Backcountry concerns focus of Flower Point chat

It will be easier than ever this winter for skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort to access backcountry powder just beyond resort boundaries.

The resort’s new Flower Point chairlift is planned to fire up on opening day, whisking thousands of skiers a day to the summit of Flower Point — the traditional entry point to the out-of-bounds skiing in Canyon Creek.

The backcountry skiing and snowmobile communities gathered Friday morning to talk about heightened avalanche concerns and user conflicts that could be associated with the new lift and the resort’s open boundary policy.

The “breakfast chat” hosted by the Flathead National Forest focused on how to best educate skiers headed to the avalanche prone areas in Canyon Creek, and proper etiquette for skiers hiking back into the resort using the groomed snowmobile trail.

Prior to the new lift, skiers had to hike 20 minutes to reach the summit of Flower Point.

“We assume more users will be [accessing Canyon Creek] because they don’t have to hike as far,” said Becky Smith-Powell of the Flathead National Forest.

A kiosk explaining the dangers of backcountry skiing and avalanches is planned for the summit of Flower Point, and a rope will run along the entire length of the Ridge Run slope that goes along the northeast boundary of the resort.

Signs — possibly with vivid skull and crossbones — warning of avalanche terrain will be placed along the boundary line.

“The idea is to be very frank and get the point across that you are entering the backcountry,” said resort ski patroller Dave Stephens.

He explained the drawn out protocol required before patrol can respond to a rescue out of bounds. The sheriff’s office dispatches Flathead Nordic Patrol before contacting the ski resort. Patrol then must receive the OK from management prior to responding.

“Ultimately — you are on your own,” Stephens said.

The Flathead Avalanche Center plans to install an avalanche beacon checkpoint at the summit of Flower Point, and amp up education efforts.

“[Canyon Creek] is a classic terrain trap,” said Erich Peitzsch, director of the Flathead Avalanche Center.

He noted that two people were killed in an avalanche in 2008 in the canyon, and that two separate avalanches buried people last winter. Most often slides are triggered in the chutes on the slope opposite of Flower Point.

“Our intention is to educate skiers as much as possible that it’s a terrain trap,” Peitzsch said.

Whitefish resident Shawna Moore suggested the center reach out to local schools to teach younger skiers about the dangers of skiing in Canyon Creek, as well.

Another concern with the new lift is etiquette on the groomed snowmobile trail.

“We have a real desire to see interaction between skiers and snowmobilers continue on a good note,” said Smith-Powell.

The Forest Service plans to hang signs reminding snowmobilers to share the trail and for skiers to walk on the left.

“Don’t ski down then put your gear all over the trail,” she said. “I’ve seen it happen.”

She noted that the trail is a designated snowmobile trail and that the Flathead Snowmobile Association funds grooming.

“It’s kind of a perk for skiers to be able to walk on it,” Smith-Powell said.\