New wireless avalanche beacon park installed at ski resort

A new wireless avalanche transceiver practice park has been established at the summit of Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The wireless system is one of only a handful in the country, is Recco compatible, and boasts a strike plate detection system. The previously existing beacon park was a first-generation wired system.

Located a 50 yards from the top of Chair 1, the park houses eight wireless transmitters that can be moved to create varied test scenarios. It is valued at $3,500.

Flathead Avalanche Center and Backcountry Access will provide a free beacon training clinic in the beacon park on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Bring a beacon, shovel and probe.

The Patrol Fund Inc., the non-profit arm of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol, helped establish the park. The Patrol Fund worked in conjunction with the resort, the Forest Service, Flathead Avalanche Center, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program, Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol and Backcountry Access.

Recently re-named The Patrol Fund, the non-profit organization’s mission is to provide educational opportunities and financial assistance for winter enthusiasts in hopes of furthering their snow safety awareness and wilderness first aid knowledge.

The Patrol Fund is sponsoring and subsidizing three avalanche/snow safety courses this winter as well as having awarded five scholarships to community members for avalanche, wilderness first responder, and wilderness first aid courses.