks in the region.

“We’ve been very busy,” said resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus. “Not quite record-breaking, but three really good days.”

Saturday, Dec. 29 marked the busiest day of the holiday week with more than 7,000 skiers on the hill. Friday and Sunday weren’t far off the pace with 6,000 skier visits.

Even more exciting for resort officials is the total number of paid skier visits — or destination guests — which topped 4,000 on Saturday. Lodging on the hill is also maxed out for the long holiday week that lasts through Jan. 2.

Yet, with 100 percent of the terrain open, 66 inches of settled snow, and nearly all of the lifts running, there’s been plenty of elbowroom on the slopes, Polumbus said.

“We’re lucky we have such good snow and good coverage,” Polumbus said.

Four new runs off the backside of the Bigfoot T-bar have been a big hit with guests, while also helping disperse the crowds.

“Having those new runs has been awesome,” Polumbus said. “You can go either way from the top of the T-bar.”

Parking has been tight and resort officials have asked their employees and locals to consider carpooling or taking the SNOW bus.

“Locals have been paying attention to carpooling,” Polumbus said. “The parking is full, but feedback is that everything is moving smoothly.”

Polumbus says the holiday surge isn’t over and that there might even be a second push of new visitors just before the New Year.

“It’s definitely going to be quieter — we’re past the peak — but it’s not over yet,” she said.